Advice on what to upgrade

I know these threads come up frequently (sorry), but I'm hoping for a little advice on what upgrade you think will make the most impact in my system. I'm currently running a Raven Audio Nighthawk MK2 integrated, with a Rogue Audio Stealth Phono Pre, and a cleaned up AR-XA with a Denon DL-110. Speakers are B&W 602.5 S2's and I use a BIC F12 sub.

Here's what I'm thinking, with a budget of ~$1k;

• Dedicated power line
• Speaker upgrade (Vandersteen 1c?)
• Turntable and/or Cartridge upgrade
• Tubed phono pre (Ear 834?)

The system as-is is pretty good - especially after adding the Nighthawk. Vinyl playback is my main concern, and I'd like more detail and smoothness across the board. Because of this, I'm thinking about a tubed phono pre, but I know my speakers and table could also use an upgrade.

I appreciate any opinions!

 

I would start with more sensitive speakers.

 

I'm pretty much a source-first guy, and even I would say speakers by a mile. Those Vandersteens would work and I'd check out Zu Audio for high efficiency speakers in that price point as well.

 

Vandersteen 1Cs are fantastic speakers for the money. Do that first.

 

Great, one more good suggestion for my list in the 1000 catagory,lol
Tekton Lore
Monitor Audio Silver 6
ELAC-UF5 Coming in a couple weeks
Vandersteen 1C
Don't mean to threadjack, just marking a list, I'm on the hunt also

 

Don't buy the Tekton without listening to them unless you get a good used deal.

 

Thanks for the tip, appreciated

 

I like the 1Cs too, but I don’t know if your amp has the power to get the most out of them. As others have suggested, I would look at more efficient speakers. If you have local shop, try your amp with the 1Cs if you like. I had a 30 watt Class A hybrid amp with 1Bs for a long time, and it was just enough on most music.

 

Speakers first. Power cable last or maybe never as it is the least bang for the buck. Consider using a portion of the budget for new good condition records. The best upgrade after speakers and perhaps room tweaks is expanding your source material and it's quality. Perhaps a decent record cleaning device as well. It all starts with the program material. After speakers cartridge will give you the biggest upgrade.