What are the weakest components in my system?

I agree with amplifier upgrade and like Jrinkerptdnet's mention of a Vintage solution. Sam Kim of Sam's Audio Labs is a master circuit designer and vintage equipment restorer/upgrader. Sam upgraded my McIntosh MR-71 to Triode and it's amazing. Check out this link to get an idea:

http://www.samsaudiolabs.com/about.html

I also like the dedicated circuit upgrade because I did that and it does make a difference but that can wait. Replace your HK and then do the AC. You will then be able to easily identify the weakest links after that.

Dear Kmaclac: If I was you and if you are really interested on two channel analog system more than in HT then I will change the phonopreamp first or try the phono stage that comes in your receiver ( maybe I'm wrong and the receiver does not has a phono stage. ).

The other " move " that I will do it is to re-wire internally the speakers ( with better one. ) and maybe intent to change some parts in the crossover for better quality ones.
In the other side the IC and speaker cable that you are using to connect your audio system makes a difference and changing some of those cables could help.

You have several alternatives as you can read through each post in the thread.

Your call.

regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Swapping the HK for a nice little integrated such as a Creek, Cambridge, Music Hall or similar will make a huge difference...unless you want theater too.

I found there is no inexpensive way to enjoy quality playback to a certain degree. Everyone has different listening standards/requirements.
Think about replacing your current phonostage (first) and receiver.
Speaker placement/room acoustics, clean records and a well set-up (isolated) turntable may help while considering changes.

Kmaclac,

I asked a similar question a number of months ago. While my question was about gear, a couple of the responses suggested that I focus on room acoustics/room treatment. It was great advice.

I knew my room had a little too much echo (e.g., could hear some echo when clap hands). After doing some research, I ended up buy some GIK Acoustics 244 broad band absorption panels. These made an incredible difference, not only in the bass, but smoothed out the entire frequency spectrum. I was able to hear notes that I could not hear before, voices were more focused, and little anomolies that I thought were on the recording were in fact due to my room acoustics. I had previously borrowed a $1,500 REL subwoofer (which was great) from a friend, and the approximately $400 I spent on five of the 244s (I have a large room) made a much bigger difference than this very nice subwoofer.

I have no idea what your room is like or how big it is, but based on my research and experience, I think the experts generally agree that any room can benefit from some type of broad band absorption (as long as there is not too much to make the room "dead") and/or bass trapping. You can find more information about room acoustics on websites such as GIK Acoustics, RealTraps, Decware, and many others. Also, a number of discussion boards (e.g., Audioholics, Audio Circle, and Audio Asylum) have boards dedicated to room acoustic info.

I just thought I would pass along some of the best advice that has been given to me on this forum.