Advice on going from mid level to high end

Don't, until you can actually hear new speakers demo'd in your present room. Your room may be the limiting factor. Once you find a set of speakers that sound much, much better with your present electronics, then move on to the other components. I have once you get passed the $10K mark for a system, diminishing returns set in. At one point I took my system up to almost $30K, only to back down to about $10K where the sound equaled the hi end price. While you are waiting, increase your media collection. It is all about the music.

Before you consider moving on, have you optimized the set up of your present speakers, listening position, and room acoustics? If not don't drop a dime until you have explored this thoroughly! There is so much to learn. The stuff you now have can sound fairly good if you pay close attention to this aspect of audio.

If you have actually mastered set up in your room, its time to think about EXACTLY what about the sound of your system you want, or need, to improve or change. If you can't define your goals you have very poor prospects for improving your system except to rely on some good luck after expending some serious coin. You might just need a lot of luck to decide which of your present components need to be changed to gain your objectives. New speakers are commonly the first choice, but I've seen some pretty good improvements which were made by changes in the electronics, so IMHO you've really got to spend some time in the think tank before you consider any changes.

BTW, I agree with Buconeroll7. Buy music in the format of your choice while you can, unless you are willing to rely on the internet. I also agree with him IF new speakers are the fundamental key to getting you to where you want to go.

Whadaya want? Whadaya tryin' to do? (I just watched some John Wayne movies). I could relate my own experience over the last 15 years, upgrading 2 systems 4-5 times each, buying and selling used, if I had enough time.

I pretty much made each decision based either on lust for some components I read about, or dis-satisfaction with my then-current system. So I went thru several diff. systems, with diff. combinations of Krell, Cary, VTL, b&w, Merlins, Totems, ARC, you name it. Loved or liked many of those, & have some good memories.

But I always had a purpose: upgrading this pre-amp, or this cable, or speaker, etc. because I wanted a diff. or "better" sound.

What do you want, pre-amp-wise, or speaker-wise? You have a very good power amp....w/o knowing your pre-amp or speakers I might suggest focusing on those.

The best move I made was to listen to as many systems as possible to learn what I needed. Then go to an audio show to hear 100's of speakers over the course of a weekend. You'll at least come away with 3 brands to investigate further...and eliminate others no matter how popular they are in audio circles.

To me the speakers will determine the right amp...then the amp will lead you to the right pre amp and so on. To start with amp or pre amp would then dictate the speakers you can choose from and that is putting the cart before the horse.