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Someone please explain the logic of upgrades

I just left a site explaining the improvements that can be achieved with the Audible Illusions preamp (which I happen to own) by upgrading any or all of the following:
- power supply
- signal coupling capacitors
- hookup wire
- potentiometers
- OFC RCA chasis jacks
- signal path resistors
- tubes

Now one of two things is true - either the parts upgrades improve the sound of the component or they don't improve the sound. If the former is true, then I have to ask - why didn't the manufacturer make these same upgrades and produce a class A component in lieu of a class B component? Yes, I know that the cost of the upgraded parts has to be passed on to the consumer, but I bet most of us would readily pay that extra cost to get a tricked out unit. The same applies to power cords and feet. So, why are so many "audiophile" components sold with minimalist cords and feet? If the situation is the latter (better grade parts have no impact on the sound of the unit), then shops that specialize in upgrades are practicing junk science. So what is it?
rockyboy
bigtee
803 posts
 
I just remembered, they're are some short pieces of Wonder Wire connecting a few things. Sorry. But what wire would you change it to that would make a difference and stay accurate?
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Speaking of an upgraded 8k amp sounding very close to their 17k version: I give you the CJ5 vs the CJ8.Had the 5's for about 5 years and owned the 8's for 3 years.Meaning I owned both at the same time for 3 years.(Just sold the 5's)--System for most of that time was Audiomecca dac. CAT3 for pre. Synergetic active X box.and Montana EPS with Celtic Silver to the speakers. Lots of big buck cords--2 king Cobras---2 AudioMagic Stealth conditioners.---I had some big buck cryoed tubes.
I swear I could take the best tubes;stick them the 5's-- yup,right up there with the 8s.
On to why the amps don't come with the best,whatever feet or cords---- Amp mfg's put their resources on the inside.--I guess Carma might be the exception.
rockyboy OP
335 posts
 
I was drafting up a lengthy response rejecting your learned opinions and opining that manufacturers should use only the highest quality parts, thus eliminating the need for any future upgrades. But, I suddenly realized that, had AI done that, I probably couldn't have afforded their preamp on my meager budget. So I'll drop the issue.

Bigtee - what's tube rolling?

sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Tube rolling is simply trying different brands of tubes to change the sound from the tubes that came with the gear.
rockyboy OP
335 posts
 
Hate to go here - but if there are better tubes out there (and the consensus seems to be that there are), why doesn't AI sell them or at least recommend them - especially if they'll improve the sound of their gear? Don't they want their preamp to outperform the competition?. The better tubes on the market are not that much more expensive than the tubes that AI sells.
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