1. Home
  2. misc-audio
  3. 196189-185200

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
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
1,943 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

zigstien
74 posts
 

You have put together a nice system.

I would put my money to a separate DAC.

I started streaming a couple of years ago with a Node 2i.

Adding a separate DAC was a noticeable improvement

More to discover