A rookie with 10K, seeking advise

I would keep the Rega deck and cartridge. I would sell your speakers and integrated amp and go with the following:

proac DT8

one of the following integrated amps:
simaudio

yba

yba 2

speaker and interconnect cables from (I really like Mogami cables):
Take5

I really like these power cables (after trying more expensive ones and don't like how stiff they are):
volex

maybe replace the ps audio phono preamp with:
110lp

I have a very similar setup and love the sound. Check my system details page if you are interested. To sum up my recommendations:

• the speakers are easy to place with their downward firing port, natural sounding (great for vocals and strings) and go deeper than your current speakers
• the amps have plenty of drive in them for the proacs and are on the warm side to match well with the proacs
• I’ve tried the cable dance before and settled on Mogami products (it is what a lot of studios use). I like the 2549 for interconnects and the 3000 series for speakers. the furutech 126(g) connectors for the interconnects and nice quality bananas for the speakers. also, if you need XLR, he can make them or has them.
• I’ve heard really good things about the 110LP phono stage and I am tempted to try one myself, especially since it is so quiet, like the simaudio moon integrated recommended above.

If I were you, the first place to look would be here 

You’ve been given a number of good suggestions and a number of different directions so you most likely have a lot of thinking and research ahead before you make a decision. When you do narrow down some of the components you are interested in and are looking to the second hand market take a look at tmraudio.com. You will pay somewhat more than buying from an individual but they offer a two week trial period and if you are not satisfied you can return and pay only the round trip freight. 

rok2id

7,379 posts

08-17-2022 at 12:51pm 

@rok2id   BRAVO to the last suggestion on this list... 

buy:

Yamaha integrated amp 701 / 801

Polk speakers Lsim705 (used) or R700 (new)

Blue Jeans wire

The rest in a Vanguard mutual fund.

I will spend money wisely by adding a subwoofer to your system to begin with.  I had Linton that, as you know, the low end goes down to 40 Hz.  When I pair the nimble bass from Linton with a fast subwoofer (down to 24 Hz), it really enlightens my ears and the overall listening experience with a variety of genres of music.  In addition to taking advises from this forum, look for useful information from reliable reviewers.  REL has a good 60 days free trials / return policy and that might be a good place to start.