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Next logical upgrade?

T

thebigbeat90

New Member
Hey guys, just wanted to get some opinions here, any input would be greatly appreciated.
My current set up is a pioneer sx-535 receiver, pioneer cs-500g speakers, and technics sl-3200. Where should I go from here for the biggest jump to upgrade sound? I feel like the synergy in my set up is pretty good, but maybe a more high-end turntable like a Rega would improve the clarity.
 
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You'd have to spend quite a bit on a turntable to get an appreciable improvement in sound quality.

If you want to put $$ into vinyl, perhaps think about improving your cartridge instead. What are you running now? Are you sure it is set up correctly?

Different speakers will certainly have a big impact. Just keep in mind that with your receiver, you will want fairly sensitive speakers, unless your listening is at very moderate levels.

For context, your Pioneer speakers have a sensitivity of 94dB.
 
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GChief said:
A switch to separates. I did that in 1983 @18 and haven’t looked back. Makes the up grade rabbit hole “easier” changing one thing at a time.
Click to expand...

Bought my first traditional 2 ch stereo in 1984. First Amp was a Yamaha Integrated ... followed by Yamaha RCVR in 1993 ... followed by another Yamaha Integrated back in 2012. I'm thinking about trying separate Pre & Amp by the end of this year ... just to see what's it's like on my mains.
 
My recommendation would be an ultra sonic cleaning system. I have had very impressive results, and I had a pretty good cleaning system before that.

When you say good synergy in your system, I read that as meaning you like the speaker/receiver combo, so focus in other areas first. Cartridge and stylus were suggested, and even a turntable! But as I see it, you will see the biggest improvement by cleaning your vinyl, and it will expand what records you can play.
 
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In reference to the OP question. IMHO & experience ... the next logical step is find out what the weakest link is in your chain is ... this is discovered through trial & error on the audio system in your room. Replace that and then discover the next weakest link ... rinse wash & repeat. Over time .. you'll get there.
 
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thebigbeat90 said:
Hey guys, just wanted to get some opinions here, any input would be greatly appreciated.
My current set up is a pioneer sx-535 receiver, pioneer cs-500g speakers, and technics sl-3200. Where should I go from here for the biggest jump to upgrade sound? I feel like the synergy in my set up is pretty good, but maybe a more high-end turntable like a Rega would improve the clarity.
Click to expand...

Speaker placement plays a HUGE roll in SQ, pictures of your setup might help us to help you, moving your speakers for better SQ is free.:dunno:
 
I have been using my McIntosh D100 (DAC) as the headphone amp in my main system.

AS I have been thoroughly enjoying my Woo WA7 in my study (from my PC), I have elected to try a pure tube amp in my main system.
Ordering a new Woo WA2 headphone amp early next week
 
The more I read your post the more it seems like your real interest here is in buying something new and looking for affirmations from a bunch of enablers :biggrin:

On that note, I say there's nothing wrong in owning 2.....or even 7 turntables, along with dozens of speaker pairs, multitudes of amps, preamps, tuners, tape decks, disc players, etc etc etc.

I'm a firm believer in "every room needs a sound system", some even need two lol.


Ok, so now that that's out of the way, some nice fake plants strategically placed can also help SQ and have a high WAF. But if you've looked at the prices of fake trees recently you know this is far from a cheap tweak.
 
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Grenadeslio said:
Speaker placement plays a HUGE roll in SQ, pictures of your setup might help us to help you, moving your speakers for better SQ is free.:dunno:
Click to expand...

YES.
Speaker placement and orientation can make big differences.
Toe in/toe out, moving them forward or backward, tilting them up or down (raising or lowering if tilting is not an option) are all free and easy. Unless the speakers are very heavy.

It's been said speakers, with their different drivers and configurations can make the biggest change in a systems "sound".
Phono cartridge might be another.
 
goodolpg said:
YES.
Speaker placement and orientation can make big differences.
Toe in/toe out, moving them forward or backward, tilting them up or down (raising or lowering if tilting is not an option) are all free and easy. Unless the speakers are very heavy.

It's been said speakers, with their different drivers and configurations can make the biggest change in a systems "sound".
Phono cartridge might be another.
Click to expand...

until I moved a few steps up the TT ladder from what many would consider endgame decks I wouldn't have considered the table in having such an impact, the Well Tempered Lab changed that thinking.

I now believe a great table will elevate a budget cartridge more than a great cartridge will a budget table.
 
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