I need more cowbell....

I am always amazed when people ask for upgrade advice, folks give their opinions when it is never discussed what you like or don't like about your present system. When this happens it is a recipe for disaster. Like grasping in the dark, findin a needle in a .......... well, you get the picture

I would love to give you some suggestions, and I think others would to, but I think that it is really important to answer the above question as well as the type of music you like, volumes you listen at and musical reproduction values.

Afterwhich, the advice you get might actually address your needs. I hope this helps!

Hey Pops, don't fear the reaper!

Great answers guys - that bit on SNL always makes beer fly out my nose.

Ozfly - thanks for the suggestions - I have tube rolled and find the GE's sound best, warm yet airly, I've tried Mullards - too warm, hitachi's - burn out too soon. I'm using a homemade dispersion unit on the wall between speakers - I have 4 to 5 feet to the sides and have tried absorption but I don't think I need it. Porter Ports sound interesting. I've had the Thiels 3 years and bought em used - I think they were sold in 1993.

Newbee - I do like the speakers alot although they are a little dry - tubes might be in my future. I might move up the Thiel line eventually. They like alot of room and I've got that so they image like crazy, really fill up the stage.

Sheno - the premier 14 is warm - maybe too laid back?

Ramstl - I'm happy with the system just looking for maybe a little more presence, resolution. I listen to rock, classic rock, some alternative "Wilco", blues, some jazz, bluegrass/folk. I do play music loud most of the time.

Thanks for the advice. Give me some more!!

Aroc - I can't believe you pulled out Bruce Dickenson! That's impressive!!!!

I'd go for an Audio research LS-16 Mk II (or if your really feeling like a sport, the LS-25 Mk II) coupled to a Plinius SA-102. I've listened to CJ preamps and never liked them. Also, I bought a Classe CA-300 and stashed my ARC Classic 60 in the closet.
A few months went by and I was auditioning some new speakers. I wondered how they would sound through the CL-60. I hooked 'em up and the difference blew me away.
The Classe went back to dealer and the CL-60 was back to stay (until the VT-100 came out).
I'd recommend tubes but almost everyone agrees your 3.6s need SS.