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Which to Upgrade first? My Amplifier or Speakers?

I have owned a nice system for years, but I am hardly an audiophile. You people impress me with your depth of knowledge of audio. I've been following this site for some time. This is my first post.
From time to time I replace or upgrade components. I've got a tricked out Linn Sondek LP 12 turntable. I recently acquired a McIntosh MP 100 phono amp and am hearing LP's now that exceed anything I've heard on CD's and equal if not exceed the output of my SACD's. I bring this up only to give a flavor of what I listen to.
The issue is as follows: I have a McIntosh MC 206 Amp that I bought in 2003 that puts out 200 watts per channel. I have no issues with it, although I've never had anything to compare it with. I've read some impressive reviews of how much of a difference an amplifier can make to the quality of sound output. For speakers I have Magnepan 3.6R's that I also bought in 2003. I love them. I can only afford to upgrade one at a time - let's say in the neighborhood of 10 - 12K. So, I'd like to hear what this august body has to say about which I should upgrade first and why? The amp or the speakers? Thank you.
normantaylor

Showing 1 response by jhills

jhills
610 posts
 
Hi Norman, 
We haven't heard anything back from you since your first post.
Would be interesting to know if and how your room is treated, what type of music do you enjoy. It seems you are quite happy with the job your current system does on the music you like and wonder if you can take the same sound to an even higher level?
Now in my late 60s, for the music I listen to: Contemporary, Light Jazz, light Pop, Blues, Celtic, Folk, Acoustic and  basically anything with good vocals and real instruments - I wouldn't even consider anything other than planars or electrostats. I love my little Maggie 1.7s but If upgrading, I would strongly consider the Maggie 3.7i with a pair of Bob Carver Crimson or Raven 350 tubed mono blocks or for solid state, possibly a Bryston 4B SST2 or Cubed. I see here on Agone and on AudioMart either of these combos used for around or under $12K. Sometime add a decent sub to augment the bottom 20-40Hz and considering how much you like the system you have, for the money, I can't think of anything that would do a better job at bringing that sound to a higher level.

Best of luck and happy listening.......Jim  
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