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Itching for better sound

Pretty happy with sound through my Sennheiser HD700s listening through headphone amp to classical CDs on Marantz CD6006...but too much headphone listening makes my ears buzz, so I want to start listening more through speakers.

Could set up either the Marantz or a NAD 516bee cd player, connected with RCA to an old Denon AVR1404 receiver to speakers.  My PSB speakers are fair.  What I want to know is how much will a pair of Kef LS50s improve my sound?  Is my $800cdn (used) better spent on something else--other speakers or another component?
shostakovich
shostakovich OP
13 posts
 
Thanks so much for that thorough explanation.  As a non-audiophile, it's hard for me to figure out how amp and not speakers will make the biggest difference, but I've listened to all the people here.

For a number of reasons, I often like to have the same music playing in two rooms, hence the two sets of speakers.  
wolf_garcia
6,723 posts
 
Heresy IIIs are indeed a high end speaker and reveal what's in front of them beautifully and very efficiently with, of course, all sorts of music from BB to Britton (no good speaker system is "music specific")...very balanced and coherent sound, and now perhaps less expensive since Heresy IVs were released recently. A bargain great sounding speaker. Don't trust the opinions of old white dudes in red ties, have a listen for yourself.
leemaze
330 posts
 
The A+B Speaker terminals is the only thing holding me back from trying a Sphinx - I've heard consistently great things.

I use the Yamaha with 4x 6ohm speakers in a large, 500 sqft room. Sometimes I turn it up really loud. It doesn't break a sweat. 

My upgrade path was Yamaha AVR -> Marantz PM6005 -> Rotel Int -> Classic NAD Int -> Yamaha A-S801.  Those other amps didn't last long in the room.  The Yamaha has been here for 2 years.

The Yamaha leaves little to desire.  Good luck!
leemaze
330 posts
 
In regards to whether the amp will make a big difference - I assure you - you will be amazed.  It will be as if you bought new speakers as well.  That's how I felt.  Cheers!
ljgerens
157 posts
 
Leemaze -
Just curious, what speakers are you driving with your Yamaha A-S801. I was thinking of getting one to simplify my office system. I did a listen a while back and was pretty impressed with the amp. 
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