What is the weakest link?

Polkitup2

I am looking for some advice on what my upgrade path should be to best improve my 2 channel system. I am thinking that maybe the NAD or the Denon are the weak spots. Thoughts please? My current two channel setup consists of the following:

Denon 3910 SACD/DVD player
NAD C370 Integrated Amp
Tyler Linbrook Signature Monitors
Audioquest type 8 speaker cables
Audioquest Diamondback and Viper ICs

McLoki

I would vote for the NAD. Just based on how much my t163 veiled my LSi15's before I modded it. I believe the 15's are much less revieling than your Tylers (hearsay - I have never heard any tyler speaker)

If nothing else, I would at least try to borrow a preamp and see if you like the difference it makes. Most decent shops should allow that prior to purchase. (or if you have a buddy with one - all the better)

Michael

wingnut4772

Just get a good DAC such as the Benchmark. You will see a very nice improvement keeping what you have.

Polkitup2

Thanks, I appreciate the input. I play a lot of SACD and I don't think I can get the pure DSD with the Benchmark DAC. It sounds like it would be an improvement for redbook though. I am kind of thinking about a used Audio Research SP16 pre-amp or a used Musical Fidelity A5.

JimBRICK

you could also try a nice tube integrated. I lvoe what my stuff sounded like after I got my onix SP3

Ern Dog

I'd go separates: a tube preamp and a clean powerful SS amp.

Early B.

Ern Dog wrote: »

I'd go separates: a tube preamp and a clean powerful SS amp.

Agreed. Your Tylers are begging for more.

And the Denon needs to go. Otherwise, a DAC might work.

Afterwards, play around with ICs.

Serendipity

I would think the Denon and the NAD. The Denon is a nice player though.

AndyGwis

I think the NAD. Adding a DAC would be the easiest / cheapest upgrade for redbook CD. Changing the NAD out would be more costly, but maybe a better overall upgrade, long-term.

I like my MF A3.2 very much. I'm sure the A5 would be that much better.

If you just want to change things up, you could get Polkmaniac's Music Hall integrated. It's so cheap that you can play with it and resell very easily should you go a different direction. Likely no better than your current NAD, but likely a different sound.

Ricardo

Good choice on the SP16; I've had mine for almost a year. Very few pieces make it that far with me

engtaz

NAD C370 Integrated Amp
I think there are better amps.

steveinaz

Polkitup2 wrote: »

I am looking for some advice on what my upgrade path should be to best improve my 2 channel system. I am thinking that maybe the NAD or the Denon are the weak spots. Thoughts please? My current two channel setup consists of the following:

Denon 3910 SACD/DVD player
NAD C370 Integrated Amp
Tyler Linbrook Signature Monitors
Audioquest type 8 speaker cables
Audioquest Diamondback and Viper ICs

Your system looks great to me, but if pressed, I'd replace the NAD.

SolidSqual

Biggest, most instantaneous difference I ever heard was when added my Rogue Audio preamp or when I added GIK Acoustic treatments to my system.

Polkitup2

I like that Rogue Audio Perseus pre-amp, has the HT bypass which I want.

Polkitup2

HTrookie wrote: »

Good choice on the SP16; I've had mine for almost a year. Very few pieces make it that far with me

Since you got rid of your Tyler's you should probably think about ditching the ARC. Maybe put it on the flea market with a really great price!

Shizelbs

My guess is that the NAD is the weak link

rskarvan

There is no doubt that you need more than your NAD can provide.

Polkitup2

With the NAD C370, is it the pre-amp or the amp that is the weakest link, the reason I ask is that I could buy a pre-amp and use the amp section of the C370 or use a NAD C270 for the amp which I have as well. If both the NAD components are weak links I think I would be best off looking at an integrated like the A5.

LuSh

I think your biggest upgrade would be to run out and grab some music as your system is very very nice (The NAD is VERY underated.) and without mentioning specific areas in which you wish to improve I'd take my advice and buy some new music. It's been a great year for music.

Ricardo

Another plus for the GIK panels (or any others I guess); my case is probably an extreme example...but my 10x13x7 room has 14 panels. It went from horrible without them to being capable of listening at relatively high volumes like if I was in a room three times the size. In my next life the first thing I'll buy are the acoustic panels

Ricardo

Polkitup2 wrote: »

Since you got rid of your Tyler's you should probably think about ditching the ARC. Maybe put it on the flea market with a really great price!

I will, when I can get something like the Dodd reference for the same price

George Grand

Yup, more than likely the room you've got them in is the weakest link. My room was too, right up until my ears went south. Totally cured upgradeitis like you wouldn't believe.

Polkitup2

Thanks everyone, I'll check out the room treatments. Actually thought about making some at one point.

bikerboy

What do you want it to do better? If its high volume slam you want, then a better amp. If its clarity, its a pre amp. But the room treatments will help both. Dacs will help but since you use sacd I dont know. More music is always a great upgrade! Have fun.

Polkitup2

I am not sure what I want, I just want more. My rig sounds good if not great to me as is, so I guess I want more greatness. I don't need high volume, I believe I seek transparency - no veil whatsoever. Clarity, silky smooth liquid sound.