My Next Upgrade: Speakers or Turntable?

@cd318 , thanks for the tips.  Wilson’s are at a store that doesn’t have any other choices really, whereas Harbeth’s are at a shop that has most of the other brands (and Magico too)….  Since I do need to lug my Gryphon to the shops, I’ll be heading to the shop that has the most brands.  Then l’ll be following up later to check out the Wilson’s.

Also, yes, I am leaning towards prioritizing the speakers first, and was leaning this way prior to this thread.  I was mainly curious as to what others would do in my shoes!  

@nyev 

I think you've answered your own question.

"I have heard what newer higher end speakers can do when driven by the Diablo 300. More transparency, more holographic soundstage, more air, more dynamics, and better presence and bass for my large-ish room."

Out of your list - Dynaudio, Wilson, Monitor, Paradigm, Audiovector and Harbeth - I'd try to directly compare the Wilson's with the Harbeth's first.

Either way you'd end up with a very desirable pair of speakers.

Sell the B&W's and get the Sanders ESL's. Transient speed/detail, transparency and life-size image superior to Magico.

I'd add a TT ASAP, enjoy the content, and take lots of time evaluating while savind funds for a future speaker change.

I always advise a removable headshell for optional MM, MC, Mono cartridges as you may desire.

A few inexpensive tools and skills are required for proper cartridge alignment, either you, a friend, your seller both for initial setup and future check/adjust..

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existing speakers, you might want to get a simple sound pressure meter and check what you are getting from your existing speakers which many people would love to have.

has a hole for tripod mount, check your drivers close, compare side to side. check from listening position, see what you are getting using test tones,, my favorite test CD, tracks 9-38

Thanks for sharing  @deadhead1000, good to hear of your experience.  I think my Gryphon adds enough tonal warmth (actually most describe the Diablo 300 as slightly “dark”) that I can live with speakers that are on the neutral side, provided they have adequate bass (not looking for a lot, just enough considering my large room).

The Magico A5’s look like everything I’m looking for, and people note that they seem to be rather unfussy with placement etc, with a wide sound stage, lots of bass, transparency and detail, and can be placed relatively close to the rear wall (20”).  I’ve also seen comment after comment on how great these sound at low volumes, which is another important trait I’m looking for (late night listening).  The Diablo excels at low volume playing too.

Sadly I am not in a position to get both a TT and speakers in the range I’m looking at…. Speakers probably make the most sense to prioritize….

I had the same decision to make 2 years back as my old turntable died. But I upgraded my Speakers first and glad I did. Although I have a good 150  albums, I finally did upgrade to a nice table, but I really have found I don’t listen to vinyl as much as I used too. Not sure where you live but I had about the same choice of speakers to listen too. I also find the BW a bit too bright/forward, and went with Harbeth, which of course some find too laid back. I really liked the Magico a lot, but just couldn’t fit them in the room. Hope my experience helps. 

Get both...better speakers and a good turntable. Even if a bit over budget, you will be glad you did.

Interesting to see somewhat opposing perspectives :)

The appeal of vinyl to me is more sentimental than anything. I am happy when a new LP arrives on my doorstep from one of my favourite bands. That said, I want them to sound amazing and I might get into the sonic benefits of analog (although I know some pressings could be inferior).

So the turntable would be more of a warm and fuzzy sentimental upgrade… And while I am happy with my system now, I know first hand what my system COULD sound like with upgraded speakers.  While auditioning the B&W 802 D3’s with my amp and an equivalent streamer, I had the experience of hearing new details in music I’ve listened to for almost 30 years….  But ultimately the 802’s were too mid forward, all about the mids in your face, too light on bass for me, and had terrible off-axis performance. Still, it was eye-opening to see what a higher end speaker could do with imaging, transparency, air, and dynamics. Of note, my amp is worth double my current speakers, so my system is a bit mismatched from that perspective.

But that’s me. I’m interested in what others would prioritize if in my scenario….

You have a very good system so I would say stay with the dance partner you came with. The right cartridge could make your loudspeakers move in the right direction. Maybe a nice Grado and tube phono amp? 

I would look at it as new speakers would improve everything… hence a better investment.

Also, spending money on a small vinyl collection unless you are craving playing with albums, cleaning (getting a record cleaner… etc). Then the money would be much better spent improving streaming as in terms of sound quality it can equal CDs and vinyl and will give you access to what you have and hundreds of thousands of more albums.

I have a great analog rig and 2,000 mostly clean or audiophile pressings. So I keep it. But if I didn’t have it I wouldn’t start now.