Upgrade path question with $2k to spend


I'd like to make my next upgrade in my 2 channel signal path. Right now it goes

Ortofon 2M Bronze (cart) -> Pro-Ject Debut Carbon SB (table) -> Pro-Ject Phonobox DS+ (Pre-amp) -> Yamaha Avantage RX-2070 (amp) -> Focal Aria 936 (fronts) + HSU ULS-15 MK2 (sub)

I understand room treatment can give the best bang but lets count that out for now. From a purely component perspective what do you think I should upgrade? Im leaning towards the turntable. It was my first table and altough I upgraded the cart, its only a $500 table. I was thinking of maybe buying the Rega Planar 6 w/ Aria MC cart.

Suggestions welcome thanks!

icegeek

Ok so can I run both a 2 channel integrated Amp AND my HT Amp to my speakers at the same time and just switch off somehow?

Ok so can I run both a 2 channel integrated Amp AND my HT Amp to my speakers at the same time and just switch off somehow?

That is possible but somewhat impractical. IF you have banana plugs on your speaker cables, that would be pretty simple to switch out. A speaker switch is possible but it also can cause a loss of fidelity. The sub may be an issue. I can't say for sure. But what I will say is that many of us tried the 2 channel & HT all in one system. I even had a 3 channel amp/processor tied into the 2 channel stereo once.  IMO it was one GIANT cluster **** with very little return. I now run the TV through my 2 channel. Sounds great, especially for concerts. And it works fine for HT as well. Many have had to decide this issue of which is most important, HT or music. But hey, I understand the frustration involved

I’m sorry, buy honestly I would sell it all and start a fresh dedicated 2 channel system. Just my opinion. Ebay is a good place to dump it all. About the only decent thing I see is maybe the fronts...however, I have no idea what speakers those are, as I’ve not heard anything Focal except headphones. I’d save the 2 grand and sell off components and devise a plan and go from there. I think that will ultimately result in a better system for dedicated 2 channel listening. I would actually hang onto the 2m Bronze, it's a great cartridge. 

I now run the TV through my 2 channel

It had to be said. If the OP sells his multi channel stuff, he'll have some money for a superior 2 channel rig. No need to wholesale the whole thing, he just needs a good amp now, then some careful speaker placement and he'll have a fine setup.

OP,

 

Surround processors are crammed with all sorts of functions. In home theater you have video distracting you from the audio. Audio only systems do that well. If you want good audio you need to get audio only stuff.

 

Take this into consideration, the very best audio amps are two boxes… one for left channel one for right. The very best preamps are two box solutions, one for the power supply and one for the preamp functions. The best preamps are a single or double box. Separating each function permits isolation of the circuits and power supply. cramming this stuff and many amps in a bag is not going to sound good. I have a home theater system worth around $50K… it is not remotely competitive in sound quality with my audio system.