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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
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
If you review posts about going direct to amp, there is a common "thread" (pun intended). Many people say that the increased transparency or resolution comes at the expense of diminished weight or impact. Personally, the only time I tried running direct was w a Berning ZH-270 and I was underwhelmed. So there may be something to that. I've also found that in even a moderately resolving system, changing the pre-amp had a profound effect on the overall character of the sound. YMMV.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
I'd suggest putting the money aside, and start saving for a set of III series Maggies.
lenny_zwik
259 posts
 
I would start with a good read of the material on Rives Audio's web site, Acoustic Sciences' (ASC) and also on Cardas'. There's a lot of info on how to do this. I don't know what your budget is, and without knowing, it's hard to provide further guidance beyond this advice.
ridecycling
17 posts
 
I have heard the Decco used as a preamp and it is wonderful. It responds favorably to good interconnects as well. For the money you cannot beat it most especially since you get a preamp and the Dac is FREE! You won't be disappointed.
jpbas1
43 posts
 
Definitely a preamplifier if you're happy with everything downstream. I'm a fan of neutrality and unless your music calls for low end extension- your Maggies should serve you well.
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