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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: som on January 04, 2006, 12:14:47 PM

Title: What should I upgrade first?
Post by: som on January 04, 2006, 12:14:47 PM

A couple years ago I took the step from a consumer-grade system to (very) low-end hi-fi. I've really enjoyed the improvement, and am looking to start a slow upgrade process. Here is my current setup:

NAD C320BEE Integrated Amp
NAD PP1 Phono Preamp
NAD 521i CD Player
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 Speakers
Hsu Research STF-1 Subwoofer
Denon Turntable (older model, plays great)
Grado Red Cartridge
Speaker wire from ascend acoustics (http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/access/cable/speakcable.html)
generic interconnects

Here's what I'm considering as a next upgrade:
Green Mountain Europa Speakers
Jolida 301A or 1701A Hybrid Integrated Amp
Jolida 102B or 202A Tube Integrated Amp
Bellari VP129 Tube phono preamp
Parasound P/HP-850 Integrated Amp

I think I'll be spending up to $1000 over the next year for upgrades. What would *you* do?

Thanks!


EDIT - Obviously, I'm not considering *all* of those!

Title: Re: What should I upgrade first?
Post by: Brian Skalinder on January 04, 2006, 12:56:23 PM

Speakers.  Which ones, specifically...  ???

Title: Re: What should I upgrade first?
Post by: Massive Dynamic on January 04, 2006, 01:09:38 PM

I like my GMA Europas (http://www.greenmountainaudio.com/Speakers/Europa/Welcome.htm), and the VSA VR-1 also gets a lot of recommendations. Keep in mind the Europas are rather heavy, though. How big is your room?

Title: Re: What should I upgrade first?
Post by: som on January 04, 2006, 01:15:28 PM

My living room is about 14 x 20.

So, the Ascend Acoustics are probably the weak link?

Title: Re: What should I upgrade first?
Post by: twoodruff on January 04, 2006, 01:16:09 PM

I had the green mountains for a bit and did not like their bass extension, the vr-1s were much better. Also, don't plan on selling the europas to anyone outside of your area as when I shipped mine they broke into pieces, they are made of marble