2. amps-preamps
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What should I upgrade

Hello,

I'm putting this here because I'm not sure of where to put it. I have a very modest system.

-NAD C162 pre amp
-Aragon 2004 amp
-Emotiva XDA-1 DAC
-Squeezebox Touch/Sonos pulling files off of an NAS
-Silverline Minuet Supremes
-Rel T3 sub, which I actually rarely use

I really like my system, but am kind of getting an itch to get something different. The speakers are pretty much here to stay for a while. So far, they're the best for me, considering my space/placement limitations.

I think I'm also going to stick with the SBT and Sonos. I really like the convenience of not having to deal with disks. I have grand kids.

So, given what I have for a pre, amp and DAC, what should I upgrade that will probably give me an appreciable improvement?

Thanks,
Tony
tonyangel

Showing 3 responses by jmcgrogan2

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
+1 to Hifigeek1's reco, look for a nice tubed integrated amp in your price range.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I still say get a tube integrated amp, you will get more bang for the buck, which is especially important on the lower end of the money scale. At your price level (NAD, Aragon), an integrated amp would make the most sense. Do not dismiss integrated amps, I have heard a $6500 integrated amp outperform $20,000 separates.

I don't know anything about your DAC, but your speakers are good bang for the buck. Couple them with a tube integrated amp and you'll have a very nice little rig.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
06-04-13: Tonyangel
Ok, I was looking around for some tubed gear and came to the conclusion that tubes aren't for me. Not right now, anyway. All of my equipment has to go into the entertainment center. I'm guessing it's going to get hot in there.

As for what I want. I want it to sound better. I want it to sound more lifelike. I want it to bath me in rich tones.

Sorry, it appears as if you want two polar opposites. You want better sound, more lifelike, bathed in rich tones, but without tubes. That will be tough to do. I guess my other suggestion would be to get an analog front end. Tubes and vinyl will lead you towards a more lifelike sound, if you can't swing tubes, try an analog rig.

Or maybe, you could buy some Cardas Golden Cross cables that will help smooth out your harsh solid state/digital sound. Good luck!
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