JanZen has a hybrid dynamic/electrostatic in your price range that has gotten excellent reviews!
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.
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.
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- 57 posts total
So what I’m reading, you love your amp, you love your speakers, you love your turntable, and you really love your new phono stage. For good reason, I would say. Those are all really good, highly regarded components. Congratulations! Now the bad news. Being so good makes it really hard finding replacements that will be true genuine upgrades and not merely different but around the same level. The easy way out (for me) is do like everyone else and stick to your literal question only being me answer it better with get Tekton Double Impacts or Moab or Ulfberht something like that. But that would be doing you an injustice. You got a nice system. No wonder you love it. What you want I’m guessing is more of what you just got with the phono stage. The good news is the price range you are in will get you the newest and just about the best Synergistic Research interconnect and speaker cables, Atmosphere Level III Euphoria. Which if you think you love your new phono stage, wait till you hear these! Absolutely guaranteed to rock your world. (Literally, guaranteed: all Synergistic come with 30 day guarantee.) Plus maybe even have $$ left over for a full complement of PHT, ECT, HFT and some Orange Fuses. Or just get the Ulfberhts. http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/tekton-design-ulfberht-loudspeaker/ Either way, you can thank me later. |
Go listen to different speakers and amplifiers. Let your wallet and ears determine what to upgrade, if anything. I've had the same dilemma, so I started by listening to speakers. Everything I prefer over my current speakers were way out of my price range, so I kept my speakers. I'm still in the process of listening to different amps and preamps. |
Unless you need more level than the Maggies can provide, forget the upgrade and get a pair of powered subwoofers. I replaced my single Force w 2x Martin Logan 800x. I am a fan of a gently 6db roll-off on the mains with a 18db roll-off in the sub. The ML have a most flexible control system that allows near perfect integration. The 800x were later well reviewed on Stereophile. https://www.stereophile.com/content/martinlogan-dynamo-800x-powered-subwoofer While there are many subs, very few have the required adjustability to properly integrate. Requirements: • Continuous Phase Control • Phase Invert • Multi Slope XO Frequency • Down Firing • Sealed • Independent Music and LFE Inputs There is a cell phone app that makes integration a doddle. Add the Perfect Bass Kit and the subs can be perfectly set up in a couple of hours using REW and/or the ML Anthem utility. For more info about integrating subs see http://ielogical.com/Audio/SubTerrBlues.php and my install http://ielogical.com/Audio/#DoubleDouble The ONLY negative I have found is the subs are light. Easily solved http://ielogical.com/assets/Audio/SubWeight.jpg PM for assistance on creating a simple XO for the mains. http://ielogical.com/Audio/#SmallestThings An articulate, extended and veracious low end adds realism out of all proportion to the numbers. |
- 57 posts total