Bhagwan's visit helped to put many things into perspective. I was bored with music/hifi/life in general, for various reasons. The reason which pertains to hifi was, that sound from my system had plateaued at a level which I had outgrown, but I was unable to raise it to the next level. I was contemplating selling the amp, speakers and cables and replacing them with brands which I theoretically like. Brands like Accuphase, Mcintosh, Dynaudio, Sonus Faber and Thiel. I did not really consider the move as an upgrade. More of a sideways move with an upward bias. I did not have much conviction in what I was doing.
Talking to Bhagwan helped to clear up a lot of things.
First that It was not a good move to replace Bryston with Accuphase or VA with Dynaudio without an audition. A blind call had worked for me when I bought Bryston/VA/Esoteric. I was a rookie when I bought them. Anything would have sounded good to me in 2010. My shortlist for amps in 2010 ranged from Cyrus, Primare, Arcam, Naim, Roksan Kandy, Musical Fidelity, Bryston, Plinius, Sim Moon and Accuphase! Rightly or wrongly, I now believe that midrange amps can take you till a particular level but amps like Bryston, Accuphase and Mcintosh are in a different league all together. Having had the privilege of using a Bryston pre/power for almost two years I could be happy with an Accuphase or Mcintosh but there was no way I could go back to Arcam or Cyrus. If I replace the Brystons it would be an expensive move. A move which no longer makes sense until I actually hear something which I like better than Bryston. My speakers are very close to my heart. Even if I find better speakers and can afford to buy them, parting with the VABBG's would be fraught with sadness, heartbreak and regret!
Second: Major or minor treatment of the room and a decent rack with thoroughly isolated and suspended shelf's would be huge upgrades in terms of boosting the sound quality. The basic room tweaks which Bhagwan recommended would not cost more than 3-4K.
Third: Upgrading to the next level of Transparent Audio. Buying decent power cords for the CDP/PRE/POWER AMP.
Four: Upgrading the preamp tube/solid state to something from BAT/Audio. Research
More to come. I have to rush for a boozathon at a nearby club. A rare event because I don't like the blended whiskies they stock. And I don't like their glasses, ice cubes, soda, over spiced snacks and sloppy service staff :sad: