Where is my set ups weak point?

[Jlegg]

So, I'm pretty happy with my set up, but just trying to figure out what the next logical upgrade or replacement would be.

 

Here is what i have:

 

TT - Music hall 2.2 LE, acrylic platter, Ortofon 2M Blue Cart

 

Pre- Music Hall PA1.2 MM/MC Phono Pre Amp

 

AMP - Harmon Kardon AVR 1700 (have a feeling this or speakers are my weak point)

http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-AVR-1700-Network-Connected/dp/B009HB2USI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427069296&sr=8-1&keywords=avr+1700+harman+kardon

 

Speakers - Polk all around, double as my surround system for ps4/ computer. Maybe I need to just listen through the two mains, but i mostly enjoy the sound under the "virtual surround" mode on my receiver that puts it through the complete 5.1 speakers.

 

  Center : Polk Audio CS10 http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/B0018QROM2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427068550&sr=8-1&keywords=polk+center+cs10

 

  Front - Polk Audio TSi300   http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-TSi300-Floorstanding-Speaker/dp/B0018QPSBG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427068627&sr=8-1&keywords=polk+tsi+300

 

 Rears - Polk Audio TS x 110B Bookshelf Speaker    http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-110B-Bookshelf-Black/dp/B00C4PFHOI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427068880&sr=8-1&keywords=polk+tsx110b+black

 

  Subwoofer - Polk Audio PSW108 10" Subwoofer    http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-PSW108-10-Subwoofer/dp/B006HCQZDQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427068972&sr=8-1&keywords=psw108

 

Should also note that my speaker placement is pretty good, and I have my TT is on an isolation pad (oak on three innertubes, and balanced properly.) I only own about 400 good (I listen to) LP's, and maybe 100 7" records.

 

Anyway, where should i focus my money going forward? whats my weak point?

 

Thanks.

[allenh]

Sadly I expect your instinct is probably correct. AV receivers for use as stereo amplifiers are pretty much always a compromise and The Harmon Kardon's are not that high up in the pecking order for that use.

 

I've recently replaced my AV receiver and went Yamaha which is personal preference, I went to a specialist shop and listened to quite a few before making that choice, the sales man was a bit miffed about my insistence on listening to them with music in 2 channel mode but it was worth it to see what I liked the sound of, they all did a good job of making a film sound good but as soon as it got to being musical there was a huge difference between the best and the worst.

 

Polk speakers I haven't got a lot of experience of as they are not a brand that is widely sold over here and I understand the range is enormous and I expect like all brands with an enormous range it covers from stunning to utter cack so someone on your side of the Atlantic would be better placed to answer that for you. The Polks I have heard have been OK to average and nothing that made me think I wanted to buy them but as I say I haven't heard any of yours.

[Jlegg]

Sadly I expect your instinct is probably correct. AV receivers for use as stereo amplifiers are pretty much always a compromise and The Harmon Kardon's are not that high up in the pecking order for that use.

 

I've recently replaced my AV receiver and went Yamaha which is personal preference, I went to a specialist shop and listened to quite a few before making that choice, the sales man was a bit miffed about my insistence on listening to them with music in 2 channel mode but it was worth it to see what I liked the sound of, they all did a good job of making a film sound good but as soon as it got to being musical there was a huge difference between the best and the worst.

 

Polk speakers I haven't got a lot of experience of as they are not a brand that is widely sold over here and I understand the range is enormous and I expect like all brands with an enormous range it covers from stunning to utter cack so someone on your side of the Atlantic would be better placed to answer that for you. The Polks I have heard have been OK to average and nothing that made me think I wanted to buy them but as I say I haven't heard any of yours.

 

I appreciate the response. They speakers are nothing to write home about, but not bad little speakers.

 

I use the HK because of my entertainment system, but was recently reading about some sort of switch that would allow me to have 2 receivers hooked up to the same speakers and when I wanted to listen to my tt, i could just hit the switch to a stereo amp. Might try to go with a tube amp next and then work my way towards new speakers in the future.

 

Anyone have any recommendations for inexpensive (less than $250,) decent stereo amps?