Helps me with long term system development.


Current setup:
Sources:vinyl,Deezer(16/24 Flac via Sonos), 24/96 Flac Files.
Wadia 321 DAC
Rogue RP-1 Pre
Rotel 1072 (class D)
Pro-Ject RPM1 (Sumiko Pearl)
B&W 684

Music (rock, some classic and Jazz, prog)


The recently added bits are the Wadia and the Rogue. The other components are in the cross hairs of a peasant’ish budget, over a period of time. This system was hodge podged together so going forward I would like a match things up a little better based on more technical info (amp and speakers). The Rogue is supposed to have a respectable phono stage so I thought about first jumping to a Pearl Blue Point cartridge or other high output product. Then the amp and speakers are next. I plan on staying with a class D amp as the hybrid approach (tube pre/Class D amp) fits my goals now. Proly stay with some type of tower speaker in the $2k range. Shooting for $1500 range on the amp. The PS Audio Class D offering is intriguing. Has anyone experienced the new PS Audio class D offering? I figure if I slid that in I would still have a wide range of speakers to choose from. One of the questions is if I went for the PS Audion amp what are good speakers to consider based on that amps specs?

So $500 and $,1500 amp gets me a upgrade and then replenish the funds for a set of speakers.

Should I start with the cartridge first or.....?

Just kinda looking for general soundboard type suggestions and thoughts.


128x128jbuhl
I am a bit afraid of used speakers.  I also feel compelled to try something differenct than B&W.

My local dealer has:

Focal
Sonus Faber
Revel
Dynaudio

And are generous with their demo fleet so I think I will try some of these products.

Should be able to hit on something delicious with this?

I think that you should pick your speakers first and foremost.  The speaker has a very big impact on the voice of your system .  I am not going to tell you which manufacturer to go with because the sound you prefer is extremely subjective.   Which means going around and auditioning what you can at shows or with fellow philes etc.

 But mark my words speakers first or at least the house sound of the manufacturer that impresses you, now with your budget. Get he entry level used etc. to get something that has the signature sound  you want.

Fit the rest of your gear around that.  It may take some time. Ask for specific advice regarding issues that seem to be in the way of the sound. 

Strongly suggest you take a look at Vandersteens 3A sigs
  it should march thru your list like a Steven Seagal's
 Attitude adjustment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EAuLL9n42s
Enjoy JohnnyR



Sounds like your dealer has several quality speaker brands to demo. I would certainly start there. Then consider upgrading the amp if you feel you need and find one that better fits your new speakers. There are several cartridges in the $300-$500 range (MM,HOMC) that would make for a reasonable upgrade to the Pearl, which is a good one at it's price point. 
jbuhl

if you are going to start over- change out your pre-amp first.
Rogue Audio is a sonic match w/ Sonus Faber speakers.