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Got the upgrade bug

I am a novice audiophile and looking to take the next step in this hobby, which I understand can be a slippery slope.

Bought my 1st system year ago. Pair of B&W CM-1's + ASW 300 + Rotel-1520 + Peachtree DAC-it. Basically a rotel/b&w starter kit. I run sonos most of time but thinking of getting into vinyl.

1st upgrade was a power supply for the dac-it, which made a huge difference. Welborn Labs I believe. Worth the money. Then the folks that sold me the unit last year suggested that I purchase a new power cable for the amp, wow...made the background completely black. I get it now. And want to do something else now.

Two reasons for upgrade, I thought I would move my listening situation from our den/family room to my upstairs office. My wife prefers "background music". I prefer Dylan and Coltrane, and want to hear every instrument, and at a pleasurable level to my ear.

So, I'm gonna move the system upstairs, which is getting me thinking about an upgrade. Or a reason for an upgrade. Just like when my kid spills his paint set on our carpet all of a sudden my wife thinks we need new hardwoods in the playroom.

Anyways, I've got $6 to play with, including trade up value of above components.

Would like a tube component, maybe an integrated. Or a tube pre and solid state comb or solid pre tube amp. But with phono stage for table. I have Listened to some mcintosh and audio research tube set ups, love that "tube" sound. Warm...out of my price range though.

Definitely a full range pair of speakers. 2 channel set up. System is for music only. Love B&W's, so maybe a set of CM-8's. But open to other brands.

DAC separate standalone. Keep my ASW. Add a table, entry level rega or like alternative. VPI seems to have a good brand/company, so if I can get some extra $$ together, that will be the splurge.

Or should I keep my CM-1 book shelf setup and just upgrade DAC and amp, then add table? Room is about 250 sq ft. I listen to lots of folk, jazz, classic rock, jam bands,contemporary blue grass, Musical pieces.

Assuming New Prices:

Thinking 3k for an integrated
1k for a DAC
2K for speakers
1k for table (stretch)

Thanks for advice and suggestions on my new system. Any opinion is appreciated. So many options out there and not many local shops to kick tires.

Side note/different topic, what is the opinion of the forum on used gear? Specifically speakers? How old is ok. And how do you tell if the speakers are working in factory specs?

kernalsanders
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mesch
1,679 posts
 
You have been provided with much thoughtful advice and I will try to avoid redundancy while reinforcing some of it.

Move into new room prior to replacing existing gear.

I believe the Rotel 1520 has a phono stage, therefore it would not be too costly to satisfy your vinyl itch, given the provided reasons for it. Purchase a ProJect Debut Carbon or Rega turntable for under $500 and enjoy. Music Direct sells both online.

I believe in purchasing used gear. Have bought used from dealers and here on AG with great return on investment. Can't recommend buying a used turntable except as a pickup only. Amplification is a mature technology, ~5 year old amplifiers should be had for 50% of original retail and have most of their viable years left. I would stick to an integrated for cost reasons.

Save your digital upgrade for last. DACs have been around for a long time with the most recent development being there use with computer. The Async USB interface most recent. There are many high quality DACs on the market today that will be available used at great savings. Digital products suffer depreciation to a greater extent than other audio products. Your digital front end can be improved after you have explored and satisfied your speaker and amplification needs.

I have gone the computer route, via MAC Mini with Pure Music, a USB to SPDIF converter, and DAC. I also have a vinyl system though it is much the same as when purchased in 1982. One thing about turntables, they last and have held value.

After your move get back to us. Also please provide more on size of the office room. Good luck!
truemaineiac's avatar
truemaineiac
249 posts
 
Audition a lot of speakers, go from there. Vinyl is great fun but ultimately expensive.
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
I've found that $1000 of vinyl is still much better than the same priced digital. I am selling off my TT/cart and albums as I don't have room for them and with MS, it's just easier using digital, but I LOVE analog best still and I've heard some 10k plus DACs. The irony is that the Krell Stealth DAC still sounds pretty awesome after all these years and the bass is much better than most DACs I've heard recently. Ironic how some of the vintage products can still sound great for the price.

I still think that upgrading should be very carefully done. Too often we hear of folks just getting new products to get new products (used or new) and then they turn around around go through it all again within 6 months. I never understood that unless THAT'S the real hobby ;)
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