What should my next upgrade be? Your best experience


I have the itch to upgrade my system now that I've been in it for a moment. I mostly stream (Deezer) or listen to CD/SACD content. I occasionally play vinyl but rarely, I'm sure I will continue to grow into it but am not looking to improve the TT now. I listen to mostly Classic Rock, Jazz, Blues, and Indie music. I'm listening to Talking Heads (live acoustic) as I write this. The Marantz PM-11s3 has zero issues pushing the Monitor Audio Silver 8s, it actually is a little over kill for them I think, as it has complete control of them, never losing its composure.  So there is zero chance the PM-11s3 is up for replacement at this point.
The room is 14'x40' with 12' ceilings. The system has no issue filling every inch and at high volumes so no issue there.

Current system is -

Marantz PM-11s3
Marantz UD7007
Marantz TT-42 
Sonos Connect
Monitor Audio Silver 8's
Analysis Plus Purple Oval 12 bi-wire
Tributaries 8AB XLR (UD7007 to PM-11s3)
Tributaries 2A RCA (Sonos to PM-11s3)
CyberPower Conditioner

The obvious direction, it seems to me, is speakers? But am I missing something? Would upgrading to a real audio quality conditioner with an upgraded power cable give me something more and set me in the right direction for future upgrades? 
Or am I not where I need to be with cables? Can I make a sonic improvement by upgrading speaker cables and/or interconnects while again getting myself in a good position for future upgrades?
I have to admit that this is the best system I've had and I do love every minute of listening to it.... Its fast, accurate, and punchy yet it has great sound stage and its not clinical. It has that Marantz sound/charm (warm but not clouded).
I know posts like this are common and beaten to death but my system is unique as it is mine and probably not exactly like anybody else's...
Never-the-less, I know I'm nowhere near where most of you are! And I know for a fact I have much less knowledge than most of you. I'd like to keep bettering my system, moving towards the personal listening nirvana if you will. So what direction would you head in if you were in my shoes?
264win

Showing 5 responses by lalitk

@264win,

Nice system, your weakest link is Sonos Connect especially if you’re listening through its analog outputs. Before you spend a cent on anything else, I would either upgrade to another streamer or add an external DAC.

I own Sonos Connect and RCA output is pretty lifeless compared to its SPDIF output. Since digital streaming is a big part of your listening, i highly recommend adding an external DAC to improve the sound.


@2psyop

Good suggestion on Bluesound. I have Vault 2 on order, it will be replacing my Sonos Connect. I plan to connect Vault 2’s straight into ARC LS28 via its analog outputs.


@264win,

Upgrading to better RCA IC’s is not an answer, IMHO. The culprit is subpar Sonos internal DAC. The only way to improve sound from SONOS is to use its SPDIF output to an external DAC.

Your Marantz 7007 doesn’t have digital input so don’t think you can use 7007’s internal DAC for streaming from Deezer. 

Either you try another Streamer with built in DAC or buy an external DAC to use with SONOS. You can also look into Oppo UDP-205 or 105D. 

Keep in mind, with Sonos you are restricted to CD quality resolution at best through its digital output. 

There are lots of DAC options so take your time to choose wisely. 

Or try Bluesound Node 2 and see that make audible improvements in your system. 

Good luck!

@264win, 

If you prefer to stick with Marantz, NA-11s1 would be a great choice. Since you already enjoy Marantz house sound, you will get impeccable synergy by pairing 11s1 with your PM-11s3. 

I believe you can order one from a online retailer with 30 days audition return policy.