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Dazed and Confused - Upgrading System But Too Many Options!

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
treebeard1
Post removed 
pennsy
152 posts
 
Ken: everybody shoots names and specs and offering advice! My advice is this! The basis of the question is " upgrade "! Small incremental upgrade of any electronics is a waste of money! Upgrade should be just that, an upgrade! Big price doesn't always guarantee big upgrade! Remember, high end means bigger money for often smaller and smaller sonic differences! Spent months in research associated to budget! Then upgrade! The best question only gets a wide array of personal opinion! 

treebeard1 OP
148 posts
 
phil, 
Great to hear from someone with the exact system I am considering.  Today I spoke with another local dealer who has the 851A/N but it's not set up for auditioning yet. He suggested that the 851N DAC is fantastic and if I didn't need my phono I could go with the 851W amp instead of the 851A.  I could move my Rega to the basement on the old system.  Another thing to research and consider. 

He also said he had some floor model KEF R300s with full warranty for $1,200, which is $600 off list.  He said they were better than the LS50s but the reviews I have read have said otherwise.  Maybe I upgrade the amp and music server now and see how it sounds on my Paradigms and then maybe new speakers next year.

pennsy,
I will!  I'm gonna upgrade the hell out of my stereo.  Half the fun is the research and learning about all the new technologies.  I will also need to budget for a NAS, which I wasn't planning on.
gdnrbob
4,410 posts
 
IMHO,
If you enjoy the quest of research/upgrading. Then why buy new?
Agon can save you the cost depreciation by buying used. 
If you feel your 'upgrade' isn't cutting it, then just re-sell it.

FWIW,
I think the Paradigm and BK amp are fine. I would go for a preamp upgrade first. Also, cables can make a difference and are a lot cheaper than components.
Perhaps, you can tell us what you think is lacking from your current configuration? It may help in guiding you next 'upgrade'
Bob
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Dazed and Confused wasn't that a song by Led Zeppelin

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