I'm guessing (?) that your CDP may be one of your weakest links. What about a used Planet 2000, or Meridian 506? But if you want to upgrade your TT, how about a used Rega P25, or VPI Scout? You might even be able to get one with a better cartridge (than yours) included in the deal. A couple of years ago I bought a 1 mo. old P25 with a Benz Glider for what the table alone would have cost new. Good luck.

steveaudio February 01, 2004 14:49

Suggest you consider swapping out the Blue Point Special for a Shure V15xMR. Costs less than the BPS did ($199 from Jack's Music Factory), but I'll bet you find it a definite upgrade regardless. Good luck, Dave

dopogue February 01, 2004 12:20

What's mechanical? What actually makes any sound that your hear? And therefore, what can affect that sound the most? Since they (speakers & cartridge) have orders of magnitude more effect than anything else that's the big(gest) ticket.

I haven't played w/ different cartridge stuff for a while so I'll pass there. If you already like your speakers then room treatment "stuff" can make a noticable and measurable difference. If you like them but just you're bored with those speakers you could either snag the 3A's or just choose from a bunch of big $$$ alternatives and send your 3's to me ;-)

I'll get flamed for this part, but your cables and interconnects are already fine (unless you want to upgrade to B&D outdoor extension wire). I'd expect educated decisions from a grad student - since your Kimber power cord is in serial w/ the whole line of wires all the way back to the power plant I'm sure you studied their affect...

Things mechanical & things that actually make the sound - that's where to focus most of the $$$.

[email protected] February 01, 2004 01:43

I second Quicke's response. Have fun.

upstateaudio January 30, 2004 23:50

Room treatments will have the greatest impact on what you hear.

quicke January 30, 2004 21:39

Thanks for the advice. The Classe Six does have a built in phono pre. Inb fact when it was new TAS described it as the (one of) the best phono preamps they had ever heard. What sort of speaker cables have people found work with the Vandersteens?

chanifin January 30, 2004 16:45

Upgrade the AA. Going up to a 3.0 will make a huge difference (I really like AA).

elevick January 30, 2004 15:39

Replace the Audio Alchemy DAC. Get a Muse Model Two plus. It is much better sounding than the AA, IMO.

timo January 30, 2004 15:03

I would upgrade the interconnects and speaker cables. The ones you have are fine, but your system is good enough to notice the difference with even better cables. Do you really need 15 feet?

Since I don't see a phono preamp, I assume the Classe has one built in ???

sugarbrie January 30, 2004 14:40

Depending on your price range power cables for your Classe amplifier are the way to go. They are the least appreciated "component in a system".

morasp January 30, 2004 11:11