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#1
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Incremental System Upgrade
I am looking at upgrading my current system and will need to upgrade in phases. I am interested in getting feedback in the best order to proceed. Retirement is approaching quickly and I want to proceed in a prudent manner.
My current system: Amp - McIntosh MC452 Preamp - McIntosh C50 DAC - Ayre QX-5 Twenty Music Server - Aurender N100H Turntable - Rega RP10 w/Apheta cartridge Phono Preamp - Rega Aria Speakers - Rockport Atria Speaker Cable - Nordost Heimdall 2 Interconnects - Cardas Clear Light Digital - Cardas Clear Light USB - Cardas Clear Ethernet - AudioQuest Vodka Power - Shunyata Venom PS8/HC Power Cord/Defender The upgrades under consideration: Sources Speaker Cable Power Cables Amplification I consider my foundation pieces to be the turntable, speakers and DAC. I am not looking to upgrade these pieces, although I am looking to upgrade the phono preamp and cartridge. Today, my predominant listening is done via streaming, but still utilize the turntable from time to time. Here are the upgrades under consideration. Sources: Music Server - Aurender N10 w/Audioquest Diamond SPDIF Phono Preamp - Sutherland Duo Phono Cartridge - Koetsu Rosewood Series (undecided on standard, signature or signature platinum) Power Cables: Power Distribution/Amp - Audioquest Hurricane Preamp/Sources - Audioquest Silver Cloud or Silver Cloud Extreme Music Server - Cardas Clear General: Speaker Cable - Audioquest William Tell Zero Amplification: Option 1 - Upgrade preamp only to CH Precision L1 Option 2 - Upgrade amp/preamp to Ayre VX5-Twenty/KX5-Twenty Looking for some advice on the sequencing of the upgrades as well as any personal experience with any of the upgrade items under consideration. Thanks in advance for your input. |
#2
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If it were me, I’d probably start with power and upgrade the PS8 to a Shunyata Denali v2 or Everest, then look at power cables. If you listen to mostly digital, then the Aurender would be next up after power.
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Tony D'Agostino Momentum S250 MxV & HD pre; Linn Klimax Organik DSM, SonicTransporter, EtherRegen; Acoustic Signature Typhoon Neo, Koetsu RSP, Boulder 1108; Sf Il Cremonese; Shunyata Everest, Altaira, Sigma & Alpha v2 |
#3
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Since you mentioned that streaming is your primary source, I would recommend the Aurender N10 or the new N20 as your first upgrade. The N10 is is a big step up from the N100H and I imagine the N20 would be even better. Good luck.
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#4
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Agree with the recommendation on upgrading to the N10. Very happy with mine. Worth noting there is one that came up for sale today from a member.
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[list] Analog: VPI Prime Signature Turntable in Rosewood, Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, Digital: Aurender N10, Holoaudio KTE May, Oppo 203, Preamplifier: Luxman C-10X, Parasound JC3 Jr, Amplifier: Luxman M-10X, Speakers: Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4, Power Management: Audioquest Niagara 5000, Cables: Nordost Tyr 2, Wireworld Eclipse 7 & 8, , Rack: Core Audio Designs plyKraft 3L (x2) |
#5
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Aside from the source upgrades you've outlined, I see no juice worth the squeeze...
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#6
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And by coincidence, an N10 just popped up in the marketplace.
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Tony D'Agostino Momentum S250 MxV & HD pre; Linn Klimax Organik DSM, SonicTransporter, EtherRegen; Acoustic Signature Typhoon Neo, Koetsu RSP, Boulder 1108; Sf Il Cremonese; Shunyata Everest, Altaira, Sigma & Alpha v2 |
#7
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Shunyata Denali v2 w/Alpha v2 XC
Aurender N10 w/AES outs into DAC Consider UpTone EtherREGEN for Ethernet. Consider Shunyata Ethernet cable PCs Shunyata Alpha v2 NC on Amp and Pre-Amp. Consider Stillpoint Ultras on them
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McIntosh: MC 1.2kW, C1100, MX123, MC8207, MVP901 Esoteric: D-02X & G-01X, Aurender: W20 SE Paradigm: Persona 7F, C5v3, ADP3, JL Audio: F113v2, CR-1, Shunyata: Everest, Denali 6000/Sv2, Altera Shunyata and WW: PCs, SCs and ICs. |
#8
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Quote:
Can I ask what cable you are using on the SPDIF connection? My understanding is you need to use this connection to take advantage on the internal clock. |
#9
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Thanks for the heads up on the availability. |
#10
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You can also look at the Modwright PH 9.0. It’s a tube phono preamp built in USA and about the same price of the Sutherland Duo.
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