How best to upgrade

Try a tube CD player like this Anthem CD1. Less fatigue, more musicality, bigger sound stage. You won't be disappointed.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1322478131&/Sonic-Frontiers-Anthem-CD--1-8

I don't know where you live, but if it's possible, I would build a relationship with a good audio dealer who can demonstrate the possibilites for you. I know it can be a little intimidating, but otherwise, you're just stabbing around in the dark. People who post here are well-meaning, but just because something pleases their taste has no bearing on whether it will make your system more enjoyable.

If a dealer is absolutely out of the question due to geography, you're just going to have to go through a process of upgrading each component at a reasonable used cost, and then selling it if it doesn't work out. Not the best way to go IMO. Good luck.

Hi there,

It may not be the "green" solution, but I know most of that gear and I'd start over. Not that it was bad stuff by any means, but there's a ton of great small speakers out there and many more options. I would not start with the CD player. My friends and I just spent quite a bit of time auditioning and listening (in our own systems) several DACs and good to very good CD players. While these sources effect the system, they are not the major play in the system sound on the level that speakers and amp/pre are. For myself I went with Merlin and Manley since the synergy with those components is well known. My friend is using ARC and Vandersteen for the synergy he likes. Digital sources come and go and it's clear (at least to us and everyone we know) that they are not the foundation in the way that a turntable is.
In the meantime, work out a budget and read up on the latest sonic flavors in gear..and have fun!

Rob