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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
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,000 posts
 
I agree with Pizzano,

Buy 2 REL S series subs.  Don’t waste your money on the T series.  I couldn’t believe how my sound quality improved by adding REL’s.  Bass response is the first to drop out at lower volumes.  You can play the volume down and still hear bass.  Great when entertaining people.
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,000 posts
 
I recently listened to a pair of Revel Performa’s. Wonder what others think of them.  They sell for $7,000.
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,549 posts
 

Speakers

erik_squires
15,647 posts
 

Nothing. 

It's only an "upgrade" if you have a direction you want to go in.  Otherwise it's just a change.

What do you know you like better?  Anything? 

vinylvalet
836 posts
 

I'd wait until you're in your new home. With more flexibility in speaker/listening position and the ability to add some aesthetically appealing room treatment, you may be satisfied with what you already have. You would need two subwoofers, not one for proper music reproduction. Trying to get ideal home theatre (articulation of speech) and stereo music reproduction out of one system is always a futile exercise.

If I was in your position and did want to change speakers, amp or both and considering this is a pro audio forum, do what many of the best recording studios in the world do and go with active ATC speakers within your budget.

I knew a professional musician who had a very good Magnapan system in a nice, purpose built, dedicated stereo listening room switch to active ATC speakers.

Finally, regarding fine tuning of your existing components, I strongly recommend getting Jim Smith's $35 book, Get Better Sound. Follow his advice in your new home and you may not need to upgrade anything.

Get Better Sound

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