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Old 09-24-2020, 10:28 AM
Amadave Amadave is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 212
Default 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.
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