What kind of music do you listen to? Hip hop, jazz, classical, rock? Are you considering adding a subwoofer? Are you interested in streaming audio? How bad is the CD players condition? Is it old or is something mechanically wrong so you feel death is imminent? Do you have a ballpark budget in mind?

You could take a step forward in lots of ways but answers to the above questions can really help offer guidance.

Raleigh95 wrote:

Hi there - I'm looking for my next upgrade to my two-channel system. Lots of vinyl right now, though CDs are important to me as well. Here's the setup:

Technics SL-1800 TT, with a Shure M44-7 cart
Cambridge Audio Azur 640C CD player
Monitor Audio Bronze BX-2 bookshelf speakers
Harmon Kardon HK 3375 receiver

I'm thinking the receiver is likely next in the crosshairs- I would like to get into a tube phono stage and an integrated amp. The speakers are new (and perfect for the room) so I'm staying put with those for now. The CD player transport is slowly giving up the ghost, we'll see how long that lasts.

I don't mind spending a little bit - would like for this upgrade to last awhile. Thanks in advance for your advice!!!

The Music Hall 15.3 integrated amplifier is excellent, and only $550; that would be a major upgrade.

You do have excellent speakers; those are definitely keepers IMO.

The Marantz CD-6005 is probably the best CD player you can get for under $1000, and it is only $499. It is really very good.

The OPPO BDP-105 is arguably the best-sounding player for under $8000, and a huge bargain at only $1200 (CD/SACD/DVD).

My experience with that turntable is limited, but I am fairly certain that the Music Hall MMF-2.2 , for $450, would be a major sonic upgrade.

I think the best-sounding phono preamp that you can buy for under $400 is the Musical Fidelity V90 LPS, which is only $240 or so. A tube model would offer no advantage.

The Musical Fidelity M1 LPS is even better, for $450.