2. amps-preamps
  3. 142193-89892

Thinking about upgrading, but wondering about diminishing returns

Hi folks,

I have mostly Conrad Johnson Gear-- LP260M SE mono blocks, with 8 kt120 tubes each.  These are SET amps that put out 270 wpc.  I have the Conrad Johnson  ET5 preamp, with a Telefunken 6922 tube, and a pair of EgglestonWorks Viginti speakers (their new take on the Andra's).  Phono stage is the Pass Labs XP-15.  For source material I have a Rega  RP10 with the Apheta2 cartridge, and the Oppo BDP105 (Modwright upgrades) CD player.  I have Audioquest Colorado interconnects (go easy here :) ) and Audioquest Oaks for speaker cable.  My listening room is 13 x 19, carpeted floor, drywall walls and ceiling (well insulated).  I set up with the equipment on the long wall, with me listening from the 13' side (with speakers in about 2 feet and about 8.5 feet apart).

I listen to a mix of vinyl and cd's; vinyl when I have several hours to listen quietly (and clean the records on the Clear Audio Matrix Pro Record Cleaning Machine).  I listen to CD's when I have less than an hour, and for when I work out.

I am thinking about upgrading a single component, probably my preamplifier, to a Conrad Johnson GAT2 or a Pass Labs XS preamp (solid state). My thought was that this will likely make the most improvement in soundstage, imaging and overall musicality.  A used GAT2 will be at least $14K and the Pass XS used is about $19K.   I am interested in hearing from those who have had experience with upgrades like this.  I am also wondering (as a middle class guy)  how close does this come to the law of diminishing returns?  Finally, is this the component you would upgrade, and if so, if you had a wide range of musical tastes-- mostly classical/full orchestra in vinyl and rock on CD's, which preamp would you select?

Please feel free to take a swipe at these questions, and also feel free to point out if you feel I should be asking different questions that will help increase my knowledge and advance the cause for others.

I am likely to go to an audio show sometime, but please don't suggest that I go and listen to the gear, as that's at least 200 - 400 miles, and I don't feel right about going to a brick and mortar store knowing that I will almost surely buy used.

Thanks in advance for whatever assistance you can provide.


Ag insider logo xs@2xliamowen
Ag insider logo xs@2x
liamowen OP
70 posts
 
Wow!  Thank you all for your help on my original post.  Your responses have been very, very enlightening and helpful.

I am definitely going to go with a dedicated circuit breaker and some high quality outlets.  My electrician friend needs something to do this winter :)

I am also going to act on the room treatment suggestions, and the laser to make sure I have maximized my alignment on the speakers.

I will also do some testing with new interconnects.

Finally, I will check out a "better" turntable.  I am not sure what the rules are here about equipment, but if anybody has a lead on a turntable, or has one for sale, that will perform better than the Rega RP10, please PM me.

Sadly for the fellow selling the CJ GAT2, it looks like that's going to have to wait.

Thanks again for all of your help.  If anybody has anything else, please feel free to weigh in, either now or later.  I am still very much a novice at this endeavor.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 
"speaker placement alone done properly is the biggest single improvement I ever made."

Ditto, and cheapest as well. In particular, soundstage and image specificity most improved. In my experience, improving AC power delivery only helped with lower noise floor and slightly improved bass. No affect on what OP is specifically trying to improve.  
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
3,516 posts
 
@laimowen, I can't emphasize enough the need for at least one if not two dedicated circuits (assuming they can be added bassed up your room location, whether you own or rent etc.) and an upgrade to a more high-end  AC outlet.
This suggestion will improve the sound of your music so you can really hear what your system is capable of. Those that have not done this are missing out on a very important tweak that can be inexpensive vs purchasing other types of components.
Other suggestions such as placement of speakers and room accustics are also right on target.
austinbob
198 posts
 
I listen to more digital than analog and my suggestion would be to consider a great digital transport like the Innuos Zenith III and a top notch DAC like the Mytek Manhattan. Then consider Roon and Tidal. The SQ will best your Oppo and you’ll have a world of music at your fingertips. 
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
1,621 posts
 
Austinbob right on the money on old Denon is not up to snuff considering the rest of the gear this man has. 

Cables and new digital, a tube based dac might be nice to listen to the Mytek Manhatten is very very good, a bit on the clean and detailed side but over all a great piece.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
More to discover