Help with upgrade bug...


First time posting.   I've had this fairly satisfying system for some time now and am looking at upgrading to a higher end set of speakers.  Looking for a wider, deeper stage and possibly more involving presentation.  Listen to a lot of female vocals and acoustic music -- using XRCD and SACD, primarily.   

Oppo BDP 105
Benchmark DAC3 HGC (headphone or occasional Ipod/Mac duties)
Plinius 9200 integrated
Totem Acoustic Forest
Kimber Hero/8TC and Shunyata power cords
Monster HTS3600

Room is about 15x11 feet.   8 ft ceiling.   Current speakers are along the shorter wall, about 2 feet out, 6 feet apart.   

Budget probably around $5k, give or take (used or new).   I've been somewhat partial to standmounts but would not be totally opposed to another set of floor standers.   The low end extension of my Forests are for the most part, enough for my ears with the music I listen to.   If I do get standmounts, I wouldn't be totally opposed to adding a sub later on (although integrating them would be a different discussion altogether).  

I've looked considerably at the Dynaudio Confidence C1 (Platinum), Contour 20 or Special 40 (given I've heard good things about Plinius and Dynaudio synergy).   I've also considered the Joseph Audio Pulsars.   Unfortunately, demo possibilities are limited.  

Thanks! 

128x128benj273


wturkey73 posts05-29-2020 7:24pmThe later model 9200 also has a set of balanced inputs. The Oppo should have a set of balanced outputs. If not being utilized, one may notice a sonic improvement from these I/O's.

Unfortunately, I have one of the earlier 9200 versions with no balanced inputs.   



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05-29-2020 2:10pm
Based on your experience, do you think the sonic improvements would translate to a much better staging/imaging/depth overall?  


No question about it. Image clarity will improve substantially due to significantly lower noise floor. This will result in better image depth and size. Bass will deepen and be more controlled.


Great to hear.   I'm seriously going to consider this actually.   The TAS review on this "Truth modification" for the 105 was eye-opening.


I appreciate all the input so far. 

If this was your system, what would you upgrade first?  What would give you the biggest sonic improvements if you could do just one thing now? 

(Not listed according to preference)

1. Power setup (e.g. Get rid of Monster, PS Audio Power Regenerator, etc)
2. Upgrade CD (e.g. Modwright 105 modification or change altogether)
3. Upgrade speakers (e.g. Confidence C1)
4. Changes to room (e.g. speaker location, room treatments)

Thanks again! 
No experience with the others but the Pulsars are one of my favorites.
Used they go $3-$4k. Also very resellable down the line.