More bang for the buck: Amp or Turntable?

cstpeter
cstpeter Posts: 387
edited March 2006 in Electronics
I'm thinking upgrade and would appreciate thoughts on which would provide a more immediate improvement for 2-channel music: an amp or a turntable.

I currently have LSi9's that are biamped off a Denon 3806. My CD player is a Pioneer DV-563A.

I am thinking either a pair of Outlaw M2200 monoblocks or a Pro-ject Xpression turntable (or similar). Here are my thoughts on each:

Amp: I no doubt need more power for the LSI9's, a topic that has been discussed to death on this forum. However, some members' improvement has been huge, while others has been minor (but still noticeable).

Turntable: I have heard the difference between a CD player of the Pioneer's quality and a nice entry-level turntable can be huge. Then again, what's the point if I still don't have enough power.

Any thoughts on which would provide a more immediate WOW? I will probably do both upgrades eventually, but I seek instant gratification:

Moe: Oh, boy! The deep fryer's here. I got it used from the navy. You can flash-fry a buffalo in forty seconds.

Homer: Forty seconds? But I want it now!

Thanks for your input.
Von Schweikert VR4-jr
Valve Audio Predator
Denon DVD-2900
PS Audio Digital Link III w/Cullen Level IV Mods
Pro-Ject Xpression w/Blue Point No. 2
Graham Slee Special Edition 2
PS Audio UPC-200
Post edited by cstpeter on
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Comments

  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited March 2006
    Amp. The TT is a long and winding road with much more in the mix than just the TT. Amp first, THEN a better CDP and once you have that in place consider the turntable upgrade path.
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited March 2006
    I can't say which would offer a more noticeable improvement in sound, though I suspect the amp would. I would personally go for the amp first, to build a solid foundation, so to speak, before 'branching out' into such things as vinyl.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2006
    Amp.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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