Am I crazy to upgrade?


Hello all, I’m currently on the vetge of making a multi thousand dollar "upgrade" and thought it would be prudent to get some insight/ feedback from those that know before pulling any triggers. 

 

I currently have a 7.2 system with B&W 804s, 805s, SC1s, Htm1 & 2 Rel Storm iiis.

I have 3 Emotiva gen 2 XPA1s, an XPR5 for the rears, XMC--2, and a Blusound Node 2.

I have always wanted the Tekton Ulfberhts with two 410 subs and wide Double Impact center. I have the opportunity to pick them up at a very reasonable price as well as the Impact References for rears. So, when you upgrade your speakers you have to upgrade everything else. :) So I was thing Parasound JC1 monos and a JC3? Maybe a ysed Anthem AVM 70 or 90? Or a NAD M12 or M17? Ir Wyred 4 sound SX1000R monoblocks? Keep the Emotiva? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

mopowah

Great sized room and no spousal acceptance factor and you are good to go.

 

I would look at where you should be when done. You want equal quality from source to speakers and two channel only stuff is way better than home theater components. Especially the source. When putting together a whole system, lots of research and listening is required to make sure the equipment has the kind of sound you want... like highly detailed with slam, warm, or natural... etc. There are brands that specialize in each. But assuming you are choosing the brands that play to your tastes and are of the best value at the investment level, then I recommend the approximate investment of 35% speaker, 15% streamer, 15% DAC, 15% preamp and `15% amp. Surround processors are not good two channel sources. Then after a year and all is broken in and positioned, start upgrading interconnects and power cords... etc.

One other thought... is there any chance this is a revenge purchase? Big, loud and ugly (to females)? If there is any chance, I would slow down, and go auditioning systems to find the sound you are looking for. I would listen to B&W, Wilson, Sonus Faber and Focal speaker based systems. They are main stream and make some of the finest speakers on the planet.

You absolutely, 100% do not have to upgrade everything else, in fact, it's ignorant to do so until you know how the new speakers sound with your current setup. That being said, I'd bet you'll think it doesn't sound that good and will buy all new stuff anyway.

Sounds like a major life transition, If it's not going to jeopardize your other financial priorities, after doing your due diligence, go for it. Life is short, enjoy yourself. Enjoy in good health.

Looks like you are streaming your music using the Node as a streamer and DAC.  I suggest looking into upgrading both.  I did and it made a significant difference.  The source and the speakers have the greatest impact on the sound after the acoustics in your room.  Enjoy your new musical journey!  

All the gentlemen above have made very sound recommendations on mainly speakers which all seem very constructive.

Regarding the home theater processor, I own an Anthem AVM70 and have it pared with Revel speakers and am very content. The Anthem piece has very many features like bass management for 2 subs and Anthems state of the Art Arc Genesis room correction system, that many seem to believe is the best in the business including the excellent Dirac system. The DAC in the AVM 70 are extremely good musically, I use them for my Bluenode streamer in a DaC out config. That said as good as the Anthem AVM 70 is, there are only two pieces better for home theater processor the best probably being the Trinoff and second place Anthems AVM90. I haven’t heard the Trinoff but people like Audio Advice says it’s the best on the market. The AVM 90 have even better DACs than the AVM 70 and has bass management for up to 4 subs. Last week Audio Advice was offering a 20% off on the Anthem gear.

Good luck with the upgrade and please let all of us know when you make changes and the progress resulting.