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Bottleneck / Upgrade Recommendations - Yamaha RVX-475 Receiver, Pro-Ject Phono Box MM

Hey all, first post here. Apologies if I’m not following standards.

I have the upgrade itch but not sure where to start. Here’s an overview of my current setup:

Speakers:

Polk RTI A1 Bookshelf on Sanus Natural Foundations speaker stands

AV Receiver:

Yamaha RX-V475 AV Receiver

Turntable and Pre-Amp:

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO with Sumiko Rainier cartridge and acrylic platter

Pro-Ject Phonobox MM Preamp

Other:

Sony PS5 for media streaming

Samsung PN60F5300 Plasma TV

Hifman Edition XS Headphones

FiiO Q15 Headphone Amp/DAC

Room Layout:

Apartment living room in a mostly open floor plan on the first floor. Living room area with my gear has hardwood floors with a rug covering like 90% of the space. 9ft ceiling

Uses:

Moslty used to stream music and play records. I also game and watch movies with this setup but music is the focus.

Overall I’m fairly happy with my set up but would like to revamp it. I’m leaning towards replacing the receiver first with something like the Marantz STEREO 70s. I don’t see myself getting surround sound anytime soon and like the option to transmit bluetooth audio to my DAC. Also looking to get something that supports 4k so I can eventually replace my ancient plasma. Would you recommend I replace the receiver first? I’m not opposed to getting a modular setup either. I was thinking if I ever do get a dedicated speaker amp(s) I could still use a receiver as a preamp. Budget isn’t a huge concern. Trying to keep costs under $3k or so. I’d love to demo gear in person but there aren’t really any shops around me that I’m aware of besides big box stores.

I’ve also considered upgrading my turntable styles to the Sumiko Moonstone though I’m not sure how big of an improvement that would be. Audio is more of a priority for me so I’d also be ok hanging on to my receiver for a while if a new preamp or stylus would be the biggest improvement. I guess I don’t really know what I’m missing.

 

EDIT: To clarify what I’m asking, what seems to be the weakest link in this setup? Where would I see the biggest improvement by upgrading? I’d love a subwoofer but don’t want to drive my neighbors crazy.

 

hifidan26
deadhead1000's avatar
deadhead1000
709 posts
 

I would agree your receiver is the first thing to upgrade. More/better power, better phono input (critical before you upgrade the cartridge/turntable ), more inputs. If surround sound isn't a goal, then I'd really recomend an integrated Amp. Unless you are a really die-hard FM listener, no reason to include it.

That said, it will not make the biggest improvement on sound. New spearkers would make the biggest impact. But I would still recomend upgrading the receiver first. You could add a small Sub to your spearkers, there are many 'mini' ones out there now that would not bother your neighbors 'too much'.... 

erik_squires
15,788 posts
 

You have no bass. 

So, when looking for a new receiver consider something with built in bass management / room correction that will help you get a sub dialed in correctly.

Also, speaker placement and room treatments should be high on your list. 

Lastly, simplify.  You have a lot of bits and pieces.  When you evaluate a receiver or integrated amplifier, get something that is going to have a good headphone amp, and DAC and bass management. 

soix
8,739 posts
 

Agree getting an integrated amp (preferably with HT bypass) as you can get the AVR completely out of the signal path, which is what you want, for significantly better 2-channel performance. Incidentally, you definitely want an integrated amp instead of just an amp because leaving the preamp section of the AVR involved in stereo performance is a huge performance bottleneck — preamps matter!!! BTW, I wouldn’t bother with the Marantz as you’d just be replacing one cheap AVR with another whereas a dedicated stereo integrated can really elevate your 2-channel performance to another level. After the amp I’d get a better dedicated audio streamer and preferably a good separate DAC too. The great thing is you can do this in stages and just enjoy each improvement on its own while saving up for the next. Hope this helps, and best of luck.

mesch
3,408 posts
 

Another strong vote for replacing the AVR with an integrated amplifier.

Many online audio stores allow return option if not satisfied. Check out Audio Advisor and Music Direct. 

Enjoy the journey.

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