Upgrade path question with $2k to spend

@jerryg123

I echo on the used hi-end amp like Hegel around $2k. The Hegel h160 you were referring to though has one catch. The midrange could sound lean particularly at low volume according to Tarun @ A British Audiophile. The newer Hegel h190 replacement model corrects it but is more expensive.  Otherwise the used h160 presents itself a rather good value since its internal DAC is also very good.  You got a almost $1k DAC with an 2015 integrated amp wholistic package for under $2k.

It's the quality of the watts, not the quantity....

Probably the OP doesn’t have room or budget, but my advice would be to keep the Home theater gear as a separate system, and add a dedicated 2 Chanel rig. They can share the same subs in some cases. I run 2 separate system in one room. The Home theater speakers are stuck in corners, etc as it’s not my priority and the 2 Chanel speakers are placed further into the room. Since I have a tube preamp and tube input section on my amps, I don’t want to run tubes while watching movies.

Definitely, definitely take out the Yamaha.  Doesn't matter how expensive it is or good it is for multichannel listening.  You want a 2 channel amp with some toroids.  Either an integrated or a  preamp/amp combo which has home theater bypass.  Then you can still use the whole system.  At $2000 budget, look used.

I’d not spend $2k for a phono stage. Heck you can find the PS Audio phono stage used for less than $500, which provides excellent results. 
 

i’d upgrade the Turntable. $2k goes along way on the used market. I just bought a new MMF9.3 for $1800. But no doubt, save funds for an integrated amplifier! Immediately.