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Best upgradable system components for under $6K

Hello All,

I plan on upgrading my system with components that I can live with in the short term and the long term (hopefully so I don't have to keep upgrading components as I upgrade my speakers).

I currently have an NAD 356BEE integrated and while it is entry level I must admit it sounds very nice. My room is 14'8" by 20'4" and I currently have a pair of Legacy Classics (not Classic HD). My goal is to make my next big purchase on components in the $6k or less range but I would like to make it a once and for all purchase. In other words I'm looking for something I can live with for 15-20 years without worrying about upgrading.

I would prefer to stay solid state and don't mind having an integrated or pairing separates. New or used also doesn't matter as long as it is a great bang for the bucks. My ultimate goal is to one day be driving a pair of Acoustic Zen Crescendo or Vandersteen Quattro speakers. A 200wpc + consideration would be preferred but I’m flexible on that too lol.

Finally my music selection is a bit diverse. I like jazz, soft rock and new age. Some of my favorites are Dave Matthews, John Mayer, the Wallflowers and John Tesh. I value your opinions highly and would love the community's input on the best component upgrades for my $6k budget.
xerotrace
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,155 posts
 
The whole point of an active speaker is that it functions as a single, integrated component. It is more than an amp connected to a driver. Take a look at the Linkwitz floorstander. It is an active loudspeaker system designed to function optimally in a real room.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"03-26-15: Onhwy61
The whole point of an active speaker is that it functions as a single, integrated component. It is more than an amp connected to a driver. Take a look at the Linkwitz floorstander. It is an active loudspeaker system designed to function optimally in a real room."

I understand where you are going with that, but just because a active speaker is well designed, doesn't automatically make it the best choice. You're not taking into account the sound quality of an active speaker. Using the Ayre/Vandersteen example again, how would you find an active speaker that has the same qualities as that combo? Both pieces have a very unique sound. I've never heard another amp, regardless of cost or brand, that has the same sonic qualities as the Ayre V-5. Same thing with Vandersteen. No active speaker that I know of is time and phase correct. So, if you like that combo, you won't be able to duplicate the sound with an active speaker. You'll need to buy the separates. There's just no other way around it. Maybe if Ayre and Vandersteen worked on building an active speaker together they could make it sound like the separates. But that would be it. It won't happen any other way.
mesch
3,427 posts
 
Yes Al, I failed to consider the NAD amp/speaker interaction. I just assumed that the OP was satisfied with the sound of of the amp section driving his current speakers and was throwing a little kidding Zd’s way.
xerotrace OP
30 posts
 
Thank you everyone for you input. I think I need to do some auditioning with the Vandys to see how they sound to my ears. The Ayre sounds like a leading contender with my speaker choice so I will certainly give those a listen.
mesch
3,427 posts
 
Yes, do your homework. I couldn’t say what i would do of I had your budget. I know I would take advantage of the fact that I currently have a satisfying system and take my time, buy each component for the long haul and with an end plan that allows for synergy toward my listening preferences. I have enjoyed your thread. Good luck and please keep us posted.
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