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Bad case of upgrade fever

I just added some acoustic panels to my listening room and I'm amazed at the difference they make.  I hear more detail, and the bass is so much more defined.  Can't believe I waited this long to do that, and it was pretty inexpensive.  Used panels from Acoustimax.  They look nice, and do a great job.  But now I want more...

My system:
  • Martin Logan Summit X speakers.
  • Gustard X20u DAC that has level 2 mods by Rick Shultz
  • Oppo 103D that I use for CDs and SACDs that also was modded by Rick Shultz
  • Plinius Hautonga integrated amplifier (I upgraded the fuses)
  • Bryston BDP-1 as a music streamer
  • Avanti Audio interconnects
  • Clear Day speaker cables
  • And now, I've added acoustic panels and bass traps

I listen mostly to POP, Jazz, female Jazz, and Blues.  Pretty soft and mellow stuff.  I stream Tidal, and have a nice collection of SACDs.  All my original CDs were moved to Flac files.  

I have around $5000 to spend, and hope to sell what I replace on Audigon.

I'm thinking I should upgrade the Plinius, but not sure to what.  I've been looking at the Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated, but not sure about tubes.  I've also thought about moving into turntables, but I have no albums and really don't want to get into that quagmire right now.  I know myself, and if I start down that road, my wife will divorce me...

I very much appreciate your help with my next purchase.  What do you think I should replace, and what do you suggest I replace it with.  Most of my equipment was purchased right here on Audiogon and I have never had an issue with anything I purchased, so I have no problem purchasing this upgrade as previously owned.

Thanks so much for your help!
smills59
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
No mention of AC stuff. I would suggest replacing the main AC duplex wall thing for starters. At least the one serving the amplifier. Plenty of folks will chime in with their favorite. I bought all Furutech GTX for my setup. The Rhodium takes way way longer to break in. but is way better than the gold.. eventually. LOL
Then power cords. another perennial million different suggestions..If you do go for the Furutech, I suggest Pangea AC4XL, which also have no brass, all copper plugs parts (like the Furutech)              
And a conditioner. The hot commodity now is the AudioQuest 1000, or 5000 models. If you did consider the 5000, then other ones to compare would be a PS Audio regenerator..              
If you own zero LP albums I say DO NOT go to turntable etc. A total money pit only good if you already have a pile of LPs..                   
I also would not change amps if you like the sound you now have. The AC stuff will move the sound up way more than a slightly better amplifier etc.                 
One plus of upgrading the AC is even if later you do want to change amplifiers etc, the upgrades to the AC will benefit those products too.
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david_ten
2,509 posts
 
Bad case of upgrade fever

Please share a comprehensive list of symptoms and what your problem(s) are?....Before diagnosis and treatment....
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
324 posts
 
The panels you have are more than likely OC703 covered with fabric https://www.amazon.com/Owens-Corning-703-Fiberglass-Boards/dp/B005V3L834

These are even more effective cut as triangles placed in the 4 corners of the ceiling, and cut as rectangles placed along the corners where the side and front walls meet the ceiling. Much the same effects you’re hearing only even more so because these are much more effective locations for treatment.

Okay so that’s zero dollars of your $5k budget and already the room is even better. What next?

Keep going! Synergistic Research HFTs will give you improvements in detail, image resolution, bass definition and liquid top end extension far beyond anything you can get with acoustic panels. Their ECTs will do the same for your components as the HFTs do for your room. With your budget you could completely treat your whole system and room and still have funds left for the FEQ and some Blue Quantum Fuses. Unless you are sick and tired of one or more of your components I just don’t see getting anywhere near the improvement for the dollar from a new component like what you can get from the right tweaks like these.

[Edit: "tweaks like these" also definitely includes power cords, AC outlets and stuff like Elizabeth mentions.]
mental
1,029 posts
 
I have to ask why replace the duplex recept if you’re still on a branch circuit?

My input would be begin with an isolated/designated circuit first, factoring in a hospital grade recep at the very least.

@elizabeth ...I’ve kept up with a lot of your posts and you’re one smart cookie. Please do not think I’m messing with ya, just a different approach.




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