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Which area of components to spend the most $ on? Boy I was wrong all my life!

I have been an audio junkie for about 25 years. All those years, I have read plenty of discussion posts and recommendations where to spend the most money on. The majority, even the experts recommend to spend the most money on speakers. Up to as high as 60% of the total budget.Example: CEO of PS Audio-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYwL7vPkPhg
I believed this all my life. Today, my eyes are opened. My total budget is about $15K.Before today, my system was:Speakers-Revel F36 Concerta 2 (For the money, this is the best speakers I’ve heard. I like it more than my previous Dynaudio Contour 30)Integrated Amp-Marantz PM-10 (Class D, balanced, 400wpc at 4ohms)CD Player-Oppo UDP 205 & Marantz CD 6005 (Some of the best in class)Line conditioner-Furman Elite PFi 15Cables-Kimber 8TC Speaker Cables (Sorry, not a cable nut. I’d rather spend money elsewhere)
I upgraded my front end CD player to... Marantz SA-11S3. I was BLOWN away! This is the greatest upgrade I have ever heard in my life. For 25 years, I was taught to spend the most in speakers. Sorry! It’s the FRONT END! The best source you can afford. The purity transcends down the river. I am blown away by the sheer improvement in detail, clarity, depth, the air around the instruments.
My philosophy has changed.
skimrn
skimrn OP
13 posts
 
I totally agree with you.  In my 25 years of audio upgrades and changes, my Marantz SA-11S3 too was the biggest upgrade that I have ever heard.  It is built like a tank and the sound.  Truly amazing!Due to this thread, I had a scenario in my mind.  What would like better?
  • $500 CD player on the $10,000 speakers vs
  • $10,000 CD player on the $500 speakers.
Now that's an experiment!
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skimrn OP
13 posts
 
Hey all,
So I did some potential final upgrades of my system.  I sold my beloved Revel F36 Concerta2 Speakers and bought F228Be Speakers.  Wham!  Another giant leap of sound improvement. 
Now I can't tell if the SA11S3 or the Revel F228Be was the better jump since they are both insanely big jumps for me!Now I am shooting for the Marantz SA-10 CD Player.  I know Elizabeth here has one.  I heard great reviews about it.
avhifidelity
45 posts
 
Next upgrade for you should be the power cord. Try the Audioquest Thunder to begin with and you will become a believer.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Anticables Level 3 Reference Power Cord...absolutely astounding performance!!  Replaced a Transparent Reference PC on my amp.
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