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What do I upgrade next to soothe the soul?

I currrently have an Aragon 8008BB AMP, 28K preamp and D2A2 DAC, plus Polk 2.3 speakers, MK MX145 sub, Nakamichi MB1 CD player and Monster M1 Reference interconnect (that I won in a CD Review contest with the entire Telarc Cd collection). I have the system setup in a 38'by 22' room that is fairly live with windows and woodfloors.

I was happy for years) and now am seeking a fresh sonic experience. And my wife would love smaller and visually attractive speakers. I love classical and Rock music. I want the system to play well at lower as well as higher volume. Music is one of the most importannt loves of my life - it truly soothes the soul. I live in rural area with no dealers for 200 miles.

Thinking of upgrading the Polks or CD player as the next step. What do you all think would make the most difference and any products you'd recommend. Budget 3K and willing to go used.

Thanks
128x128gammajo
franklapdog's avatar
franklapdog
94 posts
 
Give Robert Taylor at Taylor House a call.He is about an hour west of Charlotte and is very helpfull.I've known him for 20 years and he won't steer you wrong.His # is 704-483-5730 and good luck.
gammajo's avatar
gammajo OP
798 posts
 
Thanks Franklapdog I will call Robert
brainwater
520 posts
 
Nice response Sdcampbell. There was an interesting roundtable discussion in this months AS with Ivor of Linn and Dave of Wilson . Vhe viewpoints were polar for the most part but it was a fun read. I side with David though and feel a fresh speaker upgrade ususlly adds the most life to a system. Point taken and universally agreeded upon is that the weakest link is the culprit in a systems compromise and synergy is paramount in conceiving satisfaction.
gammajo's avatar
gammajo OP
798 posts
 
It is a little over two years since I started this post, so just for fun I am updating. Since then I have upgraded my speakers to Von Schweikert VR4Sr's. That made a huge difference where I could really begin to hear the nuances of other changes. I upgraded my Transport and DAC to Northstar 192, my speaker cables and IC's to Guerilla, and my preamp from ss to tube - Audio Horizons TP2.0nB. So in two years the only thing that is the same is my amp. Plus I now seldom use the subwoofer.

Next to the speakers I think that the source (for clean detailed signal) and preamp (for inceased musicality) changes produced the best results. Half-hearted attempts at DYI room treatments did not seem to do much. In these two years I also purchased many new music CD's that were recommended here with delightful results in recording quality and exposure to new artists. I recently modded the DAC.

Each step added to enjoyment and I am now very satisfied and much more likely to listen. Whereas two years ago I might listen with full attention once every few weeks, for the last year I have been enjoying this type listening for a hour almost every night. Classical is particularly more satisfying than before the upgrades. All components chosen were recommended here and many audiogoners helped along the way. Thanks everyone for increasing my joy in music!
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