Help with upgrade bug...


First time posting.   I've had this fairly satisfying system for some time now and am looking at upgrading to a higher end set of speakers.  Looking for a wider, deeper stage and possibly more involving presentation.  Listen to a lot of female vocals and acoustic music -- using XRCD and SACD, primarily.   

Oppo BDP 105
Benchmark DAC3 HGC (headphone or occasional Ipod/Mac duties)
Plinius 9200 integrated
Totem Acoustic Forest
Kimber Hero/8TC and Shunyata power cords
Monster HTS3600

Room is about 15x11 feet.   8 ft ceiling.   Current speakers are along the shorter wall, about 2 feet out, 6 feet apart.   

Budget probably around $5k, give or take (used or new).   I've been somewhat partial to standmounts but would not be totally opposed to another set of floor standers.   The low end extension of my Forests are for the most part, enough for my ears with the music I listen to.   If I do get standmounts, I wouldn't be totally opposed to adding a sub later on (although integrating them would be a different discussion altogether).  

I've looked considerably at the Dynaudio Confidence C1 (Platinum), Contour 20 or Special 40 (given I've heard good things about Plinius and Dynaudio synergy).   I've also considered the Joseph Audio Pulsars.   Unfortunately, demo possibilities are limited.  

Thanks! 

128x128benj273
LoL, did not mean poser, even though it’s fitting.

my fat thumb hit the s instead of the w... damn fat thums
that Monster can degrade the sound of your very good electronics...I use similar Monster’s with my home theater and computer, so I’m not an anti-Monster guy...but your gear is too good...
jl352,594 posts05-29-2020 4:09pmthat Monster can degrade the sound of your very good electronics...I use similar Monster’s with my home theater and computer, so I’m not an anti-Monster guy...but your gear is too good...


Good thought.  I may give it a try and get a different conditioner.   I've been partial to Shunyata power conditioning products too.  Ah.. another dilemma... 
b_limo1,417 posts05-29-2020 3:52pmDitch the monster, upgrade your outlets ($50 a piece), get a better power strip (maybe ps audio dectect) buy some room treatments from gik then decide.  You can do all this for $2,000.  If you still want to upgrade yoUr speakers, go from there!


Yes, looking at power conditioning and some budget tweaks sound pretty good too.   I've actually never looked at room treatments. Will have to do some more reading on this...