Looking at the analog audio chain, agree that the weak link is the speakers. It’s not that the current Focals are bad, but rather a better speaker can take advantage and reveal more of the higher performance of the other audio components.
Where should I Go Next?
I have built what I believe to be a decent system for the amount I can afford. Here's the list:
Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amp
VPI Prime Turntable with a Hana Umami Blue Cartridge.
Focal Aria Evo X No. 2 speakers
Sutherland 20/20 phono preamp
Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Streamer
Furman Elite-15 PFi Linear Filtering Power Supply
A mix of SKW and Viborg power cables
Blue Jeans speaker cables with Canare 4S11 cable
WBC pro Quad Balanced XLR cable for the streamer
WBC Gotham GAC-4/1 with Amphenol RCA connectors for the turntable and phono preamp
I'm a little concerned about diminishing returns on the cabling...
I'm quite happy with the system, however I'm wondering if upgrading my cabling would make a noticeable difference.
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You have a great system--mine is very similar to yours. I'm in the process of 'tweaking' my system as well. I agree with @thriftyaudio with regards to separating the streamer with a separate DAC. I've seen some good results with my system with some upgrades in various cables. BTW, how's the Furman Elite? I'm actually looking into different power conditioners. |
Note that sometimes more drivers are not the best solution so don’t avoid two driver speakers. Quality over quantity. After you’re done sorting out the speakers, move to a tube phono amp. Sutherland amps are fine–detailed yet two dimensional and lacking soul–but next level musicality will come from tubes. Look at the new Manley Labs Oasis or used Chinooks, ModWright, Hagerman, as a starting point. |
You don't have a decent system, you have a great system! No, changing cables won't make a major upgrade. They can make small changes to the sound of your system. You may think that small change in extremely important or barely noticeable. If vinyl is your preferred source, then an upgrade from the VPI followed by a dedicated phono preamp would be a suggested path. I would caution that it could get costly, say $5k and up. |
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