2. tech-talk
  3. 152563-119652

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
tweak1
3,736 posts
 
douglas you are 100% WRONG
 
These are excellent speakers but very fussy about the amp driving them
I first experienced this when I has Genesis Vs some 15 years ago. I tired several amps before getting a KBA 75, which grabbed them by the balls, and made them perform up to their glowing reviews said.

Of late, I had 3 different class D amps prior to getting the EVS 1200, which similarly brought a whole new appreciation for my speakers
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
tweak1, thanks for your nuanced response. ;) 

You do realize that is what the "YMMV" is for. As I fundamentally disagree with your perspective that his best move is the amp, and you have neither divine guidance, nor scientific certainty on your opinion, you could have added the same to your post.  :) 


tweak1
3,736 posts
 
it’s not a question of YMMV. It’s a fact!

I have been involved in hi-end audio for 40+ years, including owning a hi-end store.

More importantly, I had experiences with multiple speakers and amps, and cited actual experience having owned Maggies and trying 3 different amps before getting the EVS 1200, which transformed them
rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Dear @normantaylor : Do you bougth the Magnepan 20.7 that I linked to you? because I go to that site and the speakers already sold. Great speakers at truly low price second hand.

and what about those Parasound JC-1 monobloks that I linked to paired those 20.7s?  

Speakers/amps at an almost inside your budget range ! ! ! 

If you losted both then .....? ? ! !

R.
cd318
2,636 posts
 
Better Magnepans seem to be the only worthwhile answer as you love your 3.6R's so much.

Amp upgrade is is an irelevant hopeless money pit when you have 200wpc already, I'm afraid.

It's your own fault for having such a decent system in the first place.




More to discover