I have been thoroughly enjoying going down the hifi rabbit hole and learning lots.
So far I have:
Upgraded from a super generic kenwood receiver to a used Marantz SR 7002 for a very good price.
Upgraded to dual subs (nothing crazy high end, just used 10" subs that for now are doing the job) but I do get a pretty flat response up to the crossover at 120hz.
Bought a UMIK-1 microphone and learned to use REW for ideal dual sub and speaker placement.
Pulled the front speakers ~3 feet off the front wall and optimized my listening and speaker positions.
(My room is ~20ft wide and ~10ft deep, and I listen with the speakers ~6ft apart ~6ft away).
Made some DIY diffusers and absorbers (mostly for behind me as the side reflections are much further away).
But the one thing that I have been saving for last (which maybe I should have done first), is evaluating my front speakers.
Currently I have Energy e:XL bookshelf speakers and they certainly seem to be doing a fine job (probably because of all the prior optimizations) but I am wondering if they are now the weakest link in my system? Would I get a noticeable improvement with better front speakers?
I use my setup for home theater use, but what I do enjoy most is just pure and simple stereo music listening with the 2.2 setup (right now I use my PC or Xbox to play music through Spotify (Although I am using Tidal right now, as they had a trial promo).
I really do appreciate a good soundstage, and this would be one of the main things I would be hoping to improve.
So looking at my system, are my speakers clearly the weakest link? Or would adding stereo amp give better bang for the buck?
And if so, what would be the absolute best speakers to look into (up to the point of the other factors being the main limiting factor).
I was thinking that bookshelf speakers would be ideal, as I am using a sub for the low end, and I am listening not too far away. But do tell me if that reasoning is incorrect.
Anyways I am keen for suggestions!
As for price, lets assume price is not a factor (as I am graduating soon, so might be my self graduation present), but certainly I would be wary of significant diminishing returns, or other aspects of my setup becoming the main limiting factor.
If that is too vague, then suggestions for best <$1,000 and $1,000-$5000 speakers would be ideal (specifically ignoring the need for a low end, and looking for speakers that image extremely well for music listening).
Thanks!