Speakers or Amp

richard, ryan here (i bought your sashas a few years back). seriously, come to houston one weekend as i think you'd benefit greatly from a few $ spent on AC conditioning and some diff cabling before you go whole hog on speakers / separates. TG Audio (local mfg) makes some great (but not great looking) stuff, and think it may get you there faster than swapping boxes

Thanks for the recommendations:

Inna- I'm happy with my BDP2, Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC, and Wireworld Platinum cables

Nonoise- I've already heard the Raidho C3.1s, but not with my own components...on Saturday I will hear them with my own components

Rhljazz- I placed my panels according to what GIK told me to do, but I will experiment with removing the ceiling panels and or moving them along with the side panels

Fjn04- thanks for the suggestion, but my focus is JR 625 mk2 or the Raidho C3.1s

Changing the speakers will have the greatest impact on your sound. It used to be an unbreakable almost religious code that you pick your speakers first and build your system around them. Somehow that simple rule got lost, but I remain true to it. So get the speakers assuming it is as good business/financial deal compared with the amp. The cost to you may be the same- but are the two roughly equivalent in terms of discount.

Ric, given the choice strictly between the JRDG 625 mk2 & Capri 2 or Raidho C3.1's, I would go for the upgraded Rowland amps. The reason being the Raidho's have very average build quality & are way over-priced imho. And I know from whence I speak. I tried to sell a pair and they are boat ankers. The Rowland amps otoh have a solid reputation and generally good 2nd hand value.

But I agree with Mechans that a better pair of loudspeakers will have a greater impact on the sound of your system vs an amp upgrade. I was recently faced with the same choice; upgrading to Vitus separates from my current SIA-025 or upgrading my speakers. The latter option won, and the Magico S7's are currently front runner for my next pair of speakers.

If you're prepared to consider any other speaker options, I would look at a good 2nd hand pair of Proac Carbon 8's, Magico S5's or Vandersteen 5a carbons. Or even a new pair of Revel Ultima Salon 2's. And given the prodigious power of your JRDG amp, if you have a medium-large room with an even front wall, you could also consider a new pair of Graz-authorized resto'd Apogee Diva's such as the TSW Diva Ultimates.

Melguy1,

Thanks for the recommendations. I sent you a PM.