Best Upgrade(s) This Year

[vegaracer1]

A antenna for my Am radio.

[Rojet2015]

Thank you to Ivan for the JL Audio f112 subs and to Carlos for the Esoteric K-03.
And Dan for his reviews.
Happy New Year to All!

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by doggiehowser

I haven't bought anything major this year. So this end of year unexpected bonus is my only (and hence best) purchase [emoji51]



It's like a uber baby Esoteric.

I had the original UD501 but this adds the AKM DAC from the Esoteric range.

I added a UD503 to my vintage rig early this year and really like it for the price. It works flawlessly and is not the weak link in that system.

[audiohippo]

For me, upgrading to the Wilson Sasha's and then moving to the ARC Ref5se/Ref75se combination. All thanks to AudioAficionado members feedback and advice!

[rancew]

Lumin A1-->Lumin S1
B&W 802D2-->JBL 4367

[John Jordan]

For me, the best was the addition of two MC 75's to drive the mid & upper frequencies and then use the MC 275 for the woofers.
Another was a Denon 103R. Not planned but one night my thumb collided with the cantilever of the Clear Audio Maestro. It went limp and dropped off. So far, the 103 is holding its own and then some. I like it!

[gadawg]

Getting back into Vinyl with the VPI Prime and Soundsmith Zephyr Low Output Cartridge with an Audio Research PH8.

[gadawg]

New Audio Research DAC9 may be a close second once it fully breaks in!

[Mikeylee]

I changed everything in my system this year except for speakers. Three upgrades are tied for best:

I added a Music Hall mmf2.3 turntable w/upgraded acrylic platter. While a very humble turntable, it showed me how much fun vinyl can be and how good it can sound (thanks to my local dealer for this goodie)

I added a SonyHAP-Z1ES disc based music server which sounds fantastic on good recordings and makes "meh" recordings sound as good as possible. (Thanks to Ivan for this little gem)

I upgraded to a McIntosh MA-6600 integrated amp w/TM-2 tuner! This is my first Mc amplification and tuner, and all I can say is "WOW". (Thanks to fellow AAer Don Bocadillo for this treat)

An honorable mention are the two sets of Grand Prix isolation cones for my amp and server. I am anticipating wonderful improvement given what I heard at the local dealer.

So for being wordy, but this has been an exciting year in audio for me between the great upgrades resulting in wonderful music and this site for the wonderful entertainment and sharing of experiences and knowledge.

Is it just a coincidence sellers of illicit strep drugs and sellers of high-end audio are both called "Dealers?"

[GreginNH1]

Originally Posted by Mikeylee

Is it just a coincidence sellers of illicit strep drugs and sellers of high-end audio are both called "Dealers?"

Not at all. My wife refers to my dealer as the "crack house"!