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First "audiophile" system, now what? Suggestions for best "bang for the buck" upgrade?

After being beguiled with mp3s and the TV AVR, I finally realized I missed having a dedicated stereo system. With a budget of $2400, here is what I put together:
  ProJect Carbon 1 w/TizoAcrylic platter and Ortofon Red cartridge,
  Hagerman Bugle2 preamp,
  Vincent V-60 tube amp,
  Martin Logan 12 speakers.
 No special wires or cables. My room is 14x19 that is open to the kitchen. Compared to what I had been hearing, this system sounds fabulous. But now I want more fabulous. So I am writing to seek help on making short term/long term plans to upgrade. Short term means the biggest improvement in sound that costs $500 or less. The long term plan could cost maybe $2-3k or more. I have read that going from Ortofon Red to Blue might be a an inexpensive but very noticeable improvement? If speakers are my weak link, then maybe Martin Logan electrostatics would be good (when my ship comes in)?
I welcome any suggestions.
128x128etwilley
beernut's avatar
beernut
297 posts
 
You have been given a wealth of great advice already. I will say in 35 years in this wonderful hobby, the biggest difference maker in my systems has always been speakers. Amps, yes. CD players, yes. Cartridges, to a point. The room, certainly! However that's a bit tricky to tackle with a family and real world issues. Personally, I'd look to speakers first that are compatible with your amplification....

yage
400 posts
 
I’d save up for better speakers. Lots of options open up when you have $2k to spend. Also - don’t limit yourself to just Martin Logan.
ggc
178 posts
 
Good Day Etwilley,

If you are absolutely serious - embrace that this hobby is a series of long term strategies that require patients and knowledge.  If you want the best bang for the buck, start by investing in Power, Power Power. Realize that $500 is not going to much of anything for you at this stage.

Take the $500 save it, start a fund so that you are making sage decisions on building a solid power delivery system. Power cables, power distributor - not conditioner, Interconnect cables and speaker cables. Once you have that set, then look to the components, speakers etc..

You will save significant amounts money by working from a position of strength. If you know you have great power feeding your system, the easier it will be for you to know which components / speaker etc. are the best for you in the long run. Enjoy your journey and have fun.
gdnrbob
4,445 posts
 
That's very sound advice ggc(no pun intended). I concur.

spenrock
24 posts
 

Hello @etwilley, 

I suggest you invest your short term funds in room treatment.  You can improve the sound in almost any room.  If your room has problems, almost no audio system will sound good, and certainly not its best.

The easiest place to start is probably putting either absorption or diffraction panels on the sidewalls. You can find a good position by having someone hold a mirror on the sidewall. Sitting in your listening position, where you see the tweeter (and midrange) is where to put the panel. You can always adjust later if needed.

If you are handy, you can DIY several panels for about $150 or less. I use Roxul Safe n Sound (IS 1.5” panels preferred because they are denser and have similar sound absorption properties.) for absorption and acoustic fabric to cover.  You can place additional panels on the front wall behind the speakers if needed.

If you have bass issues, traps can help improve the sound balance of the system. Easiest way to set, is to you play a consistent bass track and wander around the room. If you discover peaks and valleys, or your listening position is not “right,” then the traps will help a lot. The bas traps can be constructed the same way, just double or triple up the Roxul IS panels. 

If you DIY the panels, you can use your leftover funds on entry-level audiophile cables which are probably a good investment. As @ggc stated above, power is important and often overlooked.

Enjoy your new hobby, but be warned, it is addictive!

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