Help! I am upgrading my stereo and just have too many options. Every time I think I have it figured out I go down another rabbit hole. I’ll start by saying what I have.
Speakers: Paradigm Monitor 9
Amp: B&K ST2140
Preamp: Rotel RC980BX
CD: Arcam CD72
Phono: Rega P3
I have settled on the KEF LS-50 monitors. I am looking to add a network media streamer and either a new preamp or integrated amp.
So to keep this short, I see these as my main options:
- Do I get an integrated amp like Rega Elex-R, Creek Evolution 50A/100A with a Ruby DAC or something else?
- Do I leave off the Ruby DAC and get a streamer like Cambridge Audio CXN?
- Do I forget about both of the above and get a Cambridge Azur 851N that is a preamp and solid media streamer?
- Do I keep my B&K and just get a new preamp and media streamer (leaning toward Cambridge CXN)? I really like the B&K and think it’s very solid but then I would need to get another amp to power the Paradigms in the basement.
- Do I say “screw it all” and just get a PS Audio Sprout?
My listening style of late has been headphones on my Android phone but I want to return to where I was BC (before children). The monitor speakers will be better for listening anywhere on the main floor, not just in the sweet spot. I plan to convert my CD collection to FLAC (currently it’s all 320 kbps mp3). So I have some work to do but I need to make it easier for me to listen to music at home and upgrade the quality.
I know I rambled on, so if you made it this far, thanks for reading through.
Ken
