Topic: The next step

[DaryanLenz]

FWIW, I would like to stay with B+W's, preferrably floor standing speakers as I like the way they look.  I am currectly running b&w dm305's, a mirage sfx-8sub, and a tx-595 onkyo reciever I think it is.  I was wondering what one would reccomend as my next upgrade.  Keep in mind that I listen to pretty much only live tapes, and only my tapes for the most part, with the rest of the listening being dvd playback from a 400 $$ progressive scan dvd payer (great unit, damn thing won't pay cd-r's though).  Anyway, just seeing what the next step woud be  The new rig I am running is  with a grace if that matters
Daryan

[Craig T]

tubes.  start with a preamp.

[scervin]

Not sure running tubes with the speakers would be much of an improvement as the speakers would then be the weak link.  Go all out and find some N803's or something.  You do however owe it to yourself to listen to speakers other than B&W (they are very nice though).  
SC

[DaryanLenz]

Any brands in particular scott?

Daryan

[Wiggler]

Check out this web site for Audio gear.
Lots of information in the discussion forums.
http://www.audiogon.com/

Some popular brands

Revel
JM labs
Von Schweikert
Dynaudio
Rocket Onix
Rega
Coincident Speaker Technology
PSB
Vandersteen
Soliloquy
Sonus Faber
Tannoy
Egglestonworks

[DaryanLenz]

Yeah, I know audiogon, I will have to read up on this stuff sometime!

Daryan

[scervin]

Check out this web site for Audio gear.
Lots of information in the discussion forums.
http://www.audiogon.com/

Some popular brands

Revel
JM labs
Von Schweikert
Dynaudio
Rocket Onix
Rega
Coincident Speaker Technology
PSB
Vandersteen
Soliloquy
Sonus Faber
Tannoy
Egglestonworks

Wiggler knows what gets me.... JM Labs.  mmmmmmm....
Revel.... ooooooooooohhhhhhhh baby!  
PSB are nice, but I'd have to say the Silveri's are where they get good.  I've been putting thought into my next purchase and it might just be a new amp....  Have to pay for other things first though.
SC

[Craig T]

Check out this web site for Audio gear.
Lots of information in the discussion forums.
http://www.audiogon.com/

Some popular brands

Revel
JM labs
Von Schweikert
Dynaudio
Rocket Onix
Rega
Coincident Speaker Technology
PSB
Vandersteen
Soliloquy
Sonus Faber
Tannoy
Egglestonworks

Good list.  Add ACI www.audioc.com.  I recently added a pair of Sapphire's and a Force sub to my system and really like the sound.  www.audioasylum.com is another good resource for home audio gear reviews.

[Nick's Picks]

IMO, if you keep your current speaker setup, dump the onkyo.  Get a pre/power amp combo.  
I was very impressed w/my B&K st-140 amp.  dirt cheap too.  Warm and tube-ish sounding.

If you get the speaker upgrade bug, I'd check out Tylor audio.  Carl Beck has some, and they are stunning to look at as well as listen to.

I posted a link a while back to a PC multi-media solution he is offering for under $2k.  Its monitors, dual subs and an integrated tube amp.  I bet that thing kicks serious ass and would be a strong consideration for me if I had a smallish room and wanted to start from the ground up.

[John R]

don't forget quality interconnects, the most overlooked part of many systems.

jr