2. tech-talk
  3. 167971-152311

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
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.
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,816 posts
 
I tried re-reading my previous post and it gave me a headache.
Let me try again...
I recommend B&W 800 series speakers.
You can get a used 800D3 (flagship) speaker for low $20s.
You could probably get a new 802D3 for same money.
Please note: B&W revamping the 800 series to "D4" status
and dealers will be anxious to move their D3's.
Should be some good discounts at large dealers.
Small dealers seldom have the higher priced models in stock.
Good luck.
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,992 posts
 
FWIW, I thought your electronic were older than they are. My mistake. I also discovered a SS amp. I'm sold out to tubes, so I would recommend a good tube integrated. And if you get that bug you will see the need for those tube friendly speakers.

Then there is also the phono cartridge which I forgot in my 1st post. I'm into Zyx at the time but there are many good choices. 
pauly
1,012 posts
 
The McIntosh a tranny amp? 

Ok, I still recommend a fresh pair of speakers but without the tube friendly part.
More to discover