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the itch

I got into this hobby about a decade ago with pretty entry level system, and after some time started making upgrades.  Still modest by most standards, but not bad for my budget.  I'm pretty happy with the system I ended up with, but can't help but wonder if there are any other smallish upgrades I could consider to maximize the primary components.  Isn't that itch part of this hobby?  My budget is under $1500, and I prefer used gear to maximize my dollars.  Aesthetics matter and all my gear is silver.  My listening tastes vary widely, reggae, rock, electronic, classical, opera, indie, folk, disco, older pop, 70s, 80s, 90s, etc.  Heres my current system:

Focal Aria 936
Schiit Freya +
Bluesound Node X
Parasound A23+
Technics SL-1200MK7
Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML
Schiit Audio Mani 2
Straightwire Rhapsody S (RCA phono to pre)
Kimber Kable Hero (RCA Node to pre)
AudioQuest Red River (XLR pre to amp)
Kimber Kable 8PR (speaker)

Here are a few of the changes I've considered:

  • One idea was a better phono-pre, like a vincent pho-701
  • Another was a dedicated DAC, but I can't find good info on how much better than whats in the node X I can afford.  I was thinking a Denafrips Ares if its really that much better than the X's ESS 9028Q2M Sabre DAC, which I've read is "very good".  
  • If I stick with the node X DAC, upgrading it with a Linear Power Supply seems a worthy and cheap upgrade.  
  • A sub like the REL Classic 98.  The Arias are actually decent with bass and I've read this may be unnecessary for my music-only listening (no home theater).  But if it would be noticeable I'd consider it.  

Thanks for any thoughts and opinions!  And maybe the answer is to save for bigger upgrades and enjoy what I've got for now!  

akafritz
akafritz's avatar
akafritz OP
3 posts
 

Thanks for all the fantastic feedback.  Its given me a lot to chew on.  I'll look at the options and see what makes the most sense to me for this system.  Sounds like I did a decent job putting it together for this level, but I do understand any material upgrade is going to be a significant one.  I'm starting to learn about next tier gear to understand what kind of budget I'll need.  

mswale
382 posts
 

My vote is for the Sub it will grow with you, be used on every source you listen to. Don't think you will outgrow it. Also think it will make the biggest impact for money spent. Most other things are almost tweaks, or just small upgrades. Adding a sub ads a new dimension to your sound stage. 

vthokie83
1,226 posts
 

akafritz

I'd start with a linear power supply, something from LHY (Vinshine Audio), Teddy Pardo, or SBooster would work fine.....that'd be about $400?

I would next upgrade your DAC, but I would wait until you could afford a Denafrips Pontus 15th R2R ladder DAC for $2,000. You can find them used for about $1,700, but they sell immediately.

The Pontus 15th is a BIG upgrade over the old Pontus II (which I still use and love), it is basically a Venus II 12th which is $3,000. The Pontus 15th is one of the most fun, musical, and enjoyable DACs for under $3,000

orthomead
210 posts
 

If you have not addressed your room acoustics yet, that will be a good bang for the buck and will translate to better sound with each upgrade of other components.  I would NOT buy a sub.  Wait till you can afford 2 or more subs.  I had a single Velodyne sub and my dealer suggested that the sound would be better without it.  I thought he was nuts until I had to have it serviced.  When I got it back, I was surprised how much better my listening space  sounded without the sub.  I didn't fully understand room interactions at that time.  A pair of subs will make your lower end better, but even more they will make your overall sound so much better by eliminating nodes in the room, particularly if you have subs with DSP correction.  

celtic66
1,944 posts
 

https://www.audiovisionsf.com/collections/puritan-audio-laboratories/products/puritan-psm136-power-conditioner-on-demonstration
 

I can read, $1900 and not the $1500 in OP.  But, I see no power conditioner and it does matter.  Cheers

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