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Hand me down audio equip- upgrade advice

First off, this might be my first post, but I’ve been admiring the Audiogon community for a while now. There’s a ton of helpful information that a lot of you have shared, and I appreciate that!

I’m lucky enough to have a boss who’s big into audio equipment, and handed down some of his older gear to me:

Benchmark DAC2 D
Classe CP-700
NuForce Reference 18 monoblocks
KEF 103/3 Reference w/ Kef Kube equalizer
Vandersteen v2w sub

I ended up having to refoam the KEF’s, but I have to say they are a great speaker! I’ve been enjoying this setup for about a year now, and want to explore some newer speaker options- preferably a floor standing full range variety. At this point, I’m fairly overwhelmed with the options out there- and looking for some wisdom.

I’d like to keep my first upgrade under $1500, with some wiggle room. I’ve been drooling over some Sonus Faber’s, but alas, I’m not ready to bite the bullet on anything in that price range (used, of course). KEF has plenty of lower to medium priced speakers, but I’d like to explore other avenues.

Thanks in advance
rillerr
ggc
178 posts
 
You have already identified that you like your set up - the Kef is a great speaker, however you want to expand the soundstage. 

In order to maximize your existing set up and achieve a  better soundstage with your max budget of $1,500 the best path forward (as others have pointed out) is investing in upgrading what you already have by:
1. Adding another Vandy Sub.- used - Your adding another L&R diver to the kefs, with a dedicated power source. Expands the Mid/ Low range.
2. Investing in Power delivery. - used, Think of it as another component to your system. Will add detail,Imaging, Depth Texture - maximize your amp preamp performance. 
3. Look into upgrading your crossovers/recap etc.  - Cleaner, efficient presentation. 
And I don't even think your budget is going to cover that, but its a solid move towards getting to be where you want to be.

Investing in different speakers in your budget is a lateral/backwards move that will not solve your issues. You want to make investments that move you forward towards achieving your goals. 

Good Luck
dherring
38 posts
 
Easy upgrade. I just sold my Monitor Audio silver 300 current model for $1299. They are a fantastic value with excellent bottom end. That would leave a few dollars for a decent set of cables, if needed. I liked them so much I upgraded to the gold 300s. Good luck. Ridiculous $$ spent on electrical solutions are frivolous at your stage of the game. Speakers and DaCS will provide a noteworthy improvement you will always hear the difference every day. 
russbutton's avatar
russbutton
429 posts
 
Build the SEAS Thor kit.   The whole project would probably run you about $2300 when you were done with it.  

https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/mtm-speaker-kits/new-thor-kit-pair/

That may seem like a lot, but you'd get a speaker very similar to the Joseph Audio Perspective 2, which retails for $13,000.

http://www.josephaudio.com/perspective
danvignau's avatar
danvignau
935 posts
 
Speaking of A/C circuit upgrades, I found that the 20 amp circuit for my clothes washer works great.  In fact, I moved  my washer and dryer out to the garage to make room for my electronics, and the cost was minimal, due to being able to run the wiring into the adjoining garage.

My speaker cables are still only 12 feet long to the next room, because of my amps' positioning.
jamesfokes's avatar
jamesfokes
30 posts
 
After years of incremental upgrades my advice would be to save your money and buy your "dream" system.

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