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First "audiophile" system, now what? Suggestions for best "bang for the buck" upgrade?

After being beguiled with mp3s and the TV AVR, I finally realized I missed having a dedicated stereo system. With a budget of $2400, here is what I put together:
  ProJect Carbon 1 w/TizoAcrylic platter and Ortofon Red cartridge,
  Hagerman Bugle2 preamp,
  Vincent V-60 tube amp,
  Martin Logan 12 speakers.
 No special wires or cables. My room is 14x19 that is open to the kitchen. Compared to what I had been hearing, this system sounds fabulous. But now I want more fabulous. So I am writing to seek help on making short term/long term plans to upgrade. Short term means the biggest improvement in sound that costs $500 or less. The long term plan could cost maybe $2-3k or more. I have read that going from Ortofon Red to Blue might be a an inexpensive but very noticeable improvement? If speakers are my weak link, then maybe Martin Logan electrostatics would be good (when my ship comes in)?
I welcome any suggestions.
128x128etwilley

Showing 1 response by ggc

ggc
178 posts
 
Good Day Etwilley,

If you are absolutely serious - embrace that this hobby is a series of long term strategies that require patients and knowledge.  If you want the best bang for the buck, start by investing in Power, Power Power. Realize that $500 is not going to much of anything for you at this stage.

Take the $500 save it, start a fund so that you are making sage decisions on building a solid power delivery system. Power cables, power distributor - not conditioner, Interconnect cables and speaker cables. Once you have that set, then look to the components, speakers etc..

You will save significant amounts money by working from a position of strength. If you know you have great power feeding your system, the easier it will be for you to know which components / speaker etc. are the best for you in the long run. Enjoy your journey and have fun.
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