Upgrade Advice: Denon PMA-520 to ???

[Seenovision]

Hey AK,

I’ve caught the dreaded bug; upgrade fever. And I need your help with my ailment.

I recently ‘upgraded’ my ADS L620’s to minty Canton CT-800’s and I’m extremely pleased, but now I’ve set my sights on my late 80’s Denon PMA-520. Should I keep it or ‘upgrade’… that is the existential question.

I’ve been scouring the web, looking at both modern and vintage options. Recently I’ve seen some nice Luxman models as far as vintage goes (R-115, L-430, for example), but would love to hear any thoughts or input.

Is it foolish to ditch the Denon PMA? Or do I continue this quest? What should I be looking at? Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[mroboto]

Upgrading speakers or source are the best upgrades most of the time.

Not that the amp won't change anything, but an Optical Class A (Optically controlled BIAS system) is already a great amp.

Clean the pots and switches, it will already sound better, cleaner.