What to upgrade first?
BlueFox
Posts: 15,251
I have a job offer being Fed-Exed to me, and I am already spending the salary increase. :rolleyes:
Actually, I have been thinking of these upgrades for a while, but now have a justification.
First, my current pre-amp is a Cambridge-Audio 840E. This is my first pre so I have no past comparison, but it currently sounds great. If I upgrade I expect a better sound such as clearer, more detail, better sound stage, etc.
For this I am looking at a Ayre Acoustics K-5XEMP as the upgrade.
The second upgrade is my digital file player. Currently, I am using the Apple iPod Classic with a Wadia 171 iTransport dock, and a MIT cable. While this sounds great, I have noticed after my speaker upgrade (Aerial 7T) that some files seem harsh, while others sound fantastic. The main drawback to the iPod is that it does not support high-res files. When I went from the Wadia 170 to the 171 there was an obvious audible improvement, so this makes me suspect there could be more improvements upgrading to another player.
For this I am looking at the Bryston BDP-1 digital file player. I have yet to read a negative review of it, and I do have the Bryston BDA-1 DAC for synergy. The problem here is I need to buy a digital XLR IC (Shunyata), and a power cord (Shunyata). For the pre-amp, it is a plug and play with the existing cords. The benefit is better sound (I hope), the ability to play high-res files, and being able to control it remotely with an iPad app.
My gut says get the Bryston since it seems to offer the biggest improvement for the buck, and get the pre later. Then again, just get them both. What the hell!
Actually, I have been thinking of these upgrades for a while, but now have a justification.
First, my current pre-amp is a Cambridge-Audio 840E. This is my first pre so I have no past comparison, but it currently sounds great. If I upgrade I expect a better sound such as clearer, more detail, better sound stage, etc.
For this I am looking at a Ayre Acoustics K-5XEMP as the upgrade.
The second upgrade is my digital file player. Currently, I am using the Apple iPod Classic with a Wadia 171 iTransport dock, and a MIT cable. While this sounds great, I have noticed after my speaker upgrade (Aerial 7T) that some files seem harsh, while others sound fantastic. The main drawback to the iPod is that it does not support high-res files. When I went from the Wadia 170 to the 171 there was an obvious audible improvement, so this makes me suspect there could be more improvements upgrading to another player.
For this I am looking at the Bryston BDP-1 digital file player. I have yet to read a negative review of it, and I do have the Bryston BDA-1 DAC for synergy. The problem here is I need to buy a digital XLR IC (Shunyata), and a power cord (Shunyata). For the pre-amp, it is a plug and play with the existing cords. The benefit is better sound (I hope), the ability to play high-res files, and being able to control it remotely with an iPad app.
My gut says get the Bryston since it seems to offer the biggest improvement for the buck, and get the pre later. Then again, just get them both. What the hell!
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
Post edited by BlueFox on
Comments
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Both...
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My vote would be to get one component at a time. The benefit is that you'll have a better understanding of how it is interfacing with the rest of your gear. When you make two changes at the same time, then you can't tell what's what. It also will give you something to look forward to. My last point is that you'll be able savor the experience of getting a new component more completely if you do it one at a time.
As far as which to get first, I'd get the Bryston fist because I think it will offer the biggest improvement (I'm guessing here, because I've never heard it, but I have read some of the glowing reviews).
Congrats on the job upgrade. -
Get a real nice tube pre amp like a Joule to deal with all that digital file stuff.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
chumlie, that is what will happen. However, I have to buy the pre locally, and that means paying sales tax. So, I will do this last.
Ern Dog, thanks for the congrats. I'm looking forward to learning something new on this job. Yes, I agree. One item at a time, get to know it, and understand its sound, before adding the next piece.
F1, you might be right. However, I need two balanced inputs, and all I see at Joule for that is this pre, and while it seems nice, I can not bring myself to spend 22K for a pre-amp.
http://www.joule-electra.com/pr_la450me.htm
I just ordered the Bryston BDP-1, a Shunyata Python Ztron XLR digital cable, and a Shunyata Cobra Ztron power cable. Hopefully, everything will show up in a week or so. I am going to take two weeks between jobs so I will have plenty of time to get this integrated and working in the two channel.
A side benefit of this is I can move my iPod/Wadia into the multi-channel system, which is really working great after upgrading the front speakers to PSB Synchrony One towers. They work great with the Synchrony One center, and LSi15s in the surround.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
F1, you might be right. However, I need two balanced inputs, and all I see at Joule for that is this pre, and while it seems nice, I can not bring myself to spend 22K for a pre-amp.
You can order any of their pre amps with balanced connections, sub outs, etc.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
My vote would be to make sure you have the job first, but what do we silly conservatives know?Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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The main drawback to the iPod is that it does not support high-res files. When I went from the Wadia 170 to the 171 there was an obvious audible improvement, so this makes me suspect there could be more improvements upgrading to another player.
Get a new iPod with the biggest storage and make sure all of your music files are in the apple lossless file type.Pioneer Kuro KRP-600M, DirectV HR24-200 (2-his & hers, I know, smart huh), Elite BDP-23FD, Sony PS3, Elite SC-67, Newcastle A965, Polk LSi M707 Cherry, Polk LSi M706c Cherry, Polk LSi M702 F/X, Jamo C80SUB (2), Panamax M5400-PM, Ultralink Pro MKII HDMI's, Audio Magic Sorceror & Illusion Power Cords, Audio Magic Excaliber II RCA's, Ethereal Elite Speaker Wire -
You can order any of their pre amps with balanced connections, sub outs, etc.
That is a nice option. The Ayre KX pre is $3500, and I can go a bit more if it is worth it. Do they have a good pre in that price range? On the other hand, the Cambridge replacement for the 840E should be out by year end, and I would expect it to be better than the 840E.
I will look into it after I am comfortable with the Bryston, and how it sounds. I received my emails today that the gear is being shipped so I should have it up and running in a week or so. I am expecting the system to sound better with the Bryston file player, and it will be nice to remotely use the iPad to control the playlists.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
My vote would be to make sure you have the job first, but what do we silly conservatives know?
I have the offer letter. While I am fiscally conservative, I am splurging here. I have been saving for this for some time, but just didn't want to spend the money.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
theupstater wrote: »Get a new iPod with the biggest storage and make sure all of your music files are in the apple lossless file type.
Already have the 160Gb iPod which is almost full, and the files are in Apple Lossless. I was waiting for Bryston to support ALAC. A big problem with the iPod is it only supports CD quality files, and not high-res. With the Bryston all I have to do is plug my backup USB hard drive into a USB port, and I have access to the files. But I will buy a another drive for it, so that will make 3 drives with music so I should be covered in case one goes down.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
That is a nice option. The Ayre KX pre is $3500, and I can go a bit more if it is worth it. Do they have a good pre in that price range?
Yes, the LA150 MkII.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC
Backup Rig-2 CH-Rogue Audio Zeus w/Factory Special Dark Mods,Joule-Electra 300ME Platinum Preamp,OPPO-105 w/Modwright Tube Mod, Auralic Aries G2.1,Polk 2.3TL,3.1TL's,Dreadnought,RTA-15TL's,1C's All Fully Modded,2xRTA-12c's ,Benchmark DAC3 HGC,Synology NAS,VPI Scout w/Dynavector DV-20XH and Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamp,Sony PCM-R500 DAT,HHB-850 Pro CDR,Tascam CC-222SLMKII Cassette/CDR,MIT S3.3 Shotgun Cables,Shunyata Hyra-8,Shunyata and Triode Labs Power Cords
I’M OFFENDED!!!! -
Hey Jesse's up.Is it dark out already?
Those caskets can get pretty uncomfortable after 12 hours.
Testing
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I just ordered the Bryston BDP-1, a Shunyata Python Ztron XLR digital cable, and a Shunyata Cobra Ztron power cable. Hopefully, everything will show up in a week or so. I am going to take two weeks between jobs so I will have plenty of time to get this integrated and working in the two channel.
I'd be interested in hearing about your impression about the Bryston and Shunyata's new line of PC's. -
Both of your choices are definitely NICE gear, I doubt you'll be disappointed either way. I've been eyeballing that Bryston myself as a more "elegant" digital solution.Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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I'd be interested in hearing about your impression about the Bryston and Shunyata's new line of PC's.
After I get the Bryston in I will review it. However, the power cable will be part of it from the beginning, so it will be impossible to give a before and after impression with the power cord. I am a big Shunyata cable fan at this point. Every time in the past I added a Shunyata power cord, or speaker cable, it has been a big improvement.
Here is a post on a major Shunyata upgrade I did earlier this year. It was both power cables, and a power conditioner. the cumulative result was like a new, better component was added, with the resulting improvement in sound quality. As of today, the only difference in my setup between then and now is that I upgraded the speakers to Aerial Acoustics 7T.
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?130625-Shunyata-Triton-and-Ztron-power-cablesLumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
