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What's the weak link in my system?

     I've pieced together the best budget system I could afford over the years but I'm just not thrilled with the sound I'm getting. Can anyone help me identify the weakest link (s) in my system so I can upgrade? I only have the budget to upgrade one piece at this time. I'm most interested in listening to vinyl.
Currently Configured:

Pro-ject Genie 1.3 Turntable w/ Sumiko Pearl Cartridge
Bellari VP 130 Phono Pre w/ Tung-Sol Tube & Replaced Power Supply  
Marantz CD 6006 CD Player
Parasound P3 Stereo Preamp
Parasound A23 Power Amp
PSB T6 Platinum Speakers
Bluesound Node
AKG K702 Headphones
Audioquest Daimondback Interconnects
Audioquest Rocket 33 Speaker Wire

Also Have:
NAD C235BEE Integrated AMP
Monitor Silver RS6 Speakers
Marantz SA8260 SACD Player (Used to sound great but doesn't work consistently - not sure if worth having repaired)
Musical Fidelity V Can Headphone Amp


So.... I think I have put together the best possible system configuration using what I have. What would be the weakest link / first to upgrade? Turntable? Phono Pre? Pre-Amp? Suggestions of products to upgrade to without breaking the bank? I've accumulated a bunch of stuff but I'm really a novice so any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated!   

jdm11

Showing 10 responses by jdm11

jdm11 OP
47 posts
 
Thank you inna. I do use a Furman power conditioner. Your suggestions make sense though I'm wondering if it would make sense to just purchase a better turntable before putting money into a new cartridge and / or phono stage?
jdm11 OP
47 posts
 
That kind of gets to the heart of the question I guess. Is the turntable the weakest link and if so is my other gear good enough to warrant buying a significantly better turntable because I can't afford to replace the turntable and the preamp, etc. If the other gear is sufficient what would be a good example of a turntable to consider?
jdm11 OP
47 posts
 
I would say the best way to describe what I don't like about the sound is:

- Vinyl playback is good on Jazz / Jazz Vocalist Lps (Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole; Bill Evans, Sonny Rollins, Charles Mingus, Art Pepper) and Blues but Lps like Beach Boys Albums where there is a lot going on & on Rock Albums the sound seems a bit muddled and distant. 

- CDs sound a bit harsh and thin.

- I'm looking for a more "3D" kind of sound with depth and warmth but clarity as well (not muddled or fuzzy).

-Bass could use more punch but this isn't my biggest problem.

Also to rule the sources out as a cause my vinyl collection is quality - a lot of Analogue Productions, 45 RPM, Mofi, ORG, etc. I've invested a lot in the collection over the past 15 years and I just don't feel I'm getting the best out of it.

Thanks!           
jdm11 OP
47 posts
 
Thank you willemj interesting observations re: expectations. There could be something to that but I have to say when the vinyl playback is good - for ex. Hugh Masekela Hope 45 RPM - I think THIS is what music is supposed to sound like! I prefer the sound to CD even though the Marantz is, as you mention, well regarded. Which makes it all the more disappointing when quality pressings of  Pet Sounds or Sgt Peppers vinyl sound distant and muddled; hence my confusion. I'm wondering if one or more of my components is limited moreso than the medium. I'll def look into the Harbeths thanks for that. My listening room is set up the best it can be and I don't have an option of switching to a different room (kids!).  

   
 
jdm11 OP
47 posts
 
Thank you loomisjohnson - I've been reading up on DACs - so many brands and reviews and opinions out there though it's a lot to sort through.
 
Thank you cd318  - that was an interesting read particularly in relation to recommended proper speaker placement on for the PSBs. I can make some adjustments there. 
jdm11 OP
47 posts
 
Thank you willemj. As I said I'm a novice and don't want to throw good money after bad so I appreciate the information you've imparted. 
jdm11 OP
47 posts
 
Thank you Dave. I don't; my disposition is naturally diplomatic. Listening room is 18 x 22 with hardwood flooring and one door. I haven't installed any acoustical treatment so the walls and ceiling are sheetrock. I also have experimented some with speaker placement but the link posted by cd318 above is an article suggesting specific spacing / placement for the PSBs which I'll try. Good to hear the feedback on the preamp / amp speaker from you and loomisjohnson and by inference from inna as well as the vote of confidence in the Marantz from willemj. That helps narrow it down to take a harder look at turntable, phono pre, speaker placement and acoustical treatments. Any suggestions?      
jdm11 OP
47 posts
 
Thank you Frank I just read your post. I had never heard of those before I'll check them out! 
jdm11 OP
47 posts
 
Thanks so much everyone I really appreciate the time and thoughtfulness that went into these responses. I'm getting a ton of great information. 
jdm11 OP
47 posts
 
It's funny you say that inna you're right on the money; I got called away on an emergency short notice business trip a couple days ago and just got back tonight to find all this informaion. I''m so glad to see the discussion and thankful for the interest and all of these perspectives. I'm going to need some time to sort through it all! 
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