I am in a bit of a quandary re my next upgrade. I’m still saving towards the budget of approximately $4500 AUD and this is my current system:
Project 1-Xpression III turntable with Ortofon 2m Black cartridge
Lindemann Limetree Phono stage
Lindemann Limetree Network streamer DAC
Musical Fidelity A3 CD player
Musical Fidelity A3.2 Preamplifier
Rotel RB-1582 Power Amplifier
Dynaudio Special 40 Standmount speakers on Dynaudio speaker stands
2 x REL T-7 i subwoofers connected via high level to power amp speaker connections
SMSL SU-8 DAC
SMSL SH-8 Headphone amp
Hifi system on dedicated rack and situated at one end of open plan living room with wooden floors but with open plan kitchen area adjacent with limited scope for room treatment due to WAF, however there is a rug and bookshelves with books, CD’s and LP’s down one side. Also plan on getting some acoustic panels soon from GIK acoustics for the wall behind the rack and speakers.
Listening is roughly 70% digital (vast majority streaming on Tidal) and 30% Analog (LP’s). Headphone listening probably 5% in total.
My question is this: what would I see more benefit from…upgrading my preamp/amp to something like the Luxman L-507UX (approx. $4500 2nd hand in Australia) or a MoFi Ultradeck with Ultratracker cartridge (approx. $4200 new in Australia).
I know there are other brands of amps/turntables etc but these are what I have my eyes and heart set on at this stage, and bearing in mind I’m about halfway to saving the money needed for only one purchase at this time.
What will give me the biggest bang for my buck in other words taking into account my listening preferences etc?
6 months ago I thought I was saving for a new turntable (old one will go to my teenage son)…but now I’m leaning towards an amp upgrade
Thanks for your thoughts and any input
