My current thoughts are to upgrade my stock RLD-1, but considering other used preamps in the $1500 range.
Right now my main 2CH gear is a Marantz SA8005 used as both a CD player and DAC for my Aries Mini, preamp is the RLD-1, and amp is a DNA-1 which was upgraded to Ultra Platinum in late 2017 as a 2018 upgrade.
The amp is wonderful, but I feel the pre is (possibly) the current bottleneck. The sq is VERY good, very organic and lifelike, huge center image, vocals have the singer in the room, not just in front of me.
I guess the only area I see missing is some macro details. I can hear the wood of the guitar, the singer taking in subtle breaths, but some quiet passages lack detail, the midrange and bass could be cleaner and fuller.
I have added blue fuses to the DNA-1 and that was a noticeable improvement. I also experimented with the RLD-1 by swapping out the hard leads from PCB to RCA jacks on one input and output. I tried Mundorf silver and Cardas Litz wires and the Litz seemed to add some detail.
I'm curious what can be done to the RLD-1...maybe the power supply, some caps? Also been debating a Hegel P20 or P4A Mk2 pre. I would like to keep the HT bypass function.
My speakers are Polk SDA 2.3 TL which have been extensively upgraded and still continue to portray all my upgrades as they happen. While I know there are better speakers for critical listening, I can say they are currently not my sole limiting factor. The image, detail, soundstage they provide are exceptional and are immensly lifelike in sound quality....so no plans to change them.
Honestly the rig sounds way beyond what I expected, to the point where I could leave it be, but I know there's more to be had so I'm curious to hear all opinions.
I love my McCormack gear, would like to keep the pair, just exploring options right now with the preamp.
All input appreciated.