Request for insight/opinion


System as it stands
Monitor Audio Gold Reference speakers:
a pr 20's
a pr 10's
center channel
no sub yet
very utilitarian DVD player-Pioneer 563A
a Pioneer Elite 45VSX-45TX 7.1 THX 100W per channel receiver

Movies and concert DVD's present with incredibly good sound and punch, these experiences leave me wanting for nothing. Music via CD's, tuner, phono can be very good but rarely are my socks knocked off, honestly. In your opinion, am I asking too much of this ($900-new) receiver? Should I seriously consider separates? If so,does anybody have an opinion on a decent $3000-ish match with the Gold Ref's? Or would getting a better quality CD player be a better direction to go in? Thanks in advance. Jen.
khow6ebb
I have the MA Gold Reference 10 partnered with Classe 150 amp, Cary Audio preamp with matched Telefunken 6DJ8 vacuum tubes and CAL Tubed Alpha DAC and Delta transport. The sound is nothing short of spectacular. Try the Classe behemoths, highly recommended
I would look into upgrading your DVD player. Remember Linn's motto: start with the source! IMO I agree with this. There are quite a few reasonably priced DVD players which also have very good redbook CD capability....Arcam for example.
Thanks to everybody who responded. Duane, I have been told by a Pioneer rep that the Elite in Direct Mode does bi-pass A/D and D/A conversion. Which makes it easier to lean toward upgrading the my CDP. With Arcam, have you had any listening experience with the 73 model? I'm wondering if it is a reasonable choice or would it behoove me to save for the more advanced 33 or 36? Thanks again.
Are you using the digital or analog connection to play the CDs? I'm somewhat assuming the analog since that't the only way you could use the analog bypass.

Regardless of which way it is now, maybe try the other way to see if there is any change for the better.