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Advice for upgrading my system

I have been on Audiogon for about 6 months and I enjoy the expertise and reading the conversations. I am hoping to receive guidance to upgrade my 2 channel stereo.

I am now ready to upgrade and I have budgeted $30k to do so.

My current system is the following:

McIntosh MA 6600
McIntosh MP 100 Phono Preamp
Marantz super audio CD Player SA-11S2
Micro SeikiDD-40 Turntable
Denon DL 103D Cartridge
2-Monitor Audio PL - 100 speakers
1-Velodyne HGS12BGII Subwoofer
Sonos for DAC

My room has been acoustically treated in the
walls and ceiling by a company that specializes in this. 

I primarily listen to jazz, classical, and 70’s music.

Room dimensions are:
  ⁃ 30’ 6” long
  ⁃ 14’ 6” Wide for the first 12’ 4“ of the length and then
  ⁃ 10’ 4” Wide for the last 18’ 2” of the length

I consider the main listening area to be the 14’6” x 12’4” section.

I am looking forward to hearing your feedback. Btw, I live in Denver Colorado.



bhc148
bhc148 OP
3 posts
 
What am I looking to improve?

Ultimately I have been influenced by hearing some incredible systems. As an example I listened to Brubeck's Take Five and I felt like I was sitting in the band and every instrument was clear, crisp and balanced. Mind you this particular system was way out of my reach.  My question is how do I approach that sound with my budget?

- Improved clarity and separation of the instruments
- Better sound imaging
- Speakers that sound great and that can handle to power of the McIntosh 



Post removed 
hbarrel's avatar
hbarrel
342 posts
 
If the digital side is going to be considered, Mojo-Audio is an option that should not be overlooked. 
pauly
1,012 posts
 
I would, like a few others, suggest a speaker upgrade but not any of those suggested. You need to find speakers that are voiced for your amplifier i.e. tube friendly speakers.

I’d start off by speaking to the folks at McIntosh and hear what they recommend, or see if there is a McIntosh owners group and speak to them.
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,992 posts
 
With equipment as old as these pieces, caps and a good cleaning is in order for the electronics.  I agree with @pauly about tube friendly speaker with 93db efficiency as a min. Rel subs are the way to go because they also increase the sonic goodness of the mains as well. If you are going to start streaming I'd recommend Aurender  streamer or maybe Melco. It's all about the software. You need a streamer which has built in Hard Drive(s). This eliminates some of the excessive handshakes which must take place through the network. IMO, the software is as important as the hardware in making for a good experience. And this is where many streamers miss the mark IMO. If you are willing to rent your music, the Qobuz has made it easier to stream through lesser systems. Hope this helps.
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