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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
thehorn
111 posts
 
"I have a 15 foot ceiling and about 20 x 30 room", Norm .... I hate you already.
This IMHO is the perfect size for an audio room, especially the ceiling height. There's a cavet here though; high rooms have an inherent eco. A coffered ceiling with tile inserts would solve the isssue (hey, it's only money, ya make it every day). But as you say you're not the owner.
Also treatments tend to be NWF, so may I suggest a draping. You can hang drapes with dowels .... what ever. One guy I knew center hung a parachute with a good result. Grant it that's not everyone's cup of tea, all I'm suggesting is that there are creative, decorative, cost effective ways you can use to mitigate your accoustical issues. Fact is you have an oustanding system there, so to take it to the next level it would appear is to tackle the room nemesis.

You may also want to audition the Logan's ;-)
normantaylor OP
51 posts
 
The horn
LOL.  Nice to know about the room size.  I've been here 16 years, but plan to move soon.  I'll look for that high ceiling.  My wife would leave me if I even suggested a parachute from the ceiling - but I got it on the echo quality.  I do have some buffer around that tampers it a bit. 
This group continues to amaze me.  Thanks for the feedback.  
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Norm,if you are going to have higher ceilings hold out for 8 or 9 foot tall Sound Labs. More powerful, larger sound stage, less distortion.
I love Maggies in smaller rooms but the fragility of the tweeter limits output so they can get lost in larger rooms. Arrowhead is right. If you are in a smaller room say 14 X 20 X 8 a larger amp will work miracles on the 3.6's. Mono amps are always an advantage because you can park them right behind the speaker keeping the speaker wire real short. It is better to run long low level signal wires. Balanced is the best. 
unsound
7,358 posts
 
I'm usually a speaker first individual, but I like your speakers so much more than your amp.

bdp24 and erik_squires posts just ring true with good advice.
normantaylor OP
51 posts
 
Thanks for your feedback.  Much appreciated.  Well, since I posted this originally, I ended up upgrading both.  I got Magnegpan 20.7's.  Awesome output.  Really beautiful. I also got a McIntosh MC462 beast - 400 wpc.  Probably not to your taste, but  I'm loving it.  The power is impressive and works well with Maggies.  I also upgraded my audio stand.  I ordered a stunning piece of furniture from Timbernation, custom built for my needs, made of Tiger wood maple - 2 inch thick shelving, and walnut legs with pin point feet.  Finally, I'm in the midst of improving the sound in my room.  I hung up three 2' x 4' acoustic panels and it made a HUGE difference.  I want to thank millercarbon who really understood this post and another that I made.  His feedback was very inspiring.  There were a few others too.  Loving Audiogon.  You guys are terrific.     
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