Amp upgrade suggestions for a $2K budget


Hi guys,
I'd like to upgrade my equipment. I listen mostly to jazz and classic rock. currently have B&W CM7 speakers, a Rotel 1062 integrated with a Rotel 1072 CD player, Clearaudio Performance turntable, clearaudio carbon fiber tonearm, Benz L2 cartdrige and Moon LP3 phono preamp. I find that the Rotel soundstage lacks depth and separation. I added a Grant Fidelity tube buffer in hopes of improving it, but did not hear a great change. My preference would be to get a MacIntosh 6900 integrated but can't afford it at the moment. is there another integrated that would fit my budget and sound comparable or maybe even a tube preamp + power amp combination you'd suggest? btw, I'm fine with getting something in the used market.
thanks, Herbet
herbet
While you can certainly make some marginal improvement with you amp/preamps, nothing will make close to as much difference as changing your speakers. I would find the speaker you most love for $2,000 and keep your electronics for a while. When you find the speaker you love, then I would tweak it a bit with the amp/preamps - it all mostly depends on the recording, the speaker, and the room. Which doesn't mean I would not recommend the VAC Avatar, it is a very good integrated amp, but if you really want a significant change for the better, start with the speakers - my 2cents.
I'm a bit surprised. would you elaborate a little more on why you think the speakers are the weak link?
Sorry Herbet, I did not mean to suggest that they are the weak link, you may love them and are the speakers you want to build a system around - if that is the case, then looking at your pre/amp makes sense. What I am saying is that if you are looking to make a change, changing speakers will make a much bigger difference (for better or worse) than making changes in your electronics, assuming you already have enough power and current to drive your speakers, which I think you do. So, I'm not commenting on the quality of your speakers at all, I'm simply suggesting that speakers (and your room) are far more important than any changes you can make with the pre/amp. If you love your speakers, the VAC Avatar is certainly one of the finest integrated tube amps you can find, made by a great company, providing great service and support.
Rogue Audio Cronus........Take a look at my system. The Cronus and the Rotel RCD-1072 seem to get along quite well. It's a wonderful sounding integrated amp, and it may be a perfect cornerstone for your system. Good Luck, and Happy Listening !