Got my very first system. What's my next move?


Hey everyone,

First of all, I'd like to thank all of you who stopped me from selling my father's 10 year-old McIntosh components. I've talked to some other audiophiles and dealers as well, and it looks like I'll be keeping these babies for a long time.

My first system (mostly given by my father), consists of:

McIntosh MC7300 power amp
McIntosh C40 preamp
McIntosh MCD7008 CD player
McIntosh MR7083 Tuner
Totem Hawk floorstanding speakers
Siltech MXT London interconnects
MIT AVt3 bi-wire speaker cables

Also please keep in mind that my current room is pretty small (10' x 14').

My question was, what is my next move from here? I currently have about $1500 saved up for A/V spending, and if I wait until september, it'll be up to $2500. Many have suggested that I purchase a subwoofer (REL Strata 3 or 5) and some have suggested I invest the money in a good power conditioner (Shunyata something...). I'd like to hear some recommendations from the real audiophile group (the A'goners). Please help :)

Oh, I use the system mostly for music by the way. I'd say about 70/30 music/movies.

Thanks in advance,

Seong
spacekadet
It is certainly practical to gain a good bit of experience and be able to find what you like and don't before making a purchasing leap. It seems though that a good power conditioner would be a help in this cause and also be a good investment. That is not a bad idea at all.
Agree with the others, keep the system and enjoy it. Don't become obsessive like the rest of us.
ENJOY THE MUSIC! In addition, go to lots of live acoutic events, thus allowing you to carefully optimize speaker placement and room damping toward the holy grail. Some attention to dedicated lines and better AC delivery may be helpful too. RSVP if you like.
take Dad out for a filet and lobster tail for Father's Day and enjoy your system
What GREAT advise you have been getting! I'm both amazed and agree. I'd spend every buck you have reserved on music (and your dad). Don't get caught up in trying to improve your system yet with tweeks - you can spend a lot for marginal results in your system. Best to save your money for long term major up-grades when you really no longer need to ask others what to do next.