I appreciate your loyalty to the dealers who guide you, it helps keep them in business.
I was thinking you were using reviews and online opinion to do your upgrading.
With regard to 'soundstage and separation':
As I said before, the Preamp is probably your weakest link and will probably be the most significant (in sound) change in your system.
With regard to digital:
I built a micro PC for streaming and bought a Schiit Dac running into McCormack Pre and amp. It sounds great. In fact, I love streaming Spotify and Classics Online so much, that I hardly ever use my CD library anymore. I know there are purists who swear by vinyl, but, being of the LP generation, I can't believe how wonderful not having to get up and change a record can be. Also, I get to listen to composers that I never had the time or inclination to listen to before.
I was thinking you were using reviews and online opinion to do your upgrading.
With regard to 'soundstage and separation':
As I said before, the Preamp is probably your weakest link and will probably be the most significant (in sound) change in your system.
With regard to digital:
I built a micro PC for streaming and bought a Schiit Dac running into McCormack Pre and amp. It sounds great. In fact, I love streaming Spotify and Classics Online so much, that I hardly ever use my CD library anymore. I know there are purists who swear by vinyl, but, being of the LP generation, I can't believe how wonderful not having to get up and change a record can be. Also, I get to listen to composers that I never had the time or inclination to listen to before.