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Please Critique my Setup and Recommend Upgrade(s)

As a lifelong musician and former recording / pro audio engineer, this is my first foray into the world of HiFi and I could really use some advice and direction.  Last week I bought the following setup for a dedicated listening room that is essentially a 13x13 square room on three sides with the area behind me extending back another 25 or so feet.  There is a partial backwall about four feet wide but it is mostly open air behind me.  Ceilings are 9' and I have GIK bass traps in all corners, early reflection points on the side walls, and panels overhead between speakers and listening position.  Speakers are about 2 1/2 feet from back wall, 6 ft. apart, slightly toed in on cheap stands weighted down by cinder blocks.

1. 2017 VPI Scout Prime turntable with Ortofon Bronze
2. 2017 Rega Brio Integrated 50wpc Amp and Phono Stage
3. ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 Speakers

So far this setup certainly sounds good, but it isn't blowing me away either.  At lower volumes the soundstage feels a little small and two-dimensional.  At louder volumes the sound seems to fill the room more, thereby enhancing the soundstage and making the music feel more natural as opposed to coming from directly in front of me.  The stereo imaging is okay, but I expected a little more stereo separation.  Also, perhaps the speakers are still breaking in, but the ELACs don't seem to do the best job of presenting the music in a cohesive manner.  It sounds like the frequency bands are a little disjointed.    

Should I stick with the ELACs but consider a higher end integrated amp that can feed them a little more power like a Parasound Halo?  Or should I nix the ELACs and invest in some more efficient and higher end loudspeakers,e.g. Devore, ATC, ProAc, etc...?  Would I still get an audible improvement with these nicer and more efficient speakers if I stick with the Rega Brio, or do these high end speakers warrant a truly high end amp?  I ask because I likely can't upgrade both speakers and amp at the same time.    

I also considered the KEF LS50, but it seems like they are similar to the ELACs in that they are rather inefficient and need a powerful amp.  

   
529proaudio
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
All good ideas above. It's interesting that no one has mentioned the placement of the speakers. They play the room. Although you've tried different placements before you purchase something new try this. Sumiko Master Set Speaker setup. You may not be maximizing the speakers and their amplification specifically for your room. I don't believe in formulas. Take your time. Use your ears. And it's free. Once maximized then you can upgrade first with full range floor standing speakers you like then match an amp to them. Best of luck!
Post removed 
gdnrbob
4,447 posts
 
As others have said, and I concur, you could do with better speakers(first) and better amp/pre(second).
My 2 cents( and +1 kenny):
Start by going to as many dealers as possible and listen and learn what you like. Don't confine your listening to models in your price range, listen to the most expensive, too. 
This will give you the understanding of what is possible.
When you narrow down what you like/want. Then look for a matching amp and preamp. Again, a good dealer will help you with your decision, and you can always ask here, too.
Bob
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sfall
346 posts
 
" All good ideas above. It's interesting that no one has mentioned the placement of the speakers. "

I did. I also forgot to mention Vandersteen recommends the OP's Rega as a good match for the Model 1's.
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