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What should my next upgrade be? Your best experience

I have the itch to upgrade my system now that I've been in it for a moment. I mostly stream (Deezer) or listen to CD/SACD content. I occasionally play vinyl but rarely, I'm sure I will continue to grow into it but am not looking to improve the TT now. I listen to mostly Classic Rock, Jazz, Blues, and Indie music. I'm listening to Talking Heads (live acoustic) as I write this. The Marantz PM-11s3 has zero issues pushing the Monitor Audio Silver 8s, it actually is a little over kill for them I think, as it has complete control of them, never losing its composure.  So there is zero chance the PM-11s3 is up for replacement at this point.
The room is 14'x40' with 12' ceilings. The system has no issue filling every inch and at high volumes so no issue there.

Current system is -

Marantz PM-11s3
Marantz UD7007
Marantz TT-42 
Sonos Connect
Monitor Audio Silver 8's
Analysis Plus Purple Oval 12 bi-wire
Tributaries 8AB XLR (UD7007 to PM-11s3)
Tributaries 2A RCA (Sonos to PM-11s3)
CyberPower Conditioner

The obvious direction, it seems to me, is speakers? But am I missing something? Would upgrading to a real audio quality conditioner with an upgraded power cable give me something more and set me in the right direction for future upgrades? 
Or am I not where I need to be with cables? Can I make a sonic improvement by upgrading speaker cables and/or interconnects while again getting myself in a good position for future upgrades?
I have to admit that this is the best system I've had and I do love every minute of listening to it.... Its fast, accurate, and punchy yet it has great sound stage and its not clinical. It has that Marantz sound/charm (warm but not clouded).
I know posts like this are common and beaten to death but my system is unique as it is mine and probably not exactly like anybody else's...
Never-the-less, I know I'm nowhere near where most of you are! And I know for a fact I have much less knowledge than most of you. I'd like to keep bettering my system, moving towards the personal listening nirvana if you will. So what direction would you head in if you were in my shoes?
264win
jl35
3,982 posts
 
Good to know, thanks...
toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone
840 posts
 
I'm with wiilem on looking into room treatment/system setup if you haven't already. Sorting out reflection points, resonance issues and bass nodes will help a lot. Like, a whole lot. Going from untreated/minimal setup to treated and properly setup can sound like a whole new, upgraded system. I'd do that before working with cabling. Then you'd be able to hear differences in cabling/components more easily.

As for the Sonos.. not sure what to do there. Looks like the advice is all over the place.

Good luck!
jl35
3,982 posts
 
Even the above stereophile review recommended an external DAC. Certainly worth s free trial
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
As a Vandersteen Quatro CT owner, I can tell you that they are amazing.  One of hte best values in high end audio I personally have owned.  That works in my room with my gear.  

What size room again?  What budget?  Speakers make  huge difference of course, but a top pre amp is important as is the source you feed it.  Cables to me are the last thing to think about.  ..What do you really want to change first?  Do you have a complete system in mind for hte end game?  That's important IMHO.  I buy a system rather than top rated gear and put it together.  Synergy is so important.  Heck, I've heard Vandy Treo's driven by an inexpensive NAD integrated sound better than a twice as expensive speaker from a top name maker sound worse when run with very expensive top rated electronics.  Just was a terrible match up.  JMHO
mesch
3,481 posts
 
Totally agree with implementing room treatment and system setup prior to changing equipment. Then upgrading the DAc and streaming system.

 


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