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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
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Dazed and Confused wasn't that a song by Led Zeppelin

treebeard1 OP
148 posts
 
gdnrbob,
Thanks for the input.  I have bought from Agon before and will certainly again.  I guess part of me feels like if I go to these dealers and pick their brains and listen to their equipment and spend their time that I don't want to turn around and buy used from Agon.  But I haven't done much of that yet.  Only one visit and a slew of emails with another.  

I enjoy THIS quest because I'm going to get some shiny new toys and there will most likely be bourbon involved.  I don't want to do it all the time because, for one, I can't afford to constantly be buying and selling, and two, I don't get tons of listening time.  But when I do, I want to thoroughly enjoy it.

If I had to say what is missing it would be the soundstage and separation.  The B&K is a great amp with plenty of power (140w) and it's very warm.  It was far from an entry level amp when I bought it.  The Rotel pre is very entry level and is easily the weak link.  I could probably upgrade some interconnects too.  I definitely want to go digital and get a music server either way. 
mesch
3,396 posts
 
I agree that the Rotel pre is the weakest link in your current system( not considering speakers, not familiar with them). I once owned the B&K ST140 and thought it great. Owned it for 25 years.

That said, there are many very good integrateds on the market now. Been down the same road and understand. Only you can decide which way to go. 


sbrownnw
686 posts
 
I would listen to the LS-50 monitors before you decide.  I found them bright, quite bright at times.
gdnrbob
4,410 posts
 
I appreciate your loyalty to the dealers who guide you, it helps keep them in business.
I was thinking you were using reviews and online opinion to do your upgrading. 
With regard to 'soundstage and separation':
As I said before, the Preamp is probably your weakest link and will probably be the most significant (in sound) change in your system.
With regard to digital:
I built a micro PC for streaming and bought a Schiit Dac running into McCormack Pre and amp. It sounds great. In fact, I love streaming Spotify and Classics Online so much, that I hardly ever use my CD library anymore. I know there are purists who swear by vinyl, but, being of the LP generation, I can't believe how wonderful not having to get up and change a record can be. Also, I get to listen to composers that I never had the time or inclination to listen to before.
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