Best Bang for the Buck Upgrade

@mofojo:

As our member soix would ask at this point, What sort of sonic signature is pleasing to you? What are you looking to hear that you’re not yet hearing?

If you can answer that question, and if the inference about you liking the speakers is correct, then some other amplification might be the path for upgrade.

+1

I've seen comments on the forum asserting that upgrading amplification is not a way to gain major improvements but having just experienced the biggest improvement ever in my system after upgrading my integrated, I can't agree. It's become clear that my speakers are much better than I ever realized. If you like your speakers, I'd also suggest you seriously consider upgrading your amp as one possible path forward. 

I'd look at a pair of nice subwoofers and some basic room treatments, if you don't have any, yet.

Given the speaker quality and you like them. Probably the DAC… it will improve the transport sound quality and set you up when you do go to streaming… today streaming can equal or exceed the SQ of a transport.

Long term improving systems are typically done by choosing the first component that will give you a big boost… and upgrade it to the next level… then bring up the other components. So first DAC, then integrated amp ~$10K new… Streamer ~$5K… then your system would be at a whole new level, taking advantage of your speakers.  Assuming each choice carefully made.

Is is a tough one. You have a very nice system already. I hate to say it but since everything is well sorted you have no choice but to change loudspeakers to get to the next level. It's going to stretch your budget to get to the next step.

@hilde45 beat me to it. It really depends on what sonic improvements you’re looking for. I think you’ve got some really good speakers, and the fact that you seem to connect well with them, well, that speaks volumes to me because that ain’t always the case. Not familiar with your amp, but if I’m you and with your budget, I’d get a Denafrips Pontus ll DAC and and Innuos Zen Mk3 streamer/server and a Qobuz subscription. Load all your CDs into the Zen and enjoy not only all your music from your chair but get exposure to worlds of music you’d never have otherwise heard. Seriously, being able to access an unlimited library of music, much of it in hi res, has brought me more enjoyment than any equipment upgrade I’ve ever made. My math says doing this will still leave you with around $5k left over, and with that I’d add a couple good subs, which will take you to a MUCH higher level not only in bass but in imaging and significant expansion of soundstage.  Just my $0.02 FWIW.