SEEKING ADVICE: Which component would you upgrade first?


This is my first post, so take it easy on me!

I have a modest analog system and would like to get recommendations on which component you would upgrade first for the biggest impact. Please use the existing components as a gauge for my budget (+/- a few hundo).

About me: I'm music lover. I'm a musician and recording engineer. I have a decent collection of old and new records, CDs, and tapes, which I listen to regularly. I appreciate good sounding recordings and have the experience to identify good and bad, but I'm not interested in mortgaging my home to upgrade my system.

 

THE RIG

Receiver: Pioneer SX-680

Turntable: Pioneer PL-112D

Speakers: Yamaha NS-1 and Pioneer HPM-100

lukasread

Welcome to Audiogon!

Sounds to me like you have a nice (albeit) Vintage system. If it still sounds good I would change a thing. 

One suggestion is maybe adding an inexpensive Steamer / Dac and trying out Tidal or Qobuz to stream a plethora of New Music!

Wiim Pro Plus is currently $219 and is getting good reviews. 

Doug  

sideways upgrades are good to avoid and from a few 100 bucks, that's what you would get. I would put the receiver and speakers up for sale and see what gets any offers. You can get a lot of incredible speakers that are better than what you have for under $1000 as in:

If the cartridge is original, maybe something like the Audio Technica AT95e at $60.

I assume you are not running 2 pairs of speakers at the same time. Ensure the one pair you are using (NS-1) are on stands and out from the wall.

Ultimately, the receiver is best changed out for an integrated amp. Receivers generally sound crap.

@grislybutter 

"lot of incredible speakers that are better than what you have for under $1000"

So just wondering are you familiar with either of the speakers the OP mentioned.

Seems like they are both highly regarded just doing a quick google search for curiosity. Apparently in your opinion that is that is not the case?

What under $1,000 speakers are you referring to?  Again just curious.