Advice for upgrading my system

"The McIntosh a tranny amp?"

How would you know? Do amplifiers self-identify? I'll go ask my Rogue Atlas right now.

The Atlas told me to mind my own business.

you should add a dedicated dac streamer which will really elevate the systems overall performance a sonos shouldnt  be used in a high end setup

I would look at a lumin t2

then upgrade subwofer we import the mj acoustics subs from the uk

please feel free to contact us 30 years of experience

dave and troy
audio intellect nj
lumin dealers

Speakers: Pick them for your Space.

I would only consider subs if my room was too small for large mains, you could go for large forward firing mains (no ports).

Efficient, so when you try tubes (which you will eventually) you won’t need too much power. It’s not just about less cost: smaller SS or tube amp means less weight, heat, cost, and gives options for placement the big ones do not. Placement of an Integrated Tube amp needs to be convenient, another reason to start with efficient speakers so the 30-35-40 wpc category is enough. Less cost leaves more $ for the great speakers!

Aiming a remote control successfully for volume or balance is something placement effects
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What I have owned, loved, highly recommend:

Prior: JSE Infinite Slope, Model II

http://www.audioreview.com/product/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/js-engineering/infinite-slope.htm...

Just buy these Blond Ones (2A, updated crossover), they will sound awesome I assure you. They will reveal just how nice your electronics are, spectacular imaging, incredibly accurate frequency response, and reveal existing and new cartridge’s performance.

Find something else you love later, sell em.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649755415-infinite-slope-model-2a/

btw, the smaller model 1’s (my friend had them) are terrific for a smaller space.

http://www.hifi-classic.net/review/jse-infinity-slope-model-1-486.html

Joseph Audio has current models that use Richard Modafferi’s Infinite Slope, I never heard any of his.

The Model 2’s also have R.M.’s patented Phase Shift Bass Loading (method of progressively controlling the output of the 10" and 12" woofers), also a big part of their success IMO.

"Richard Modafferi , inventor and independent consultant to AudioClassics, has established himself as one of the world’s foremost authorities on tuner & loudspeaker design and development. He holds Masters degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the NJ Institute of Technology. A Senior Engineer at McIntosh Laboratories from 1968-74, he designed the MR77 and MR78 tuners and the famous "Rimo" filter. The MR78 tuner has received world wide acclaim for its State of the Art performance. From 1974 to the present, Richard has been a self employed inventor at Modafferi Acoustical Systems, Inc. He has been granted a United States patent for Phase Shift Bass Loading and for the Infinite Slope Crossover. Richard also serves as a writer, reviewer and test lab for Audio, Audio Critic, The Sensible Sound".

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Currently Using: custom enclosure with 15" woofers, horn mid and horn tweeters, AND, importantly to adjust to your (any) space, a pair of L-Pads, attenuators to boost or cut the volume of the mids and highs relative to the woofer. Crossover designed with mid-attenuation: boost for dead rooms; cut for bright rooms, alter for your ears or taste, adjust them again when you move!
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These Electro-Voice Model E-V Six components are driving me crazy as a project

https://www.ebay.com/itm/154513478054

https://www.ebay.com/itm/363294554414

Someone, you could design new enclosures for the drivers: wide at the bottom for the 18" woofers facing forward, slanted front for time alignment; reduce width as possible to fit the mid-bass cone (in the inner wood box); mid horn and horn tweeter up at seated ear level; deep enough for enough cubic feet of air; an optional port which I would not use here; and put them on felt, a slip sheet, or 3 wheels with solid axels for ’possible’ movement (not easy movement) to allow toe-in adjustment when friends listen with me.

The 5 position resistor network to alter frequency response will be a terrific start to adjusting them to your space/ears/taste. When your ability to hear highs droops, boost them a speck each decade!

orig specs of Model E-V Six

https://products.electrovoice.com/binary/E-V%20Six%20EDS.pdf

Ron at Audio Alternative in Ft Collins has a great selection of gear and speakers.