AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The Starting Block / Introductions => Topic started by: ajhess on 10 Feb 2019, 05:03 pm

Title: Where would you go next with this setup?
Post by: ajhess on 10 Feb 2019, 05:03 pm

Hi all.
I got into audiophilia when I was 16, back in 1976! I go in and out of it--I have a tendency toward OCD hobbies, so this is probably a good thing. Anyway, I'm looking at my current setup and wondering where to go. Want to chime in?

My setup:

Raspberry Pi 3+ w/ Logitech Media Server: This is relatively new. It is mounted with a touchscreen and serves my FLAC rips, Spotify, TV...I run it with my phone app, desktop, touchscreen...

Modwright Transporter: I've recently upgraded this with a EML Mesh rectifier and RCA grey-glass VT231 tubes, and I'm loving it. One concern is that the DAC tops out at 24/96, and I guess we've moved beyond that. I'd hate to get rid of this, but is this a bottleneck for my system? I use it as a preamp as well, feeding my amp, below.

Sony TA-4650: My purchase from 1976. Three years ago I brought it back to life, recapping it and putting in some diodes that will keep the Vfets alive. I think the changes improved the sound. There are some further enhancements that Ilizm (I think that's his username) has suggested, maybe that's something I could discuss later w/ y'all. You'd have to really have a good argument for me to part with this friend.

Totem Sttaf: I made some DIY cables for these (don't remember how). I've though about putting in ballast--anyone done this? I don't see myself putting $$ into new speakers. Maybe a sub?

Amiron Home: Just bought these. My first real headphones. Loving them, although I'm betting the headphone jack in the Sony is not doing them justice. I'm now researching HP amps.

My thoughts, in order of importance:

• Headphone amp: Either DIY or something on the order of Feliks Echo/Cavalli CTH? STill learning about headphone amps.
• DAC: Maybe I build a HP amp/DAC combo to upgrade the Transporter DAC? But then how would I then feed it to the Transporter, or would this mean the end of the Transporter (I just upgraded those tubes!)?
• Do the Sony upgrades: I can elaborate
• Other?

https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190269 (https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190269)
(http://[img]https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190269)

Title: Re: Where would you go next with this setup?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 11 Feb 2019, 04:10 am

Welcome AJhess :thumb: Nice system.

Title: Re: Where would you go next with this setup?
Post by: ajhess on 11 Feb 2019, 10:57 am

Thanks! The new tubes and headphones have taken it to another level.

So now what?

Title: Re: Where would you go next with this setup?
Post by: ArthurDent on 11 Feb 2019, 01:21 pm

Greetings & Welcome to AC ajhess   :thumb:

Title: Re: Where would you go next with this setup?
Post by: Phil A on 11 Feb 2019, 01:58 pm

Welcome!

Title: Re: Where would you go next with this setup?
Post by: toocool4 on 11 Feb 2019, 09:10 pm

Welcome to AudioCircle ajhess

If you are happy with what you have, no need to change it. Just enjoy.

Title: Re: Where would you go next with this setup?
Post by: Folsom on 11 Feb 2019, 10:35 pm

Power conditioner first, swarm subwoofers second.