Upgrading entry level system

What do you consider the weak link in your system?

The only real gripe I have is the Denon has a fatal flaw when it comes to streaming and has to be reset or unplugged every couple weeks. A replacement board did nothing to solve the problem so I’m convinced it’s a software bug. I’m pretty soured on Denon now. 
But I’m new to the hobby and have never heard middle or high end audio so I don’t know what I’m missing. 

Evo 4.3 in my original post should have been Evo 4.2. 

i've heard your jbls and liked them--i'd look to upgrade your receiver first. rotel, cambridge and audiolab all make well-reviewed integrated amps with streaming capabilities and phono for less than a grand which would be worth checking out.

+1 loomis. A better DAC is very important, but if you listen to a lot of vinyl, a good phono stage might be crucial, too.

1000.00 probably won't replace the Denon receiver (and DAC). So as @hilde45 mentioned, you should decide which is more important, digital or vinyl. Then it would be a stand alone phono stage or DAC. But that receiver really needs to go when funds allow.

Oz

The only real gripe I have is the Denon has a fatal flaw when it comes to streaming and has to be reset or unplugged every couple weeks.

Why not go for Node 2i streamer? Then when you upgrade the receiver you won’t be spending $$$ for streaming but rather you get more value and performance from the new one because it  will just concentrate on amplification.

One further thought -- seek out a good integrated, used. Here, just for an example, is a high quality unit. It lacks a phono stage but you could get a good and inexpensive one from Schiit to add to this: https://tmraudio.com/components/integrated-amplifiers/hegel-h80-stereo-integrated-amplifier-h-80-bla...

Good info from @ozzy62 & @hilde45 & @loomisjohnson

I think we all agree that you need an integrated amp to bring your system to a point that you can build a good system. IMO, your system as is, is not easily built upon because of streaming built into the receiver and phono preamp built into the turntable. You have good enough speakers now, especially with the sub. You have the full frequency covered.

I’d give a lot of consideration to the Hegel Integrated, though you will lose your streaming for the time unless you have a computer.  But then when funds are available, get the Bluesound Node 2i. Keep your eyes in the classified. many items are there because the owner upgraded from that piece

Re the streaming comment. If you really were strapped for cash, well, Audioengine is decent -- get you started for less than $200: B-Fi Multi Room Music Streamer

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-dZHLvsgbBYI/p_772BFI/Audioengine-B-Fi.html

Or used earlier Bluesound Node 2: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649734306-bluesound-node-2-wiredwireless-streamer-brand-new-in-s...

This is NEW but not thelatest version. I’d offer $230 for this and see how they respond. If they balk, you could argue that this is the old version. See if they want the cash for an older model.

If you really want to get the most out of your $1000, have you thought about DIY or kit loudspeakers? These sound a lot better than they should for the money.

At least half of my listening is old punk rock with lousy production values but the rest is a mix of other rock styles that might be improved with better equipment.

There are some amazing punk / heavy rock recordings, you might be surprised how much better they can sound.

Many thanks for all the advice. I’m going to digest this and think on the amp. Space is at a premium in my listening area so splitting one component into three isn’t ideal.

A good integrated amp.

Thanks but no kits for me @pragmasi. I’m the opposite of a craftsman. 

I owned one of the high-end, highly rated Denon receivers a few years back and regretted it. It never sounded good. I'd go with the other posters who say get an integrated first, used is fine so that you can get the Node 2i for streaming. For what you listen too, the JBL's will be fine for a while longer. You'd really have to spend over $1K to really get a worth-while improvement. Just another opinion from the ozone.

Well, within budget and, sans streaming, having the required features, you might look into the Yamaha A-Sxxx line of integrated amplifiers. They all have internal DACs, phonostage, and subwoofer output.

The audioengine device for streaming may work if you stream wireless. 

Marantz pm7000n under $1k, integrated amp with built-in streamer - natively stream Tidal/Qubuz/Spotify/etc. wirelessly or over Ethernet cable; one-box solution; includes phono stage; class A/B amplifier, not class D. Check the reviews. I have one in my office system. It was a substantial upgrade over Bluesound Powernode 2 to my ears.

I’m considering saving a few more pennies to get the http://https//www.crutchfield.com/p_745C368B2I/NAD-C-368-BluOS-2i.html?tp=34948 NAD C 368 that has the node 2i feature set included. Somebody talk me down.