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Which area of components to spend the most $ on? Boy I was wrong all my life!

I have been an audio junkie for about 25 years. All those years, I have read plenty of discussion posts and recommendations where to spend the most money on. The majority, even the experts recommend to spend the most money on speakers. Up to as high as 60% of the total budget.Example: CEO of PS Audio-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYwL7vPkPhg
I believed this all my life. Today, my eyes are opened. My total budget is about $15K.Before today, my system was:Speakers-Revel F36 Concerta 2 (For the money, this is the best speakers I’ve heard. I like it more than my previous Dynaudio Contour 30)Integrated Amp-Marantz PM-10 (Class D, balanced, 400wpc at 4ohms)CD Player-Oppo UDP 205 & Marantz CD 6005 (Some of the best in class)Line conditioner-Furman Elite PFi 15Cables-Kimber 8TC Speaker Cables (Sorry, not a cable nut. I’d rather spend money elsewhere)
I upgraded my front end CD player to... Marantz SA-11S3. I was BLOWN away! This is the greatest upgrade I have ever heard in my life. For 25 years, I was taught to spend the most in speakers. Sorry! It’s the FRONT END! The best source you can afford. The purity transcends down the river. I am blown away by the sheer improvement in detail, clarity, depth, the air around the instruments.
My philosophy has changed.
skimrn
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twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 

Errrr.….

Linn.

skimrn OP
13 posts
 

Thank you for your inputs. Past few months these are the scenarios until yesterday which changed my perspective forever:

  • Dynaudio Contour 30 ($7500) + Marantz 6005 CD Player ($500)=$8000

  • Dynaudio Contour 30 ($7500) + Oppo UDP205 4K Player ($1300)=$8800

  • Revel F36 Concerta2 ($2000) + Marantz 6005 CD Player ($500)=$2500

  • Revel F36 Concerta2 ($2000) + Marantz SA-11S3 CD Player ($4000)=$6000


Guess which combination had the best sound? Yup, it’s the last combo which was set-up for the first time yesterday. No it wasn’t subtle. It was jaw droppingly amazing improvement.


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whipsaw
753 posts
 
Moving to a CD player that cost eight times its replacement caused a sharp improvement in performance?

Good to know.

;>)`
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