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Advice please for upgrade.

I asked for opinions almost a year ago on a good $2k upgrade for my system and was rewarded with great advice from all of you. It worked out so well, in fact, that I'm hoping for some more advice. I'm currently searching for another upgrade for about $2k that would make the most difference. The advice you guys gave last time was to concentrate on 3 areas:
1. Source
2. Room Acoustics
3. Preamp
I took advice #2 and #3 and am glad I did. I added a tubed preamp and my room was also somewhat tuned through acoustic absorption and diffusion panels. My question is: where should I go next for the most cost effective upgrade. My thoughts are:

1. Source- either a dac to use in conjunction with my current digital source, a Sony DVP-7700, which I've read works well as a transport, or a stand alone unit for CD playback only (I'd continue to use my current unit for DVD playback). I have no idea which dac to use but, through reading forums here, I'm thinking a Bel Canto, Audio Note or MF and possibly an Audio Aero, Shanling, Jolida or Sony DC-1 for a single unit.
2. Upgrade my speakers from Magnepan 2.7s to 3.6s.
3. Upgrade my SS amp.

My current system is a VTL 2.5 tubed preamp, Aragon 4004 MKII ss amp, Magnepan 2.7 speakers with a Kinergistics subwoofer and a Sony DVP-7700 source. I'm open to any other suggestions as well. Thanks
noble100
clio09
2,978 posts
 
Gmood1,

They don't have a website. There is a cable on auction right now. There is an email address for the contact and I think a phone number. I won a pair on auction and when I called the owner he agreed to let me try a few others. I am eagerly anticipating hearing these cables. The cost of entry is quite low at the moment but if what I hear about the cables is true, they may not be at these prices very long.
mdhoover
690 posts
 
Ditto to what Pardales said. I own the same make and model unit and am EXTREMELY pleased with it. In fact, I bought it from a fellow Audiogon member. This is a great unit! Golly.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Thanks Tony..I had a feeling there wasn't a site.Just wanted to make sure.I don't do a lot of cable swapping.But please let me now how they workout with you. I forgot to mention Noble100 the AS Dac comes with a lifetime warranty and has a satisfaction guarantee. If it isn't up to par you can send it back for a refund.Send it back...LOL..not hardly! You could take the money you saved and do another upgrade or experiment.

Thanks again Tony
noble100's avatar
noble100 OP
1,093 posts
 
Well, I think I'll try the Audio Spector, Dodson, Audio Auricle or possibly a 47 Labs or Scott Nixon. My system sounds very healthy now but I think I'm after a more 'present' and three dimensional sound and believe I'm on the right track, thanks to all of your thoughts. I'll let you guys know what I discover. Thanks for the feedback! Good listening and have fun.
pardales
652 posts
 
One of the things I like about the Dodson is the spaciousness and layers of sound that it delivers.
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