Carver M1.5t vs. Krell or ML


Hello again. My screen name might ring a bell, as I recently initiated a discussion re updating my bookshelf speakers. For those keeping score at home, I’ve narrowed my search to Dynaudio Focus 140’s. Crap shoot without an opportunity to audition, but that’s the leap of faith I’ve got to take. We’ll hear as it goes.

So, I’ve got a Carver M1.5t, that’s literally still in the box, after a multi month sabbatical at Hi-tech Audio, Ltd. in WA state. Top to bottom refurb. I’d owned a Phase Linear 400 for decades, so the M1.5t was an easy choice when a very well cared for example became available.

The rub, is that after weeks of lurking about these parts, my long dormant interest to upgrade is making itself known again. Coming back to the fold as it were, I find there are older Krell and Mark Levinson amps that I could actually afford, at least pre-owned.

Obviously I’ll never be confused for a true audiophile, but I do value/appreciate good “stuff,” but only to the extent that it will provide at least some degree of sonic improvement over what I have now.

My preamplifier is a line stage CJ PV-12. My main upstream source is a semi-respectable, Adcom GCD-575.

Am I suffering from amp envy or is there a case to be made for an “upgrade?”
128x128carerra4s
I am with Mr DB!!!!sage advice
esp if your tubes in the preamp are long in the tooth 2

buy the book by Jim Smith - Get Better Sound 

work your way thru all the free stuff in that great book !!!!
Post removed 
Buy tubes from a reputable source

i frequent 

Andy at Vintage tube in Michigan for everything non-Russian 

and

RAM Tubes iF Russian

ymmv

enjoy the music!!!
I agree, put it all together and then , tweek and listen.  Then decide where you stand.   The PV 12 is a very fine preamp.  I had a 1.5t and a 1.0t way back and both were solid amps.   Definitely retube,   if you do not listen to vinyl you can start with tubes V5 and V6, 12au7 type.   If you have a 12L linestage only there will only be tubes in positions V5 and V6.

Good luck and enjoy