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
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You already enjoy totem, have you tried the totem winds.  About 5k used.  I have the winds and love them.  If I didn't do the winds my second choice was paradigm persona 3f.  I bought used from dealer and received full warranty.  
If you wanna try standmount give the Mad Buchardt S400s an audition. $30 for 45 days. Same bass as you got. Down to 25hz if you go active.  If you do that sell off before everybody else does, depressing the used market for DACs, amps, spkr cables etc.
Actives are the future.

Oz you can't talk to MC like that.
They ARE going to sound great to him even if to no one else.



05-30-2020 4:47amstart with the free stuff like plugging straight into the wall and working with speaker placement, I think you will find significant change from both. You will find no agreement here as to whether even new high quality power conditioners harm or help sound quality...


Yeah, good tip.   I've been playing with speaker placement since I started this thread.   Totems are now about 7+ feet apart, 16-20 inches from side wall and 3 feet from back wall.   Seems to image better and stage seems a bid wider.   I have yet to make some power changes.  Thanks.