Which to Upgrade first? My Amplifier or Speakers?


I have owned a nice system for years, but I am hardly an audiophile. You people impress me with your depth of knowledge of audio. I've been following this site for some time. This is my first post.
From time to time I replace or upgrade components. I've got a tricked out Linn Sondek LP 12 turntable. I recently acquired a McIntosh MP 100 phono amp and am hearing LP's now that exceed anything I've heard on CD's and equal if not exceed the output of my SACD's. I bring this up only to give a flavor of what I listen to.
The issue is as follows: I have a McIntosh MC 206 Amp that I bought in 2003 that puts out 200 watts per channel. I have no issues with it, although I've never had anything to compare it with. I've read some impressive reviews of how much of a difference an amplifier can make to the quality of sound output. For speakers I have Magnepan 3.6R's that I also bought in 2003. I love them. I can only afford to upgrade one at a time - let's say in the neighborhood of 10 - 12K. So, I'd like to hear what this august body has to say about which I should upgrade first and why? The amp or the speakers? Thank you.
normantaylor
...as for interconnects, power cables, all that....

Read the existing forums first before pulling That trigger....
See what's already getting attached to Maggie's and Mac's already and place your bet thereby....

(Copy someone else's homework...*L*  Nice, old tradition, that.)
Norman, honestly, what do you listen to? Speakers or associated equipment upstream?
Get your speakers straight, then all of your sources (most of which are todays technology) will fall into place.
OK question for OP. You posted this on the pro section so are you interested in a rehash of all the homeowner stuff talked about so far or are you really interested in pro gear?
  Pro gear opens your world to astounding speakers from Klipsch. The K-402 horn lens is the best in the world right now and you can mate it with various bass bins either direct radiator or horn type.
  Currently I run a home build Super MWM bass bin which is a variant of the Klipsch MWM bin except mine goes down to 27hz as a single fold horn. On top is a K-402 horn with the 1132 driver and run it off a pair of Crown xli800's and a Xilica DSP. You can build an astounding system like this for about $6,000 and that is with new K-402 horns as your chance of finding used is about zero.
  If you are not into building but would rather just buy, the Klipsch Jubilee is a whole lot cheaper than a ton of all this name dropper stuff and has prodigious sound. If you really want to enter into the world of genuine hi end sound you are going to have to migrate to a DSP and multiple amps. It is daunting to start off doing this but the reward is jaw dropping sound and FAR less $$$$ than most all this fru fru stuff touted around here. You can PM me if interested and I will fill you in on what I did and why.
  Just for grins though you can look up Klipsch KPT-456, MCM 1900's which were my two prior systems and I can tell you the existing Super MWM beats the MCM 1900 easily. You just have no idea the superb fidelity pro gear brings to the table and a darned sight less than all that name dropper stuff.
Upgrade your speakers first because you would never ever have sound as good as if you have great speaker door about the amp if you got Grace speakers you will be all right I know from experience.

 Hi Norm,

I hear yah .... I'm not knocking your system, you have some fine equipment there, on paper, but it's not paper we listen to.

I'm with Erik Squires and Optimize, the room is an extension of your system, but perhaps you've already addressed that, if not, start there. You may also consider running a designated circuit with appropriate grade wire from your panel (12 AWG) into good quality plugs.

 

I like the Maggie's - - - but not that much. They seem to be paired with Mac gear a lot (at Hi-Fi shows and retailers). One thing I'll say for Mac gear is it's reliable, the Kalashnikova of audio. Thing is they have a similar sound as well ..... dull. I spent an afternoon at Broadway Sound in Vancouver listening to a pair of big Mac monos (model slips my mind) and a pair of 3.7 Maggie's. The Mac's were running just about flat out, and I thought - - - where's the beef. Like I said, I find Mac amps dull and uninvolving - - - but that just MHO.

 

You're in a bit of a pickle there Norm, if you're going to move up the audio latter as opposed to a lateral move you're looking at some pretty esoteric gear, which is not only pricey, but rare. Roberjerman suggested Quad 2905's, nice speaker, but Quads are like Italian cars.

 

I wish I could be more suttle, but I can't (for your sake), can the Mac gear! Go used.

Speakers: Martin Logan Quests/or Requests, $1500.00 and if you have a big room the Prodigies.

Amp: Krell KSA 300S $3000-$4000, or Threshold SA12e, or Sim Moon W10's $3000 - $4000.

Pre-Amp: C.A.T, or an Atma-Sphere MP-1 or MP-3, or Audion Premier 2 box Silver Night. On a budget, a giant killer VTL Ultimate $2000.00.
One last thing - you may solve your issues with a phono cartridge, there I would suggest a Soundsmith Aida MKII.
Good luck & happy listening.