Ideas on how to improve setup please


Hi guys -- it's been awhile since I last checked in here as I've been using the same setup for a few years now and was wondering what suggestions I could get for improving the overall sound quality on my system. I think my best options may be to get the Blue Ortofon and KT88s - but wanted to see if there are any more thoughts on this or my wires and/or anything else. All components of my setup listed below:

Totem Staaf speakers
PrimaLuna ProLogue Classic Integrated (w/EL34s)
Bluesound Node 2
Pro-Ject Carbon Espirit  (with Red Ortofon)
Cambridge Audio Azur 651P Moving Magnet MM Moving Coil MC Phono Preamp
Affinity™ Premium 12AWG Hi-Fi Speaker Cable with Solid Brass Interchangeable Terminals
Premium 2 RCA Plug/2 RCA Plug M/M 22AWG Cable

Any questions/clarifications please let me know -- thanks very much for your time!

Matt
mrmittens
Your system is good but your speakers are holding you back. Better speakers would move your whole system to another level.
Yeah, unfortunately wires do matter. Good ones mentioned above, and I’ll add Cullen Cable that sells direct so offers good value and offers an in-home trial period. Is there anything you’ve identified that you’d like to improve upon over what you’re hearing now?

I’m a little surprised you don’t find your Totems a little underpowered unless you have a small room or listen at fairly low volume levels. But other than that, and if it’s me, I’d look to upgrade the phono pre and DAC (assuming you’re using the one in the Node) along with the cartridge. I think each one of those upgrades can make significant improvements to your overall system sound.

I tend to disagree that the speakers may be holding you back assuming they are adequately powered. But the Hawks obviously have their limits, so possibly one of the biggest improvements you can make to your system on an absolute basis would be to add a couple small subs — something like a pair of SVS SB1000s ($1000 new with long trial period) will not only fill in the bottom octaves but also expand your soundstage significantly while potentially decreasing the load on your amp. 

Anyway, if I had your system those are the things I’d be thinking about. Hope this helps, and best of luck.
"...But the Hawks obviously have their limits..."  

He says he has Staafs not Hawks. 
Once you get fairly decent components then its generally better to get the most out of them before upgrading to more expensive components. Right now its almost like you have no wire at all, so that's first on the list. But then before say a new cartridge you should improve what you have with Synergistic PHT, fO.q tape, springs, and a solid shelf or sand box. These will cost about the same or probably much less than a cartridge, but be at least as big an improvement. Unlike the cart that wears out the PHT, Pods, etc are used pretty much forever. 

My standard for years has been Synergistic and I still think they are a safe bet and solid value. But enough guys here who seem reliable have compared directly and prefer Black Cat- even though they are a lot less money, which is a huge plus.

You can't judge quality by price but the gear you have puts you in the $3-500 and up range for speaker cable, power cords, interconnect. Each. Won't believe the difference. Night and day.
Ok this is great stuff, thanks everyone for your input...

I will tackle better speaker cables first:

-I have emailed Cullen about cables
-Raven Audio is looking the most straight forward, 2 meter pair for 184.00
-AudioEnvy has two options SP6 and SP9 (which one?) and can choose banana or spades and length, seems pretty good option
-Black Cat looks the most expensive - the 3232 1.5mpr for 649.00 - is that for a pair and what mpr should I be ordering?
-just way too many options on audio art cable to figure out which ones to get

Leaning towards Raven Audio or AudioEnvy as such if anyone can help clarify the above questions...

Thanks!

Then guess its RCA cables (guess will order from whichever company I get the speaker cables from) a new amp power cord (I cant believe a power cord actually makes a difference!) - then onto improving the DAC and phono preamp (what is the DAC and phono suggestion?)...and then some of the other stuff mentioned...this is very exciting, looking forward to improving things!