Best and Worst Upgrades

[NickofWimbledon]

I’ve added recent stuff, and date-ranked. Scores at the end are a ‘1’ for a big change and a ‘3’ for consistently better if you concentrate but really not big. ‘XXXX’ means worse or no overall improvement.

Isoacoustics Gaia II feet under B&W 804 D3 speakers. 2022 2
Nain 300DR replacing Nain 250 power amplifier. 2022 2
New radial for mains supply, 8 sockets 2
Add SRM base and isolation platform to LP12/ Targett stand. 2022 3
Witch Hat Morgana complete loom to replace Naim standard and Hi-Line. 2022 3
Anti-vibration rubber bits from HRS for Naim kit, esp Superline and SC. 2022 3
Airplug Z replacing standard plug in Superline. 2022 3
Superline power to 52 from Hicap. 2022 3

Ethernet cable and switch for NDX2 in place of wi-fi. 2021 3
Karousel and Lingo 4 replacing Cirkus and Lingo 1. 2021 1

XPSDR for NDX2. 2020 2
Naim 52 in place of Naim 82. 2020 1
Supercap to replace 2 Hicaps on Naim 82. 2020 2
Superline to replace Linn Linto. 2020 1
Tellurium Black 2 speaker cable in place of Naim A5, largely for non-hi-fi reasons. 2020 3
B&W 804 D3s in place of Shahinian Compassses. 2020 1

Added Naim NDX2 streamer. 2019
All Naim boxes serviced. 2017 2
Second Hicap for Naim 82. 2017 3
Linn Kore to replace original sub-chassis. 2016 1
Linn Krystal to replace (knackered Arkiv). 2016 1

Hi-line to replace grey standard Naim interconnect for CDS2. 2012 3

CDS2 and PS to replace Marantz 52 -2-SE. 2006 1
Linn Arkiv to replace Ortofon MC25E, plus Lingo 1, Linto. 2006 1

HNE granite & oak spiked rack to replace Sound Org three-legged racks. 2004 3
Naim 82 & 250 to replace 72 & 140 (retaining Hicap). 2002 1
Shahinian Compasses to replace Rega ELAs. 2001 2
Rega ELA speakers to replace Heybrook HB1s. 2000 XXXXX
Ortofon MC25E to replace K5. 2000 2

Linn Ekos to replace Linn Basik Plus arm. 1999 1
Naim A5 to replace un-remembered budget speaker cable 1997 3
Marantz CD52 2SE added. 1995
Naim Hicap added to 72/140. 1995 2

Naim 72 & 140 to replace Creek 4040. 1994 1
LP12 (Cirkus, Valhalla, Basik Plus, K5) to replace Rega Planar 3. 1994 1

[Premmyboy]

I wonder how many others started with a similar setup of Rega P3, Creek 4040 & Heybrook HB1?
It was my first real system and very good it was too for just under £500 from memory.

[NickofWimbledon]

Anyone who listened to (and with) Jude Martens from Grahams in the late 80s and 90s…

[Premmyboy]

Funny thing is I got mine from Studio 99 in Swiss Cottage.
It was at a later date I became a regular at Grahams where Ray used to cater for my LP12 needs.

[NickofWimbledon]

Perhaps great minds (and ears) think alike?

[graham55]

I think that your memory has slipped slightly, he was Jude Martens (if we’re talking about the same lovely man). He retired to live on the South Coast a few years ago.

It was he who started me on my serious dive into high fidelity some 40 years ago, and I’m pleased to say that I have all of it still (well, a few titivations here and there, esp to the LP12).

[NickofWimbledon]

Whoops! You’re right of course - I looked at what I typed and corrected. Thanks.

[steviebee]

Ray was lovely, and a great LP12 fettler. Hope he’s enjoying his retirement. Colin has big boots to fill!

[Premmyboy]

Yeah he certainly was a nice chap. I’ve moved away from London area so I’ve not been to Graham’s for quite a few years.
I didn’t realise Ray had retired.

[randi]

Latest upgrade: I wanted a second Rel T9i, but since they don’t make them anymore, I couldn’t find one, so I got 2 Rel T9x instead.
From the first sound, I absolutely got goosebumps. Bigger stage in all directions, better separation, betterd definition, the timbre of instruments have improved. Especially strings (acoustic guitars, pianos) sound a lot more realistic.
I dare to compare this upgrade with the addition of 555DR on the 272, it is huge.
So for anyone considering a 555DR, maybe could look at adding 2 subs instead, for 1/3 or the price.
Extremely recommended!