What do I upgrade next to soothe the soul?


I currrently have an Aragon 8008BB AMP, 28K preamp and D2A2 DAC, plus Polk 2.3 speakers, MK MX145 sub, Nakamichi MB1 CD player and Monster M1 Reference interconnect (that I won in a CD Review contest with the entire Telarc Cd collection). I have the system setup in a 38'by 22' room that is fairly live with windows and woodfloors.

I was happy for years) and now am seeking a fresh sonic experience. And my wife would love smaller and visually attractive speakers. I love classical and Rock music. I want the system to play well at lower as well as higher volume. Music is one of the most importannt loves of my life - it truly soothes the soul. I live in rural area with no dealers for 200 miles.

Thinking of upgrading the Polks or CD player as the next step. What do you all think would make the most difference and any products you'd recommend. Budget 3K and willing to go used.

Thanks
128x128gammajo
Dear Sdcampbell
Thank you so much for your well thought out, helpful and detailed response. Though the room is large with much glass it also has alot of overstuffed furntiure and several carpets. Not sure how you measure the liveness scale. I will begin to research the speakers you have suggested. I am excited to have a place to start. I am in western NC - 2hrs from Charolette and 3 from Atlanta.
Gammajo
Until last week, I would have wholeheartedly endorsed Sdcampbell's response. Then I heard that darned APL Hi Fi Denon 3910 mod and my world went topsy turvy.

I can't believe the info that thing got out of plain old CD's - fabulous.

My motto with upgrades has alsways been, "Do it once." No stop gap moves, go definitive each time and you'll end up with a more satisfying system.

So, just for fun, seek out the APL player and see what you think.

Otherwise, I go back right in lockstep with the first reply.
Thanks enophile - I checked out the Apl on the web - looks great - wife would freak, at least until she heard it:)
Give Robert Taylor at Taylor House a call.He is about an hour west of Charlotte and is very helpfull.I've known him for 20 years and he won't steer you wrong.His # is 704-483-5730 and good luck.