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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
ctsooner's avatar
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
3,527 posts
 
Totally agree with implementing room treatment and system setup prior to changing equipment. Then upgrading the DAc and streaming system.

 


ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Teh nice thing about room treatment can mean a well placed quilt or two on the wall, a couple of large plants (real or fake) in between teh speakers or in the corners of the room.  Lot's of inexpensive and nice looking elements that will help the sound of the room.  Also a rug in front of the speakers if you don't have carpet is most probably a need too.  Just thoughts.
rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
278 posts
 
Garbage in garbage out.  Start with upgrading the source not the output.  You listen to digital so make it better.  The Sonos upgrade feeding an outboard DAC will make your speakers sound better.  Digital components are very sensitive to AC power gremlins.  A better power conditioner should help clean up the digital signals.  If you can get a dealer to allow you to demo a Denali you will be amazed,
willemj
1,036 posts
 
I am not convinced about the Sonos' inferiority. You produce no data to substantiate that its output would be garbage. Also, there is as yet no solid evidence that the difference with the sound from the Marantz is due to a problem with the Sonos, even if it is obvious that the Marantz is very good. Rather than buy yet another DAC when you already have an excellent one in the Marantz, the simplest solution would be to direct the digital output from the Sonos to the network connected Marantz (but it may be tricky getting that to work). Also, I am not so convinced that digital components have particular power supply isues if they are well designed.
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