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Finding the 'weakest link' when upgrading?

Being able to find the weakest link when upgrading is really, really important.
Otherwise a different new component may never really be able to show how it is better. Since the other ’weak’ component(s) is(are) masking the new components better sound.

This is a difficult problem.

My best example is not exactly about the least sound quality, but it may show something about it.
I upgraded a good portion of my equipment all at once when I retired. And I still had in my system an old DAC I bought used. When I received most of the new components (including new preamp, new amp, new speakers and a new turntable and cartridge), I was comparing my old DAC with the new one. And found no sonic difference. I mean I tried every way I could and could not hear any difference between them/ So either I just wasted $25,000 for nothing or?? I was very frustrated.
Anyway, after three weeks I got another new bit which had to be ordered and built
.
When I plugged in the phono box, an epiphany and a flood ot tears.. My $25,000 of new equipment really was better. Since the phono box sounded glorious, thus it made it clear all the rest of the system WAS NOT holding back the new DAC. That new DAC was actually just not any better than my old one. And I returned it.

And unless I just happened to acquire that new phono box a week later, I would have been stumped why the new DAC (which was praised to the skies by both Stereophile and TAS) was not doing better.
I was seriously bummed and confused about wasting a ton of money... until I played the new phono box.

Now it was kind of odd that the two DACs, one, used for $250 )it’ original list price was $1,000) and the other $2,400 and 12 years newer) could sound so alike. But chance happened. (And toss in the official guru magazine praise with it all)
==================================================================

Anyway, how do we find the right part to upgrade? Since making the wrong choice can leave one in the same boat I was in back in my example? (at least until I got the phono box)

I do not have an answer. and I ask.. does anyone?
For me it is just kind of a sixth sense, with little real science to it.

In general I have been kind of lucky.
But how do I know I have managed well?

I do not know.
It has been better more often than not.
(Though I have made a few really terrible choices over many years now and then. Costly choices)

Anyway, my question is how do you make the choice of what to upgrade?
How do you know or decide which is you weakest component?

And do you agree finding the weakest component is really important in the path of upgrading, or one might be making expensive mistakes buying gear, or trying gear? (which may really be great, yet you cannot hear it due to some other weak links in the chain? And though I hate to say so, this weak link may even be cables, or powercords or even the AC from the wall*.

*(but please do not get into a big theory arguments about interconnects and powercords and power conditioners.) Stick to the main topic of knowing how to find the weakest link.
elizabeth
cd318
404 posts
 
As you mentioned previously, changing the phono stage proved to be a considerable upgrade in your system. That was by trial and error, and luckily your phono stage was an upgrade on the previous one. It didn't mean that the system was an upgrade.

I would surmise that if your current loudspeakers are a full bandwidth design then the only way for you to determine whether they are the weak link is by direct comparison with alternative options. If funds allow you could even audition state of the art equipment to determine where your system might be lacking.

The same would go for turntables /arms/ cartridges and for tube amps if applicable in your case.

In an imperfect world it might be wise to first determine just what you are looking for before throwing any more money at it.

Assembling an audio system is not always a simple case of buying expensive components and hoping for the best. There is nothing like comparison when it comes to audio. You'll know it when you hear it, if you don't then you can pass. 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
1,457 posts
 

I don't think there's any rigorous method that can be applied (as you usually can with substitutions when tracking down a specific wiring problem).

You could serially get a much more expensive/highly regarded model of each component in the system, and swop it in, and see which substitution produced the biggest positive change, but then you'd be ignoring system synergies to say nothing of issues of output and input impedances.  And other variables as well.

Most of us, most of the time, go on gut feeling.  Reinforced, perhaps, if one of the components is older than the others or not so highly regarded or notionally "out of line" of whatever you think that component should cost as a % of the total system.

douglas_schroeder
1,824 posts
 
Here is your truth; upgrade anything, as there are endless levels of improvement to all systems.

The only way to know with certainty is to know a product line or have compared any given component to several others. Or, learn what a particular technology can or cannot do. All components of systems are weak links relatively. Start upgrading anywhere in the rig, and you'll see. 
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
You're not going to find that weakest link until you try something else. You need not overthink all of this (I wish I could follow my own advice).

My recent purchase of new speakers completely changed the way I listen, which opened another can 'o worms. I know you don't want to hear about cables but through some trial and error, that is where it has to be made up now, with my speaker cables. I'm sticking with the same brand and only going up to a thicker gauge and hopefully, that will be that.

It's a fine balancing act that's done and once you pull out that straw, you upset that balance, and must be prepared to carefully suss things out.

All the best,
Nonoise
tomcarr
530 posts
 
The room is the weakest link.
Next is the setup itself.
Then speakers.
Then everything else.

Get your current system dialed-in to play the room. This takes patience and dedication. Jim Smith's book Get Better Sound is invaluable.
Dedicated room with acoustic treatment.
Then, and only then, consider spending money on "upgrades".


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