I had the Energy RC70 speakers when I changed my 2-ch gears to HT a few years ago. I thought that I could enjoy 2-ch music from a surround HT system too. BIG mistake!
After many generations of upgrade, I would recommend the following:
Upgrade your main speakers first. After going through a few sets of speakers, I would suggest that you should get the best you can afford. Also note that if you want to use tube power amp, you need to consider the impedance curve of the speakers.
If budget is a constraint, I would sell the Rotel and use the receiver to power the center and surround speakers. Then get a good set of preamp and power amp. For the preamp, I would get one with HT-bypass or unit-gain setting so that the 2-ch gear can be part of your HT system.
If I have to choose between upgrading preamp or power amp first, I would keep the Rotel and upgrade the preamp first. IMO, this would give you most noticeable improvement.
I would also spend money on cable and power line treatment.
After many generations of upgrade, I would recommend the following:
Upgrade your main speakers first. After going through a few sets of speakers, I would suggest that you should get the best you can afford. Also note that if you want to use tube power amp, you need to consider the impedance curve of the speakers.
If budget is a constraint, I would sell the Rotel and use the receiver to power the center and surround speakers. Then get a good set of preamp and power amp. For the preamp, I would get one with HT-bypass or unit-gain setting so that the 2-ch gear can be part of your HT system.
If I have to choose between upgrading preamp or power amp first, I would keep the Rotel and upgrade the preamp first. IMO, this would give you most noticeable improvement.
I would also spend money on cable and power line treatment.