Can’t believe anyone

Didn't you ask for advice? I think you did, here's mine. You are going to get the biggest bang out of findin' another amp/pre or combo. The difference between the 7, the 8 and the 9 will be one of degree (though more degrees if you go from 7 to 9).

As for the dealer's contention about no upgrade?? It makes little sense. I feel something has been left out in the translation. It makes a difference! But you gotta be able to resolve that difference.

On the other hand, a new amp/pre is likely to really change your sound, by both kind and degree. For list of recommended components of the members of this site, see recent thread 'amp/pre' or some such, it's recent. Later on you can refine with the CDP upgrades. That's what I think anyway.
Thanks,
Chris

My first buying experance was in 1972 at Pacific Stereo. I was getting a MUCH better system than the Fisher system I had given to me.

The salesman talked me out of the smaller KLH's for some big honker cabinets with big woofers. They stayed in my home for two weeks before I could not stand it any longer and took them back.

I had to hassel with the salesman to get him to trade out. I desided at that time that NO salesman would EVER trick me again. I do not buy often, infact hardly ever (can not afford what I want new) but I can a lot of times tell the salesman more about their stuff than they knew. I used to go to shops in other towns and look on used rack. Now with Audiogon that will not happen any more! Just keep asking questions and many will offer help.

Thank All,

I appreciate the advice. In response to some questions, for serious listening, I listen to mostly jazz (mostly small combos). For casual listening, I listen to pop and rock. Once I got the Dynaudios, the system seemed under powered in the dynamics seemed compressed and a sound was bit less refined (cymbals and brass was off were a bit more rough).

I thought of moving to a plinuis (sp?) amp or an Odyssey stratos with a Rouge 66 or 99 preamp. My office/listing room is small. It is about 11x13. So I have done a bit of homework but I could use all the help can get.

I also want to get rid of my MIT’s but I will do that last.

Thanks again.

dear mr.X man, the place to start is at the wall! 75% of your problem is coming through your wall socket. check out the "Ensemble" swiss power products. your equipment has much more potencial than your hearing!!

X,

Based on what I've read above, there is some sound advise here. You mention that you want to upgrade your system. What aspect of it are you currently unhappy with? Perhaps that would narrow it down a bit.....

In my experience, the amplifier makes the biggest change. Add lots of high quality power, and your system will come alive....not from a loudness perspective but rather like having veils lifted from the speakers....the will grab your attention even at low power...

As also mentioned above, room placement is critical. Experiment with this if you can; you can change the character of your whole system this way....

Finally, I also strongly agree with the post above regarding take home demos. If your current dealers won't allow this, find new ones that do. The only way to get an accurate idea of how a piece is going to sound is to try it in your system.....

Finally, keep an eye on your interconnects and cables. Again, try different combos from your dealer on loan. Often, the tweaky cables actually harm system performance rather than enhance it. Folks seem allow the cost of these items to color their perception of what they are hearing. Keep the capacitance low.....

Remember, this should be fun!!!!

Good Luck!