A rookie with 10K, seeking advise

Ever notice how the one thing critics of investing in upgrades to power components have in common is . . . NONE of them have actually used any of the suggested upgrades?

I am a long time audio fan, going back to when RTR decks were standard equipment. I recently reached a point where I am able to equip my small listening room with decent quality components, I would describe as entry-level audiophile grade, and my system investment is around 10K (not including headphones which is a whole other topic).

When I reached that level, I decided to take a look at upgrading cables and power, including a used empower power conditioner. I'll skip the endless technical debates and just cut to the chase by stating that the improvement is not subtle, its dramatic. 

The adamant "wires are wires and bits are bits" trolls who claim that investing in cable and power component upgrades is "nuts" are simply highlighting their complete lack of understanding as to how actual MUSIC (sound) is transmitted to the human ear, NOT to test instrument measurements.. Simply put - all music is sound waves (analog) and all audio equipment runs on electricity (the electromagnetic field) and both of these have countless ways of interfering with each other and degrading the final sound that reaches the listeners' ears. Minimizing that interference is crucial to the listening experience.

That said, I wouldn't necessarily go all in on th4ese upgrades up-front, but once you've made a decision on quality components, not supporting them with upgraded cables and power components is truly "nuts".

The adamant "wires are wires and bits are bits" trolls who claim that investing in cable and power component upgrades is "nuts" are simply highlighting their complete lack of understanding as to how actual MUSIC (sound) is transmitted to the human ear, NOT to test instrument measurements

Amen.  

A Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III and a pair of Harbeth 30.2 XD and you will be blown away with magical, 3 D atmospheric ultra refined sound.  

Use the proceeds of your other gear to upgrade phono preamp- the best Sutherland you can afford.  

It is oh so hard to build a system....all components sound different working with different components.  My system is all from the same manufacturer....so they all do the best they can with the same voice values.

To the OP. I have not read any of the comments above, so this might have been discussed. 1st, welcome. Given your current system and your large room, have you optimized your listening seat / speakers ? In other words, do you have a " sweet spot " in which to listen. As a newbie, it will be imperative for you to determine what are the qualities you are looking and listening for, during your listening sessions. I am an audiophile ( all of us are, on A'gon ), but, I am a music enthusiast 1st. People will spend thousands and thousands of dollars to improve their listening experience, but this experience is different for each of us. The largest thread here ( under amps/preamps ), concentrates on the " sound " of the gear. I followed this thread for it's entire 6 years, but l have lost interest. Why ? you ask. An example......David_ten simplified the words I tried to convey there by stating " I want to know WHY the musicians are on stage, not where ". Yes, soundstage, imaging, 3 dimensionality, good bass and extended and airy treble, etc. are all exciting to hear, but the essence of music is the " performance ", by our favorite recording artists. Relax, and determine if your female vocalists are reaching you....do you have a connection with them ? Are you able to tap your feet ? Are you " ENGAGED " with their playing / singing ? Are you having fun ? This, is the essence of music listening. I am not saying in any way that upgrades are not important, but I am saying......what do YOU want ?, and, what are you " not hearing / feeling " ?, when you listen. As a newbie, it could be a while to find out " who you are " as an audience member, because this in essence what we are creating with our audio journey. Your room acoustics, your listening seat, room reflections and bass issues, can all be dealt with, now, before any other purchases are made by you. If I made at least a single valid point for you to digest, great. Always, MrD.