mesch

Responses from mesch

Cerwin Vega owner
I suggest you stay away from critical listening skills a remain happy with your system.   
Using a streamer to DAC to power amp, should I insert an integrated
Yes, I would replace the amplifier with a modern Integrated.  What is budget?    
The $10,000 Question
I would purchase the speakers 1st. Then identify the best integrated amp to drive them.  Avoid hard to drive speakers.   
Ultimate $10K home office system for vinyl?
Threads like this can be fun. If it were me I would consider the system as 6 components, Table, arrm, cartirdge, phonostage, Integrated amplifier, and speakers. The 1st 4 could take up half the budget for an office setup. Also isolation of the TT ... 
Finally upgrading my amp
I do believe an integrated amplifier is the way to go at your budget. I assume you are using the phonostage within the Denon receiver and the CD player as a stand alone.  If this is true you will need a new phonostage as well. Also, if the CD pla... 
What next?
As mentions by others herein, $2000 would make for a great improvement over use of a iphone with a purchase of a streamer/DAC. You will get a greater return on your investment in the amp and speakers.  
Bottleneck / Upgrade Recommendations - Yamaha RVX-475 Receiver, Pro-Ject Phono Box MM
@soix Yes, It just seems to me the OP didn't want to deal with the AVR. I was also thinking he wanted to go with an external DAC and phonostage. I could be wrong in my interpretation. I agree the Hegel integrateds are a good choice if wanting an i... 
Bottleneck / Upgrade Recommendations - Yamaha RVX-475 Receiver, Pro-Ject Phono Box MM
Given you are dealing with a living room as opposed to a dedicated  A/V room I agree on forgetting the 5.1 system. Allows for distribution of budget across 2 channels for higher quality sound. Also you are budgeting for both vinyl and digital play... 
Bottleneck / Upgrade Recommendations - Yamaha RVX-475 Receiver, Pro-Ject Phono Box MM
@hifidan26  Are you considering an integrated amplifier, a DAC and a phonostage? Would you consider used gear? Optical from the TV would have to be run to a DAC.  Integrated amplifiers can be purchased with a DAC and phonostage onboard. I prefer... 
Bottleneck / Upgrade Recommendations - Yamaha RVX-475 Receiver, Pro-Ject Phono Box MM
@hifidan26 @theflattire Sorry on pain meds at the moment. Need to slow down.  
Bottleneck / Upgrade Recommendations - Yamaha RVX-475 Receiver, Pro-Ject Phono Box MM
@theflattire I use a 2-channel system to augment video having music a priority.  From your OP I gather you do the same so you use streaming, a TT and the TV as sources.  One question: Is the $3000 budget only for upgrading the receiver?         
Bottleneck / Upgrade Recommendations - Yamaha RVX-475 Receiver, Pro-Ject Phono Box MM
Another strong vote for replacing the AVR with an integrated amplifier. Many online audio stores allow return option if not satisfied. Check out Audio Advisor and Music Direct.  Enjoy the journey.  
Transport Recommendations
@chuckie I am about to put in an order for a Jay's CD2 MKIII. Glad to see your response.   
Fritz Carbon 7 SE MKII
AS an owner of the Carbontse mk2s I can second all the aforementioned. If truly interested in these speakers give John (Fritz) a call.  I drive mine with both a tube and a SS amplifier in rotation, each rated at 20wpc.  
Looking for recommendations for integrated with a more “organic” sound.
Another hybrid amplifier you might consider it the Pathos Classic Model One MKIII.  I once owned one and wish I never sold it. It would be in my living room system driving my Tannoy Sterlings now.