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What to upgrade next.

This is my first foray into the forum other than reading other's post. I hope respondents will be kind! I am at the very low end of audiophile equipment and many of you may not think I am there yet when I list my equipment. The economy has become better for myself and I am looking to upgrade but not exactly sure where to go from here. I am sure I will receive many different suggestions so I plan on taking the one suggestion that I receive the most and employing it. My equipment is as follows: Denon AVRx 3500H as my integrated amp which is boosted by a Bob Carver Cinema Grand 5 which pushes 200wpc. This powers my Polk Audio RTiA7's which are my music floorstanders. When I started upgrading I chose the Polk's as they seem to punch above their weight. After months on this site I am unaware of many people who extol the virtues of the Polks so I am thinking this may receive the most as far as recommendations. I stream most of my music from my desktop and laptop. The desktop sounds like an airplane waiting to take off. I am not independently wealthy but am looking to spend between 2-3 thousand if necessary. The one thing that gives me the biggest headache at this point is music delivery as computers have glitches and my angina acts up when the music cuts out in the middle of Alex Lifeson shredding his axe. My music files range from bad copies of MP3s which are slowly being replaced to HD Audio files. Thank you for any suggestions.
dadork
dadork OP
633 posts
 
@mesch  I do not know if I like my speakers or not. I know for me they are the best I have owned but I know they aren't the greatest either. As with anything when you've had good and good isn't good enough anymore! The amplifier at this point I think I am happy with but willing to be taught if not as long as I can understand where I'm losing anything with the Carver. It is by all accounts a well reviewed and well performing. As far as my Denon I'm all ears as to why I should upgrade. If the Carver is supplying the juice when I am 2.1 or 5.1 then doesn't the Denon act as a pre amp and basically tell what to do what? I have but a child's understanding of these things. What would an upgrade in a pre-amp benefit me? I will definitely have to research the streamer recommendation. It is just out of my field of knowledge exactly what they are as I thought it was basically a computer program that allowed me to share to another device. If at this time I was going to spend the money on one component what would you suggest? Obviously getting the music supplied to the system in the best manner is of utmost importance but it sounds as though I wouldn't have to drop 2-3k to resolve that. Thanks!
dadork OP
633 posts
 
@hilde45 While the idea of addressing three or four issues with one fell swoop has it’s appeal I think in the long run I may be repeating the process again in the future if I divvy up the money in such a manner. I am willing to admit I might be wrong however! Does it make more sense to spend 2-3k on a single fairly good component or have three mediocre components that I will have to upgrade again in short order?
sjeesjie
51 posts
 
If I look at myself, I must really really like what I buy or else it’ll get replaced in the future. So better pay a little more on one component instead of not thinking it through enough and regret after.
flrun's avatar
flrun
92 posts
 
Since you like both music and movies you could keep what you have and perhaps try different speakers, get a streamer like people have mentioned.

You could also look at a preamp with Home Theater bypass. I have a full home theater setup for movies but like music just as much. I was considering getting a additional system just for 2 channel music but another option would be a preamp with HT bypass. That way I can combine both systems.

If you are able you might try connecting your receiver and computer via network cable and then try your music through HEOS, you might notice a improvement in sound quality.

Also I would personally try one new component at a time, that way you will be able to see how much of a difference it makes. That is a little hard to do when adding 2-3 new items at a time.

Will
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,631 posts
 
At least start with the 2i. It has a serviceable DAC aboard that you can play it through until you can upgrade. They are $549 plus tax. You can put whatever files you have on a USB flash drive or SSD and play 'em on it.  You will find the sound and control via their app on your phone to be far superior to PC sound. Down the road you can shop for amp/speaker synergy.
Many preamps (and integrateds) now have HT (home theater) pass through so you can keep the avr for surround video.
Good luck.
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