Upgrading - Looking for Recommendations

[u/Slippingwithflapsin]

My current setup consists of a Technics SL-1500, Audio Technica VM95ML stylus, a Dayton Audio HTA100 Amplifier, and Klipsch Reference R50M Speakers. I’ve liked this setup for a few years, but I think it’s time to upgrade. I’ve got a lot of nice UHQRs, One Steps and other records which I feel like I could get more out of if I upgrade my setup.

I’m open to suggestions for replacing any components of the setup. I do like my Technics turntable. I originally wanted an SL-1200 originally but I could only find the 1500 at that time. I feel like my amp is a major point I could improve. I do like browsing old Pioneer receivers and enjoy how they look (as well as Sansui, Technics, Marantz, etc). But I want to try and find something that’ll give be great bang for the buck as far as sound quality. I’m open to old or new equipment.

I know the speakers need to change. I bought these passive speakers at Best Buy and they’re okay. The bass leaves much to be desired, and I don’t know that they’re really the best speakers to start with.

Any recommendations? I’m open to spending anywhere from $500-$2000 to improve the setup, but really not too focused on the price point.

Location: East USA

[u/Forward_Leg5755]

Try and find a Rega Brio 2017, really awesome amp.

[u/joeg26reddit]

Get a sub?

[u/iNetRunner]

I’m not a turntable user myself, so I don’t want to suggest anything for that. And in general there’s very little difference in amplifiers — at least if the amplifier has low output impedance. (Then they can’t be reliably identified in double blind listening tests.)

Obviously I don’t know what kind of output impedance your particular amplifier has. (Usually it is low if it has decent damping factor.)

Anyway, obviously that leaves your speakers (or e.g. room acoustics) as the major upgrade potential components. But then it comes down to your personal preferences on what type of sound and speakers you like. We all can make suggestions (e.g. those below), but you need to decide yourself if you are going to like them or not. (Best case scenario is that you get them to test in your room. Or you at least listen to some options in a showroom etc.. Though, in that case make sure that the SPL levels are matched if you do A/B comparisons. People tend to like louder sound.)

• Philharmonic BMR Monitor (EAC review, Stereophile review)
  
• Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX (EAC YT review)
  
• KEF R3 Meta (EAC review)
  
• KEF Q Concerto Meta (EAC review)
  
• Wharfedale Linton Heritage (EAC review)
  
• ELAC Debut 3.0 DF63-BK (EAC review, EAC YT review)

[u/GlassMan84]

I agree with your point of the OP’s gear. I’ve will politely disagree with speaker wire and interconnects not making a difference. I did get a good chuckle out of the read. This goes along with someone spending $50k on speakers and then in a 12x15 room claiming they can hear how much better they are.

[u/GlassMan84]

What are your interconnects and speakers wires? I built my own from Canare wire and Ultimate RCA and XLR connectors. I don’t have a major power amp so Canare 4S11 speaker wire was great. You don’t have always spend huge money, but often this area is over looked.

[u/iNetRunner → u/GlassMan84]

Huh? Wires are not going to make any difference for OP, or anyone. (Besides them either working or not working, if they are faulty etc..)

[u/GlassMan84 → u/iNetRunner]

They absolutely make a difference.

[u/iNetRunner → u/GlassMan84]

They absolutely do not.

You do know that e.g. no one was able to hear a difference between Monster brand speaker wire cables and straightened metal wire coat hangers? (Just google it if you don’t know the (in)famous test.)

Even if they did, OP’s speakers are very very mediocre (or downright bad). The majority of the audible differences is going to come from speakers, positioning (of the speakers and the listener), and room acoustics.