Upgrade fever

[2fastdriving]

I've been on a tear this year - almost everything I have has been upgraded this year. But I keep wanting more.

So I'll likely make some big change next year, but I am not sure what. I am now at the price point where I can't change much at once (my wallet simply won't handle it).

My dilemma will be: Speakers or electronics? I thought that was all put to bed, because I love my Sasha's and I can't afford Alexias outright. But now my dealer is telling me he will help me upgrade to them by buying my Sasha's from me. This would make upgrading to Alexias "doable". Not easy, but doable.

With electronics, I have come to the realization that McIntosh is good but there are some other really nice things out there like Audio Research, which my dealer also carries and has been letting me demo at home. They also carry D'Agostino. And Classe. But I think I'm pretty interested in listening to the Ref5Se with the Ref75. Maybe with the CD9 or CD6 (which isn't yet released).

Anyway, is it cray-cray to dump Sasha's after a year and get Alexias? Or is it more likely I can find audio bliss by switching to something more musical, like ARC tubes? The thing is, I feel like my electronics should be upgraded first, because I am probably not getting 100% out of my sasha's with my gear. However, If my dealer's upgrade offer only lasts one year, then I better figure that out, because it's a chance to really get into the big leagues. Or maybe I'm already in the big leagues and just don't realize it. lol.

What would you do?

[Masterlu]

Road Trip to Cape Cod.

[chessman]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

I've been on a tear this year - almost everything I have has been upgraded this year. But I keep wanting more.

So I'll likely make some big change next year, but I am not sure what. I am now at the price point where I can't change much at once (my wallet simply won't handle it).

My dilemma will be: Speakers or electronics? I thought that was all put to bed, because I love my Sasha's and I can't afford Alexias outright. But now my dealer is telling me he will help me upgrade to them by buying my Sasha's from me. This would make upgrading to Alexias "doable". Not easy, but doable.

With electronics, I have come to the realization that McIntosh is good but there are some other really nice things out there like Audio Research, which my dealer also carries and has been letting me demo at home. They also carry D'Agostino. And Classe. But I think I'm pretty interested in listening to the Ref5Se with the Ref75. Maybe with the CD9 or CD6 (which isn't yet released).

Anyway, is it cray-cray to dump Sasha's after a year and get Alexias? Or is it more likely I can find audio bliss by switching to something more musical, like ARC tubes? The thing is, I feel like my electronics should be upgraded first, because I am probably not getting 100% out of my sasha's with my gear. However, If my dealer's upgrade offer only lasts one year, then I better figure that out, because it's a chance to really get into the big leagues. Or maybe I'm already in the big leagues and just don't realize it. lol.

What would you do?

Step back and take a deep breath.

The musical experience is, at least, (1) gear + (2) room + (3) placement + (4) isolation/vibration. It is easy to fixate on gear because it is the most exciting, tangible and easy to comprehend as a concept. However, news flash!, you already have great gear. Is your room acoustically treated? Is your gear vibration controlled? Each of those tweaks were at least equal to a component upgrade for me. And here is a biggie (and a free one no less) - are your speakers and listening position well placed?

And, yeah, you are already in the big leagues.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by chessman

Step back and take a deep breath.

The musical experience is, at least, (1) gear + (2) room + (3) placement + (4) isolation/vibration. It is easy to fixate on gear because it is the most exciting, tangible and easy to comprehend as a concept. However, news flash!, you already have great gear. Is your room acoustically treated? Is your gear vibration controlled? Each of those tweaks were at least equal to a component upgrade for me. And here is a biggie (and a free one no less) - are your speakers and listening position well placed?

And, yeah, you are already in the big leagues.

Thanks! Yeah, my room is treated (not professionally, but I did it, and it's pretty good in my opinion). The placement is perfect already (done by myself and my dealer over hours of listening and tweaking). The only thing I haven't done is vibration control, and honestly I think that's minor at best. I guess I could try some things and see. I'm open minded and will try anything.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Road Trip to Cape Cod.

THAT will just make me want to spend even MORE!

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

THAT will just make me want to spend even MORE!

Not necessarily.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Not necessarily.

Speaking of upgrades, I just edited my signature to reflect the RGPC 1200, which I am loving. I also installed my PS Audio outlet. Thanks Ivan!

[Still-One]

Marc
Swapping out the 452 for the D'Agostino stereo amp would make a world of difference on your Sasha's. It would be an expensive purchase but worthwhile.

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

I've been on a tear this year - almost everything I have has been upgraded this year. But I keep wanting more.

So I'll likely make some big change next year, but I am not sure what. I am now at the price point where I can't change much at once (my wallet simply won't handle it).

My dilemma will be: Speakers or electronics? I thought that was all put to bed, because I love my Sasha's and I can't afford Alexias outright. But now my dealer is telling me he will help me upgrade to them by buying my Sasha's from me. This would make upgrading to Alexias "doable". Not easy, but doable.

With electronics, I have come to the realization that McIntosh is good but there are some other really nice things out there like Audio Research, which my dealer also carries and has been letting me demo at home. They also carry D'Agostino. And Classe. But I think I'm pretty interested in listening to the Ref5Se with the Ref75. Maybe with the CD9 or CD6 (which isn't yet released).

Anyway, is it cray-cray to dump Sasha's after a year and get Alexias? Or is it more likely I can find audio bliss by switching to something more musical, like ARC tubes? The thing is, I feel like my electronics should be upgraded first, because I am probably not getting 100% out of my sasha's with my gear. However, If my dealer's upgrade offer only lasts one year, then I better figure that out, because it's a chance to really get into the big leagues. Or maybe I'm already in the big leagues and just don't realize it. lol.

What would you do?

Hi Marc,

It's a tough decision, isn't it. The Sasha's are terrific loudspeakers and they are in the big leagues in my opinion. However, I think you could get more out of them with some component upgrades such as the DAC or the preamp. With the money it would cost to upgrade to the Alexia's, this could be used to bring the rest of your system in line with the Sasha's. If you choose to go for the Alexia's, which I've been told are phenominal speakers, it will take significantly more time and money to balance your system out, perhaps years, because you've raised the bar again. I guess it ultimately depends on what your timetable is.

Best,
Ken

[PLK]

Marc,

IMO, spending $25K on a new amp isn't going to make your Sashas sound better than the Alexias.

I'm sure your McIntosh gear will sound great with the Alexias.