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What, if any, component to upgrade? Advice?

So, in a qualifying question for the First World problem department, here's my current system:

1. Triangle Titus 202 monitors
2. Rotel 1072 cd player
3. Sophia Electric Baby Amp (upgraded caps, etc; new tubes 10w/ch)
4. Mapleshade speaker cables
5. Nordost IC's

Which component to upgrade? Or should I be happy with the sweet little system I have and deny the audio bug any further entrance? I like my sound, but it's still a bit too little of a presence than I'm looking for.

Any advice? Budget is under $1000

Thank you in advance.
128x128simao
mik971
153 posts
 
Your Rotel cdp punches way above its price. I use an older Rotel as a transport to a newer DAC, it works very well for this. A couple of people have suggested a DAC, and I agree also. Your speakers are very sensitive and is a good match for your Sophia, which is also a good amp... Maybe a DACit from Peachtree, or Micromega dac might fit the bill? These are both very highly rated dacs.
loomisjohnson
1,903 posts
 
simao, you speak of wanting more "presence", thus i'm surprised that no one has suggested adding a sub--your monitors only extend down to 60hz or so and might benefit from more low-end depth. hsu subs are awesome for the price, i also like mirage and svs.
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,719 posts
 
Loomis - i do have a good old ML Descent; unfortunately, the Sophia doesn't have a sub/pre-out. But good call on that one, though.

Mik - thanks for the advice on the Rotel. I'd heard raves about it before I bought it and snapped one up when it came up on Agon. I think I'll be going the DAC route after all. Thank you for helping solidify that decision.

simao
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Switch to DNM Reson speaker cable from Mapleshade, you'll think you just bought a 4k tube amp.
fpeel
455 posts
 
A properly integrated sub not only adds heft and depth, it provides a more solid foundation for the sound from your monitors to ride on. The result is definitely more "presence".

REL subs can connect to the amp's speaker connectors, so not having a sub/pre-out is not an issue. New or used a REL would fit your budget. (I generally lean toward sealed cabinet, downward firing subs.)
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