Biggest Bang for the Buck

mara5

Well,there's now a curve in my highway! Will have to buy things seperately over time. Right now have a vintage Yamaha (RX-V870), pair of advent speakers, and cheap Pioneer CD player. No amp,no sub. Which would be the best upgrade RIGHT NOW, and improve my system the most? This is music only system. Thx.

steveinaz

That's a tough one. It can be a challenge to hear differences in sources thru a receiver--so, while I want to say upgrade your source; it may not make much impact. How about a good DAC, that you can use now, and later down the road will play a bigger part?

Is your goal to ultimately replace everything you have right now? How much can you spend on this first upgrade?

steveinaz

I'm a big "bang-for-my-buck" guy, so I can relate. I like to buy highly rated/respected equipment that isn't crazy expensive; and do key upgrades where they really matter. With most everything going digital, I think a multi-input DAC can go a long way to improving the sound of many different less expensive sources. As an example, I use my DAC with my DirecTV HD box, Bluray player, CD player, and (coming soon) Squeezebox. That's a TON of bang for my buck. All of these sources are benefiting from the Benchmark's far better digital/analog sections. I could be even more frugal by dispensing with the CD player and using the BluRay to play CD's. There's tons of options.

mara5

Steve thanks, same as you. Bang for the buck. I'm an old dinosaur,but love music. Sorry I have no idea what a DAC is. I thought a sub or amp would benefit most, but I'll try and find out about DAC. Looking to spend 1k now. Was looking at Cambridge Audio 840A(V2). Also,Velodyne EQ Max 10. Just looking till I get difinitive advice. THX.

steveinaz

A DAC is an external Digital to Ananlog Converter. If you get one with multiple inputs, it allows you to connect various components that have digital outputs; allowing you to use the ext DAC's better conversion/analog stages (this of course is provided the DAC is good enough to make an improvement). It gives you the flexibility of not having to necessarily pay big bucks for expensive sources--if you make the right choices.

If you're fussy, I'd forgo the subwoofer--but that's just my opinon, after trying to integrate one with my 2 channel setup. I didn't care for it. A nice integrated amp, or seperates (preamp and amp) would be good too. I'm a firm believer in building a system around your speaker choice. Nothing influences sound more than speakers (here come the arguments)--sorry, but in my opinion, and my 35 years in this hobby--to me it's a FACT.

Me, personally--if you're going to keep the advents; and assuming $1000 price point, I'd get an integrated amp first. Later I would either replace your CDP or buy an external DAC to run it through. Buying "used" will stretch your dollar a lot farther.

DAC's: When I'm talking DAC, I'm talking a well respected/reviewed DAC. External DAC's are a dime a dozen these days, so be careful--companies churn them out like DVD players. Research your choices carefully, just because it's external, doesn't mean it's going to be better than the DAC built into your component. Buyer beware. Better DAC's will have stellar analog output sections (very important) as well.

steveinaz

FWIW, external DAC's range in price from $24.95 to over $20k. There exists, a real sweet spot for ext DAC's in the $1k-$2.5k zone, but that's strictly my opinion. Of course again, going used can maximize your buying power.

mara5

Very informative thanks Steve. I am not going to keep the Advents. Wanted to upgrade to the Polk LSiM 703's. And as stated the CA 840A V2. What do you think of that setup? THX

steveinaz

Very nice choices!

Like Ted always says, it all depends on how deep in the rabbit hole you want to go. True stuff.

cnh

mara5 wrote: »

Very informative thanks Steve. I am not going to keep the Advents. Wanted to upgrade to the Polk LSiM 703's. And as stated the CA 840A V2. What do you think of that setup? THX

Sounds like a great upgrade. That Cambridge Audio integrated is also a nice piece, should match up well with the 703s if you decide to go that way. You should PM mantis (Dan) who works at an Audio shop and has done tons of installations. He is currently demoing the Polk 703s and no doubt has any number of CA amps in his store--he is 'very' familiar with them.

If you're in the Southeast Pa./NJ area perhaps you could attend his demo for Polkies this week?

As far as a DAC, Steve has a point. Does your Pioneer have a Digital OUT (Coaxial or Optical)? If it does you could use it as a transport and hook the Digitial out to the D-in on the DAC unit, then plug the DACs analog L/R into your amplifier for now!

Or you could upgrade your CDP, but that's going to cost even more than a good DAC if you want a good piece!

cnh

steveinaz

Here's your CD player....

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?126135-Adcom-GCD-750-CD-player


Ooopps, sorry it is SOLD. Damn that was a good deal.

mhardy6647

Probably the receiver itself... it does kind of depend on which "pair of Advent speakers" you have and their precise condition (e.g., maybe they're OLAs, but have the crossovers been refreshed?).

OLAs are perfectly meh sounding loudspeakers 'as is' (I, at least, far prefer the presentation of a pair of Polk Audio Monitor Series Model 7 family members) but can be rescued quite nicely with a fresh set of decent crossover capacitors. The caps don't have to be high-zoot "boutique" types; the Daytons from Parts Express will be a marked improvement over the stock, vintage capacitors.

The pioneer's probably OK...

mhardy6647

For illustration, an orphan OLA (Utility version) I am trying to find a home for (besides in my garage)...

TSWisla

I would buy the best amp that you could afford, then speakers and then a preamp. Just my opinion though. Good luck.

rromeo923

Used Tube Amp and some SDA's