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Which to Upgrade first? My Amplifier or Speakers?

I have owned a nice system for years, but I am hardly an audiophile. You people impress me with your depth of knowledge of audio. I've been following this site for some time. This is my first post.
From time to time I replace or upgrade components. I've got a tricked out Linn Sondek LP 12 turntable. I recently acquired a McIntosh MP 100 phono amp and am hearing LP's now that exceed anything I've heard on CD's and equal if not exceed the output of my SACD's. I bring this up only to give a flavor of what I listen to.
The issue is as follows: I have a McIntosh MC 206 Amp that I bought in 2003 that puts out 200 watts per channel. I have no issues with it, although I've never had anything to compare it with. I've read some impressive reviews of how much of a difference an amplifier can make to the quality of sound output. For speakers I have Magnepan 3.6R's that I also bought in 2003. I love them. I can only afford to upgrade one at a time - let's say in the neighborhood of 10 - 12K. So, I'd like to hear what this august body has to say about which I should upgrade first and why? The amp or the speakers? Thank you.
normantaylor
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,549 posts
 

Speakers

erik_squires
15,678 posts
 

Nothing. 

It's only an "upgrade" if you have a direction you want to go in.  Otherwise it's just a change.

What do you know you like better?  Anything? 

vinylvalet
836 posts
 

I'd wait until you're in your new home. With more flexibility in speaker/listening position and the ability to add some aesthetically appealing room treatment, you may be satisfied with what you already have. You would need two subwoofers, not one for proper music reproduction. Trying to get ideal home theatre (articulation of speech) and stereo music reproduction out of one system is always a futile exercise.

If I was in your position and did want to change speakers, amp or both and considering this is a pro audio forum, do what many of the best recording studios in the world do and go with active ATC speakers within your budget.

I knew a professional musician who had a very good Magnapan system in a nice, purpose built, dedicated stereo listening room switch to active ATC speakers.

Finally, regarding fine tuning of your existing components, I strongly recommend getting Jim Smith's $35 book, Get Better Sound. Follow his advice in your new home and you may not need to upgrade anything.

Get Better Sound

jdoris
972 posts
 

Agreed with the many others that suggest trying other tings first, given the quality of amp and speakers.

I particularly like the suggestion of subs, given you can't really do room stuff.  I'm definitely not a wire skeptic, but I bet subs would make a more noticeable difference, bottom to top, than wires, even if your wires are very modest.

 

But I totally get just wanting a change, certainly a valid reason in this hobby.  If that's it, like others, I think speakers is the way to go.  That said, I've shopped a lot at that price point, and my experience is there are lots of excellent choices, but few that stand out from the other excellent choice..  So shop, go to shows, have fun, and maybe you keep your Maggies.

pinebilly
7 posts
 

Surely the speakers as they make more of a difference to the sound. you can then get an amp that is matched to those speakers.

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