looking to upgrade - identify the weakest link?

Dac weakest link, then server. I have extreme modded Klipschorns I run with 300B SET monoblocks and 845SET. They aren't really that intrusive sitting in room corners, in stock form look almost like furniture.

You have basis of nice system with LM amp, do the source, your amp and speakers deserve higher resolution source. Do speakers later.

Many thanks for the input - I appreciate it!

@williewonka Excellent point: I've been meaning to build some nice cables - thanks for the reminder.

@russ69 I'm not sure how to shorten digital path to amp save remove the Mini+ (which is very effective). I'm also curious about your thoughts re Forte  IV?

@danager Klipshorns are an interesting idea - they're kinda out of the way and thus a possibility (maybe).

After decades, I left vinyl during the first Reagan administration and am not eager to return. I'll check out the DAC/streamer threads .

I appreciate all the thoughtful responses and am eager to hear more!

Blue OS Node +1

If a larger speaker isn't a good fit for you, I agree that upgrading your source makes most sense.

While I am an analog lover, if you don't have any records, I'd argue that it's a major investment in both hardware and software to get worthwhile sound quality. That's a whole conversation in itself. 

Both your DAC and streamer have plenty of room for improvement. DAC first if budget is an issue. If not, get a better DAC and a low powered streamer with a very good quality linear power supply. If you can add optical isolation all the better. There are about a hundred threads here on specific products and comparisons. If you have your own digital library in addition to using Qobuz, then a NAS in a separate room ethernet wired to a network switch is the way to get the most sound quality for the money. 

If software user experience and musical discovery are important to you, consider Roon as part of your plan and take the time to understand running Roon Core on a Pi/Rendu/Nucleus type device and be sure to get a Roon Ready endpoint. You can use any(or all) computer/tablet/phone as remotes. Cheers,

Spencer

I would upgrade the DAC. 

If you are digital only, that dacmagic is your bottleneck. Look at some of the Denafrips products. But I also like the suggestion to buy a ‘table.

Oz

@tuberist it is not the source only the interface he has a Blue OS Node. 

Consider buying a good turntable, with a good arm, cartridge, and lots of good vinyl.

Along with the Fortes' if you are thinking a speaker change I would look at the Volti Razz also. I think it is a much better build.

@ex-mtairy - What cables are you using, because they are probably your weakest link. 

Good cables will  improve

• dynamics
• clarity & details
• bass extension/depth and texture
• image and artist placement
• venue acoustics i.e. echoes and reverberations

Most of your components already do all of that, but the cables prevent them from demonstrating what they can really do.

I have the Node 2 streamer fitted with great interconnects and power cable and it punches way above its modest price point

You can even make cables yourself that outperform many of todays top brands.

For details See: My Audio Alchemy (image99.net)

And to read what others think: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/duelund-conversion-to-diy-helix-geometry-cabling

Hope you find what you are looking for - Steve

Cornerhorns. They don’t occupy living space so their size while intimidating  actually take up less of the your room in than conventual speakers placed away from the front wall. The other benefit is that you set it and forget it. No fiddling around with toe in forward backwards any of that stuff and you can drive them to LOUD with fea watt amp.

Everything from there is gravy. Check the used market they are a steal.

There is lots of room for improvement. I'd start with a pair of Forte IVs. Probably a better match for your amp. I'd also shorten the path of your source as much as possible you got a long and low quality path before it gets to your amp, that is not helping.   

I would suggest eliminating the PC as your streaming source