Well, Before you start changing all the variables around and switching gear, I'd say this...You've got some really good pieces to work with, so I'd work on getting the maximum out of what you've got first! And, if you must change gear, only do one piece at a time!!!..that way you know where your at with your system!
My first inclination in regards to your concern about bass muddle would be that your speaker placement in the room needs work! (Or your seating placement, or both.) Speaker placement and seating in a room are the most important in getting good bass response from the speakers!!! Most people don't even have a clue!..really!
If you have a small room, this is even more likely a challenge! You've got a much better chance of getting good/flat bass response if your in a large room to begin with...small rooms are much more work generally, and are more picky to speakers as well. Bass Traps in the corner are usually mandatory in helping get boom out of the room as well!
Also, with the detail, you migh want to consider acoustic room treatment considerations (i.e, diffusing/absorbing first reflection points). If you can't control (caution, balance here!) first wall reflection points, the detail is all smeared and non defined sounding!
Now, once you've worked your room/set-up where you've got the best your going to get out of it in your room, I'd say it's time to, yes ,upgrade those otherwise good for the $ speakers (not Stratus Gold I's either!!!..the silvers are better overall actually!) for more refined/detailed one's. There's a gillion clear/detailed/pretty speakers out there that, set-up correctly, will satisfy all YOUR music needs, and give you plenty of good bass!...from what music you said you favor that is! If your after tight fisted Rock and Roll speakers, that's another story entirely!...
When you finally get into other gear mode however, I'd start with this order of changing things from where you are now...speakers first, then, if amp/preamp works fine with your new speakers, then keep em. Otherwise, find some new pieces that work better with your new speakers. Then, experiment around with changing some (one at a time) cables to match your new system! If you must upgrade your CD player, that really can be done without any real problem. Good luck
My first inclination in regards to your concern about bass muddle would be that your speaker placement in the room needs work! (Or your seating placement, or both.) Speaker placement and seating in a room are the most important in getting good bass response from the speakers!!! Most people don't even have a clue!..really!
If you have a small room, this is even more likely a challenge! You've got a much better chance of getting good/flat bass response if your in a large room to begin with...small rooms are much more work generally, and are more picky to speakers as well. Bass Traps in the corner are usually mandatory in helping get boom out of the room as well!
Also, with the detail, you migh want to consider acoustic room treatment considerations (i.e, diffusing/absorbing first reflection points). If you can't control (caution, balance here!) first wall reflection points, the detail is all smeared and non defined sounding!
Now, once you've worked your room/set-up where you've got the best your going to get out of it in your room, I'd say it's time to, yes ,upgrade those otherwise good for the $ speakers (not Stratus Gold I's either!!!..the silvers are better overall actually!) for more refined/detailed one's. There's a gillion clear/detailed/pretty speakers out there that, set-up correctly, will satisfy all YOUR music needs, and give you plenty of good bass!...from what music you said you favor that is! If your after tight fisted Rock and Roll speakers, that's another story entirely!...
When you finally get into other gear mode however, I'd start with this order of changing things from where you are now...speakers first, then, if amp/preamp works fine with your new speakers, then keep em. Otherwise, find some new pieces that work better with your new speakers. Then, experiment around with changing some (one at a time) cables to match your new system! If you must upgrade your CD player, that really can be done without any real problem. Good luck