hi everyone, wanted to provide my current rig and then open it up to which items i should potentially upgrade. budget around 2-3K.
i have marantz sr5500 hsu vtf2 cerwin vega clcs12 cerwin vega centre jbl rears
any recommendations as to what i should potentially swap? music vs ht is about 50/50. listen to full range of music. one day i'd love rotel/b&w however need a step inbetween. thanks!
I'd definitely replace your front 3 speakers and add an external amp to run the front mains for music.
this is what I'd get for the music portion
Ascend CMT-340SEs (L/C/R), $884 shipped from ascendacoustics.com
NAD c162 pre/pro + NAD c272 amp, $1100-1300
and if you want to upgrade the surrounds too, a pair of Ascend CBM-170SEs would add just an extra $300 to the total.
That should keep you happy for years...
ask around on the Ascend forum, you might be able to find someone nearby who'll let you come listen. Otherwise it's a 30 day free trial. Also do a Google search for consumer and pro reviews, I've yet to find a bad review of them.
While I do not disagree with the other posts, as incremental changes do not make much of a real difference to the overall sound of a system, I happen to think you have a very good receiver there, one that can really shine with better front speakers, so you do have something to build upon. You also have a extremely fine sub that I would love to have, so you are good there, too. I think replacing your three front speakers will make a real difference in the sound, and it can be done without taking out a second mortgage. I have no idea what your budget might be, but the Ascends suggested by Edster is an excellent one, particularly if you have a very limited budget. Rick suggested B&Ws (which ones?), which I will also endorse as an excellent step up from your Cerwin-Vegas. Either works well with your receiver. I would go around to the audio dealers in your area and listen to what is out there--I think you'll find some speakers you really like. Set a budget first, though.
go listen to some Monitor Audio Silver Series S6's and you will get to hear what that amp sounds great with. They list for $999, but can be had for $700ish a pair on-line-new. Wait till you hear them! Thats a good receiver..the Cerwin's are the problem - no doubt :-)