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Advise please for best system upgrade under $2,000

I'd like to spend about $2,000 or less to update my system on either new or used components. What would you spend it on to get the most improvement? Speakers, CD, preamp, or amp?
I'm currently running all Solid State: Aragon 4004MKII amp, B&K Ref 20 preamp/processor, Sony DVP S7700 for CD and DVD (96khz/24bit D/A) and Magnepan 2.7 speakers. It sounds very good but I'd like to try tubes to get more musicality and depth. I mainly listen to Jazz and Rock(not Hard Rock).
Unfortunately, there aren't many high end dealers here in Indy so I'd probably be buying without auditioning.

Here's what I'm currently thinking:
1. Musical Fidelity X-Ray CD player($1,000) with a separate MF X-10 tube buffer attached($399).
2. ARC, CJ, Cary or other tube preamp ($2,000 or less used here on Audiogon).

Please offer your thoughts. Specific component and model recommendations are appreciated. Thanks.
noble100
jsawhitlock
302 posts
 
Mikesinger, You say you should start at the source first, consider the room the first place to start. Treat the room as a component and the first one at that. I know it's difficult to imagine a room having so much impact on the music but it does and people that have approached the room as a component will tell you don't underestimate the room, very powerful thing!
Why keep handicaping your equipment, we give our amps dedicated lines, we give our source components some type of conditioning, we install all kind of cones, maple platforms, etc, etc, why not treat the room, it's the same thing but a bigger picture. I'm sure you have had your share of components through your system and some you like and some you don't, but can you honestly say that you gave that certain component a 100% fair chance to prove it's worth in your system? I know this can be debated for ever but you may want to consider giving the room a bit more priority.
jslike
3 posts
 
I've never tried to give advice before so take this into consideration.

A have a wavelength cosine v DAC with built in volume control. I have found this to be as good as running separate DAC and Pre amps ( AI3a). I noticed a cosine transendental for sale at 1950. This might be better than many combinations of other DACs and pre-amps you might partner.

Another of infinite combinations that I would condsider is the Encore pyramid DAC.( 575) I have a ovation that is similar.
They are capable of creating depth with the right accompanying equiptment.
For a tube preamp you might consider the Art Audio for 995.
I have heard this at a dealer. I have never owned it, but I would imagine that it would be comparable to most tubed preamps ( AI, VTL, SF etc )
noble100's avatar
noble100 OP
1,093 posts
 
Well, what I did was uprgrade to tubes, a VTL 2.5 tubed preamp with a ss Aragon amp. The effect is stunning and just what I was looking for, more satisfactory mid-bass and midrange and more essence and presence in the music. I think I still need to pay attention to my room and the interactions, that's next. Thanks for all your help.
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