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

@dougsat My brother has those Pioneers. Good speakers, heard them a lot but I would prefer a.... I included a link, did you not see that?

Okay I saw the link missed it the first time. I had a few of those speakers on that list.

The OP's Yamaha N-1 speakers are especially highly regarded.

Personally if these (OP) speakers aren't having any issues to speak of I would keep them. I am not sure the speakers available for under a Grand would be a slam dunk. YMMV.

I did pick up a pair of Polk Reserve 200 Anniversary edition recently and so far my findings - these are an excellent speaker for the $$.

Unless @lukasread only wants to playback vinyl I still like the addition of adding a streamer. So much music that I wouldn't even been aware of I am now enjoying. It used to be the radio that was the source for new music, now (for me) it is streaming. Plus it sounds really good!

Other than that a suggestion of a new cartridge is also a great idea. 

Cheers 

new amp the vintage pioneer will not have the clarity of a modern amplifier

@dougsat I agree it's a tough question from a small budget. But not impossible. I have been spending $3-500 a year and have made improvements.

1st Post, Welcome Aboard!

I would keep

Pioneer Receiver

Pioneer Speakers (level controls, yeah!)

sell Yamaha Speakers or use elsewhere or give away

New Cartridge with Headshell, Your tonearm has a removable Headshell, plan on moving the new cartridge to a better Turntable later so the improvement/investment is transferrable

My favorite not very expensive Moving Magnet Cartridge (works with your receiver’s phono input) is:

Audio Technica Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit

VM540ML/H

includes a headshell (keep your old cartridge/headshell/factory aligned) for when you get a better turntable you can put the current one back on, sell old TT or use elsewhere or give away).

It has a MICROLINE Stylus shape, much better sound and lasts longer than others.

Adjust the level controls of those speakers for your listening space.

How old are your ears?

I cannot post links, but you can find and read this article

sound-smith dot com /articles/stylus-shape-information