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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
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
normantaylor, frankly, the loss of a deal in the near term is sometimes the best thing that can happen long term. 

You expressed desire to attend a show. If you have never been to a show, that will thrill you in terms of opening your eyes to the vast potential for revising your rig! I strongly encourage you to wait until you can get to a show or two. There is nothing like it to build a portfolio of items to consider for an upgrade. It's also a great way to socialize with others who have the same passion for music.  
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Reasons for the duplicate threads and not consolidating?

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/which-to-upgrade-first-my-amplifier-or-speakers-2


normantaylor OP
51 posts
 
Yes.  My first post.  I thought it was a different audience for the different categories.  No?  Let's assume it is not.  How would one go about consolidating?  Is there a harm I am unaware of by listing it in more than one category?   
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Which to Upgrade first? My Amplifier or Speakers

If you do both, then get the speakers first, then the right amp to drive the speakers.

Amps drive speakers, speakers don’t drive amps.

No use getting the amp first, then get the speakers and finding out the amp not going the drive them fully to their best.

Then you could get a amp first like a $$$$$$$$ Gryphon Antillion Evo, that will do anything

Cheers George
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Don't worry about the double listing; others do this at times. Your rationale is correct, there are some who spend time in one forum and do not in others. No big deal. You are casting  the net as wide as possible. 
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