A rookie with 10K, seeking advise


I'm new to the HiFi world. I listen to a lot of female vocal and classical music. I like both digital and vinyl. I am using a pair of Wharfedale Linton heritage and PS Audio Stellar Strata. 

I know this is too broad a question, but with 10K budget, where can I wisely spend my money? I don't mind tubes and I don't mind used either.

Any advise is greatly appreciated!

llid2

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.

Replace the Lintons with either Legacy Signature III or Focus.  Both are high efficiency speakers that only need 35 watts (but good current) amplification.  They cost between $1500-2200 (Sigs) to $2500-3000 (Focus) used.  Big sound, big dynamic range and excellent frequency range.   GroverHuffman cabling (high end at moderate cost).  Used gear galore to use with those speakers.   Used VPI turntable/arm with a Dynavector 20X2 H cartridge for the table which will work with a wide range of MM phono stages.   A Denon 1500 or Kyocera 310/410 CD player for a few $100s.  Under $10K easy to get great sound, used.   Room treatment/power to equipment though will make a big difference   Stick mostly with solid used equipment at a big discount to new (except for the cartridge).