Hey Mapman, Thanks. I'd like to stay with tubes. As stated, my goals are more volume (getting to 85 - 90 db without things sounding strained), deeper and better controlled bass, higher resolution. Your reply is exactly the situation I'm in...go to a more sensitive speaker or up the amplification? I like the sound of the Forests so changing speakers seems a riskier route to follow but might ultimately be the best course. Thanks again.
Upgrade advice, please.
I'd appreciate some input/guidance/opinion about the most cost-effective upgrade move to make - amplification or speakers? Major components of my system are posted (I also have some rudimentary room treatments in place not shown in my system post). After playing around for years with placement of my Totem Forests I feel like I've finally found something that really sounds good Most of the time I'm very happy with the sound whether running a factory modified JoLida 502B (Winged C KT88s; Mullard AT7s; Ei Elite AX7s) or a JAS H-1 hybrid (ss pre; Winged C EL34 tubes) so possibly I shouldn't do anything at all. My budget is $3000 at most. Used is OK. My listening area is smallish...an open ended alcove roughly 13' x 15'. Should I upgrade amplification? I'd like any upgrade here to be all tubes. Change speakers? Do nothing? My goals are more volume (getting to 85 - 90 db without things sounding strained), deeper and better controlled bass, higher resolution. Thanks in advance for your time and input.