Cash burning a hole What to upgrade?

I agree with improving the source. Either a DAC or a better CD player. This will provide an amazing improvement. If you go with a DAC, you will need a Digital Cable. I would also suggest replacing your interconnects. Try some used Virtual Dynamic Nites - They have been going for $310 on Audiogon. If you are not happy with the bass, try a subwoofer. This may help take some load off your amp. Another thing to consider is replacing the power chords. Again, the Virtual Dynamics as many others make a big difference. I think you will find that all of a sudden your amp upgrade could wait a while.

Ditto the source and the power cords. Regarding power cords, I just replaced the stock power cord that came with my Musical Fidelity A5 integrated with a 1 meter PS Audio Power Punch ($49.95) and the improvement was SUBSTANTIAL; more bass and eveness of response. Mids are much better, more tube like and warm. What the heck is going on?

I was not a believer that power cords could make a difference. I was one of the world's biggest sceptics in this area, but this made such a huge improvement; even this modest expense was very noticeable and positive. One tweak that must be explored.

Sell your speakers here on the Gon and add your extra $2k to the loot ... you could get some serious used monitors now for that kind of money. I find it amazing that you can find 2 to 3 year old $10k speakers for ~$2.5k here just about every day.

DAC or better one box CD player. Amp would be next. I bought Anthem CD1 player (no longer made) with tube output DAC and it was a HUGE improvement over my $1K Audio Refinement.

Sumiko speaker set:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?rspkr&1197744079&read&3&zzlDcstep&&