2. amps-preamps
  3. 1263952057

Upgrade question for newbie

A few months ago I acquired my first system:

1. Magnepan 1.6 speakers
2. Emotiva UPA-2 amp (185 watts into 4 ohms)
3. Marantz DV6001 universal player running directly to amp

I am greatly enjoying my system, and I plan to upgrade it as funds allow. My room (a media room/game room) is approximately 23 x 25. I listen to music much more than I watch movies.

My question: If I were to spend about $1,000 or so for the first upgrade, which of the following options do you think would give me more bang for my buck:

1. A better/more powerful amp (although I am very pleased with the Emotiva for the price and it seems to drive the Magnepans better than a couple of different NAD models that I heard at the dealer)
2. A DAC (e.g., the new Peachtree iDecco or V-DAC)
3. A subwoofer (e.g., a used REL or Martin Logan)
4. A preamp
5. Something else

Thanks!
edge22

Showing 2 responses by edge22

edge22 OP
31 posts
 
In response to Lenny_zwik's question, my room is approximately 23 x 25. It has hardwood floors with no rug (which I assume the lack of a rug is not the best). There are a couple of large couches and some other furniture. In one wall there is a set back so that it is not a flat wall (a murphy bed could fit in there, but for now it is empty). Another wall is also broken up with a door that extends into the room so that that wall is also not completely flat. Ceiling is 9 foot.

I have tried doing the "clap" test and hear just a little bit of echo after a clap, but not alot.

As far as upgrading the room, are you talking about things like rugs or more like acoustical treatments? Do you have any suggestions for ways to test a room (e.g., test cds?, etc?) to see what types of treatment may yield the most benefit?

edge22 OP
31 posts
 
In response to Bob_reynolds' question, I am currently controlling volume with the level/output control on the back of the amp. I do not have to adjust this very often, so it works okay. Certainly, I would prefer to have a preamp that has a remote control (which is why I am thinking about the possibility of using the Peachtree iDecco as both a preamp with remote and a DAC), but at present my main concern is sound quality.

As far as cables, I have anticable speaker wires and blue jean cable interconnects. No upgrades on the power cable. However, the ony thing on the electrical circuit is the audio gear and tv.
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