Just a short background... I purchased most of my equipment in 1996. JVC XLZ1050TN CD Player, McCormick MLD Preamp, Acurus A250 Amp, Audioquest Midnight Cables, Joseph Audio RM7si Speakers. I recently purchased a SVS SB13 Ultra Sub, and a Pioneer Elite N50 Network Player. My system has been in storage for 9 years and in the last two months, I have set it up again and am enjoying audio at home (I can't believe I went 9 years without it as I am enjoying it immensely).
I've been in contact with SMC about upgrading my MLD with a new board, volume control, jacks and power supply (per their suggestion). I currently use the unit passively and their statement is that after the upgrade I should use the active stage as I will be pleasantly surprised with the increase in sound quality.
This evening I purchased a used Vincent SP331 Hybrid Amp. I was considering the Vincent SV237 integrated but ultimately, a savings of $1600 won out but...
The SMC upgrade will run me about $1100.00 and it won't be remote controlled. I've found that I'm getting tired of getting up to change inputs (to check quality differences between CD and my Network player with FLAC files) and a remote for volume adjustment would be nice as well.
There in lies the crux. Do I invest the money in the non remote McCormick MLD, live without remote and hope to be blown away sonically or is it time to jump ship and buy another preamp?
Just a short background... I purchased most of my equipment in 1996. JVC XLZ1050TN CD Player, McCormick MLD Preamp, Acurus A250 Amp, Audioquest Midnight Cables, Joseph Audio RM7si Speakers. I recently purchased a SVS SB13 Ultra Sub, and a Pioneer Elite N50 Network Player. My system has been in storage for 9 years and in the last two months, I have set it up again and am enjoying audio at home (I can't believe I went 9 years without it as I am enjoying it immensely).
I've been in contact with SMC about upgrading my MLD with a new board, volume control, jacks and power supply (per their suggestion). I currently use the unit passively and their statement is that after the upgrade I should use the active stage as I will be pleasantly surprised with the increase in sound quality.
This evening I purchased a used Vincent SP331 Hybrid Amp. I was considering the Vincent SV237 integrated but ultimately, a savings of $1600 won out but...
The SMC upgrade will run me about $1100.00 and it won't be remote controlled. I've found that I'm getting tired of getting up to change inputs (to check quality differences between CD and my Network player with FLAC files) and a remote for volume adjustment would be nice as well.
There in lies the crux. Do I invest the money in the non remote McCormick MLD, live without remote and hope to be blown away sonically or is it time to jump ship and buy another preamp?