The Next Step - what would you do?

Tonywinsc, i'd rather get a new girlfriend than have TWO systems! haha, thanks for the post but i neglected to mention my apartment is only 86m2, with no dedicated listening space. my system has to be in the living room, without sending off geek alarms [more than it already does].

Honest1 and Timrhu, you guys are right on the ball, i think the audio physic virgo or CS1.6 are good suggestions.

Horseface, thanks for your post, i have had Cornwall IIs in the past and would like to stay away from horns as i'm not crazy about their imaging qualities, or tone. though i did admittedly love the corwalls. and you're correct, my post was a little too vague.

i didn't really do a good job of communicating what it is i am after. For the record, i am satisfied with the overall tone and character of the system as it is, but i just need more resolution and dynamics. i realise there are generally two ways i could upgrade from where i am, and that is, more current, or more sensitive speakers. my question is not about 'what' to buy, but 'why'.

the real question is:
in your varied and likewise relevant opinions, Audiogoners, which direction would you choose to go, and why?

cheers!
D

thanks for all the answers [and humor]. but we're not addressing the real question, regarding an upgrade to either a higher current amp, or more sensistive speakers:

'in your varied and likewise relevant opinions, Audiogoners, which direction would you choose to go, and why?'

[except Elizabeth, a very relevant suggestion]

2chnlben, i'm waiting to make that jump, my whole library is already ripped as Apple Lossless. i tried streaming wirelessly to an airport express, and an optical cable to my DAC but the sound wasn't as good as from CD. when i can stream it wirelessly, and then via AES/EBU to my DAC, i'll gladly buy whatever it is they're selling.

Jallen, my room is 5m x 5m, unfortunately, and the ceiling is 7m at it's highest point, angled downward 30° toward my listening position. most of the walls are hard surfaces. i'm doing my best to dampen with carpets etc. the speakers are 2m apart, one half meter from the back wall, and i sit about 3m from the speakers. i listen at moderate volume, sometimes louder, seldom at low volume.

Knownothing, this is a point that i have heard many times before. i need to audition some proacs or spendors here in berlin.

or better[and more expensive] yet just buy the cs1.6 and an equivalent pair of proac/spendor, audition them in my place over a few weeks, then keep the pair i like best. i could A/B/C/D them against my old CS0.5, would be a fun test. CS1.6/response D15[or 2.5 or 140]/spendor S8/S9 [all second hand, of course]. opinions?

i'm shopping for interconnects right now, should have a nicer pair soon.

okay, on the way i have the Thiel CS1.6, and Sonics Amerigo, both second hand demo pairs, from hifi shops. the thiels i paid a premium for, and the sonics i got a deal on so they were almost the same price. =)

i haven't found the appropriate Spendors yet, and Proacs have the binding posts so high that i'd need to buy new speaker cables, as mine are 'just' long enough for speakers with connection at the bottom. i know this is a small point! still, i have to draw the line somewhere. for now i'll just A/B/C these against my existing CS0.5, and keep the pair i like best.

also, i'm upgrading my interconnects to PS Audio Xstream statement XLR, but they haven't arrived yet. [also waiting for a C.E.C TL5100 belt drive transport] so, i'll be sure to let you know how the comparison goes. thanks for all the great advice.

am i giving anyone else a case of upgrade-itis?

D

arrgh, i just missed a pair of spendor S8e for cheep cheep. thought i'd be clever and bid at the last second, then got the message that i wasn't allowed to bid because the buyer hadn't authorized international sending!

Honest1, i did take your advice [sort-of], but i don't like the appearance of the Virgos, and the Allegra was not possible to get in the finish i liked at the price i was willing to pay =). i'll be posting my impression of the Amerigos.

thanks again, everyone for all the fine advice!