Personally, I'd address both at the same time, but since you have to choose, I'd go speakers first. A good preamp will make a big improvement, but without good speakers, you won't be able to hear the changes that the preamp is making.

Why not split the difference and go with a setup similar to mine? I got a Budgie tube pre-amp (which is easily adjustable) fed through my receiver, outputting to some Klipsch RF52 II reference floor standing speakers. Both sound fantastic together but demo the Klipsch first at a big box store to see if you like the sound. I know they are polarizing with the horn design, but personally I like them.

Great thing is, if you go with those speakers, Amazon has had a deal for a while now where the cherry finish (much prettier than black, although it's heavy vinyl sticker) is cheaper. Strange huh? I guess cherry is discontinued or something; whatever, it resulted in a $25 discount per speaker. Also, the speakers are ready for bi-amp or bi-wiring out of the box and of course take spade, raw cable, or banana plug fittings. I'm a fan of bananas.

The Budgie tube pre comes with everything you need out of the box and the dude that builds them is well known in the DIY tube community and stands behind his stuff. I emailed him in the afternoon one day for his recommendations for the resistance dipswitches since I was changing cartridges. I gave him the details of my setup and, I kid you not, within an hour I had a reply. It wasn't a "do this or it won't sound good" reply either, it was nuanced, suggesting I try one of three settings if the treble is too hot, etc. This guy knows his stuff.

If you want to look into this setup, which is more than enough for most rooms (those speakers are fairly large, but not too large), the price for the whole shebang will come out to ($275x2 + $399) which is within your 1k budget.

Again, not trying to cram this system down your throat, but in my place it has sounded nice with my components. The preamp you really can't demo but the speakers should be at major big box stores. I know the local Fry's Electronics had the full range of these in every size.

Ok, finally, links to ponder:

http://parksaudiollc.com/budgiepreamp.html (Also available via Amazon)
http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Reference-Series-Floorstanding-Loudspeaker/dp/B00414N2OC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1W3HKY36X1DMTB12QXFB

If/when you try to figure out the Klipsch model system, pay attention to speaker sizes. The 52 is smaller than the 62 and the 82.

The Infinity P363 speakers are available for around $400 per pair, and IMO sound WAY better than anything Klipsch sells for under $1000. The Absolute Sound just did an article on them that you might want to read; very very positive.

Actually, those Klipsch "Reference" series speakers have repeatedly had VERY negative reviews from the audio press. IMO they are among the very worst speakers on the market for their price; poor midrange performance and godawful tweeters.

For an excellent phono preamp, look at the Musical Fidelity V90-LPS preamp, which goes for $225. The Phono Box MM is also good, for only $99.

Saturnino wrote:

Hello!
I've been looking at these forums for a while and I've learnt so much. It's great to see such a helpful and passionate community.

First of all, I'm just starting out in my audiophile journey and don't have a lot of money to throw at it but I am happy with my system so far and would like to upgrade it little by little to keep enjoying my music. I think it's fair to say that at this point I don't know if I'll ever want to invest more than 4 figures in a system but would like to have the best possible system I can.

Currently, I have a Peachtree Audio iDecco integrated amp paired with a BT1 Bluetooth Receiver. I recently added a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit DC turntable with Red Ortofon Cartridge powered with a very cheap TCC TC-750 Phono PreAmp that I used with a previous turntable. My speakers are the Pioneer SP-BS22 and a couple of Tascam VL4 Powered Monitors that I had lying around paired with an Emotiva Pro Control Freak Volume knob for ease of use. I have no fancy power cables or interconnects.

I'm budgeting $300-$500 to upgrade the system this year and my first impulse would tell me to either buy a better Phono Preamp or wait until next year and get a couple of speakers in the $1,000 range but I really would like to know your opinion on what can realistically be done with a system like this to maximize its potential.

Thanks so much in advance!

I would suggest contacting Dennis Murphy at Philharmonic Audio about upgrading your loudspeakers. Dennis has an excellent reputation, and has developed an upgrade for your SP-BS22, which includes a better Vifa tweeter and a redesigned crossover.

http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html

Since those little speakers don't have much lower end, I would suggest adding a subwoofer. If you have the skills for DIY, make some inquiries on the Parts Express Tech Talk forum about the Dayton Reference Series subwoofers.

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/forumdisplay.php?2-Tech-Talk-Forum

http://www.daytonaudio.com/index.php/loudspeaker-components/loudspeaker-drivers-by-series/reference-series.html?limit=all

As for the phono preamp for your Ortofon Red M2 moving magnet cartridge, I suggest looking at the Hagerman Bugle2, which is a very good device at a reasonable price, and is available either assembled or in kit form.

http://hagerman-audio-labs.myshopify.com/collections/phono-preamps/products/bugle2