2. amps-preamps
  3. 1263952057

Upgrade question for newbie

A few months ago I acquired my first system:

1. Magnepan 1.6 speakers
2. Emotiva UPA-2 amp (185 watts into 4 ohms)
3. Marantz DV6001 universal player running directly to amp

I am greatly enjoying my system, and I plan to upgrade it as funds allow. My room (a media room/game room) is approximately 23 x 25. I listen to music much more than I watch movies.

My question: If I were to spend about $1,000 or so for the first upgrade, which of the following options do you think would give me more bang for my buck:

1. A better/more powerful amp (although I am very pleased with the Emotiva for the price and it seems to drive the Magnepans better than a couple of different NAD models that I heard at the dealer)
2. A DAC (e.g., the new Peachtree iDecco or V-DAC)
3. A subwoofer (e.g., a used REL or Martin Logan)
4. A preamp
5. Something else

Thanks!
edge22
loomisjohnson
1,949 posts
 
the maggies definitiely need a sub, so i'd start there, esp. since you're pleased with the sound of your amp.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
A properly installed Velodyne SMS-1 sub controller @ $450 with a 12" sealed sub from Rythmik (per my system) or SVS (pretty extensive word of mouth plus great test results, but no personal experience) @ $749 for either will almost certainly provide significantly smoother bass and will probably provide deeper, more powerful bass as well. Your total investment here is $1200. You may decide (as I diid) to use a different high pass unit (mine is a $300 NHT x-2) in place of the SMS-1's high pass, but this can be added later.

Good Luck

Marty
phaelon
1,052 posts
 
It's not flashy, but you can't make a mistake by getting dedicated AC lines with high quality outlets.
edge22 OP
31 posts
 
In response to Lenny_zwik's question, my room is approximately 23 x 25. It has hardwood floors with no rug (which I assume the lack of a rug is not the best). There are a couple of large couches and some other furniture. In one wall there is a set back so that it is not a flat wall (a murphy bed could fit in there, but for now it is empty). Another wall is also broken up with a door that extends into the room so that that wall is also not completely flat. Ceiling is 9 foot.

I have tried doing the "clap" test and hear just a little bit of echo after a clap, but not alot.

As far as upgrading the room, are you talking about things like rugs or more like acoustical treatments? Do you have any suggestions for ways to test a room (e.g., test cds?, etc?) to see what types of treatment may yield the most benefit?

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