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Upgrade Questions

Hello everyone. I am exploring my options of upgrading some components in my main system in the next month and am weighing the options. Here is what I am considering upgrading:

1. Turntable: (Ariston RD-80 SL \ Linn Basik LVX tonearm)
Considering something more modern like a VPI Scout.

2. Cartridge: (Ortofon 2M Blue)
Something like an used low hour Grado Master Reference cart

3. Phono Preamp: (Yaqin MS-22B)
Thinking of the Grado PH-1 phono preamp.

4. Preamp: (Parasound AVC-2500)
I don't have any ideas here. I was maybe thinking a nice Mac piece like a C32 or maybe something more modern??

5. Speakers: (Soundlab Dynastats)
I am wanting something that's not so tall but loves lots of solid state juice to work with my amp. I was looking at something like B&W 703's, Revel F50's, Paradigm Studio 100 V4's, something around that size.

I am happy with my amp (Parasound HCA-2205A), and DAC (Monarchy NM24) and probably wont think of upgrading them for a while. I will be replacing my Linn K400 speaker cable with a pair of Acoustic Zen Satori's or Avanti Allegro's. As for a budget, I am thinking in the range of $1500-2000 for one or a couple of the upgrades listed above. I am hoping that your expertise, experience, and knowledge can help me out with what would be the most benificial upgrade to my main system. I really appreciate any insight you can give to help me with this tough decision :)

Jared
audiophile03
7 responses Add your response
Post removed 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,460 posts
 
I don't think the Grado phono would be an upgrade to what you have .I would check out Croft Acoustics tube phono preamp($995.00)sold at Acoustic Sounds. As for the cartridge if you want Grado which is my preference I would just get a new Sonata for $600.00. Why buy used?
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Never heard your pre, but as a matter of philosophy, I agree that the pre-amp is the heart of the system, with one proviso. You must have a proper match of speaker and amp. Low and/or varying impedance; low sensitivity usually requires solid state. Due to their unusual electrical characteristics, Soundlabs are reported to very good w tubes, but if you are moving away from them, that may not matter. 6 ohm or greater w relatively flat impedance curve typically works well w tube amps. Get that match right, and then put get a great pre-amp and you will be a happy camper.
audiophile03 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks everyone for your responses. I agree that the preamp is definitely the weak link in the system. The oil and springs on the turntable are in great shape. The amp/speaker combo I am running are a nice match. I was running them with a restored and updated pair of Dynaco MK III monoblocks but the Parasound amp really opened the speakers up as compared to the Dynaco's. I was looking at a couple tube preamps for sale here with balanced outputs. Would it be worth it to upgrade my power amp to one with balanced inputs?
Post removed 
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I can't say it any better that Viridian does in his first post. Assuming no miss matched components, I feel the preamp is the most important component to get right for a great system. The only caution I would give is not to be focused on getting a "tube" preamp. There's all kinds of tube preamps. Some are great, others are not. Focus on getting a good preamp, not a tube preamp. If you happen to pick a preamp that you like the sound of and it uses tubes, great. Solid state has come a long way. No reason to rule a SS preamp out just because its SS. I've had great results with both tube and ss.

Here's a few preamps that I know well and you may find in your price range (used). My first choice would either be one of these 3: CJ Premier 18, VTL 2.5 or an Ayre K5. All 3 are great, but they sound very different from each other. Others I would consider are: Older Sonic Frontiers, BAT and Audible Illusions. I'm sure some of the other posters can give some excellent recommendations, as well. If I can think of any more, I'll post.
audiophile03 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not set on a tube setup and am open to any preamp that would be a good match to my system and of good quality.
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