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
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?

Post removed 
cmcdaniel5
21 posts
 
Cables all around (interconnect, speaker, and power)
edge22 OP
31 posts
 
In response to Bob_reynolds' question, I am currently controlling volume with the level/output control on the back of the amp. I do not have to adjust this very often, so it works okay. Certainly, I would prefer to have a preamp that has a remote control (which is why I am thinking about the possibility of using the Peachtree iDecco as both a preamp with remote and a DAC), but at present my main concern is sound quality.

As far as cables, I have anticable speaker wires and blue jean cable interconnects. No upgrades on the power cable. However, the ony thing on the electrical circuit is the audio gear and tv.
trebejo
102 posts
 
One inexpensive thing to improve the sound is to turn off your TV when you are not using it. :)

Your speakers are very nice, that's for sure. The amp sounds like a pretty good one too. There seems to be a gap with volume knob (back of the amp is not the best, probably) and in converting what is on the plastic discs into an analog signal. That Marantz model is not on the same class as the amp and specially the speakers.

If you want just the one box, the iDecco has had good reviews. The Tact dac/preamp combo is around your budget (used). The Benchmark dac includes a volume knob at no extra cost and it might still have a 30-day return period.

If you want to get two separate boxes (dac and preamp) then that's more fun because you can spend $1000 on each one. :)
More to discover