What else can I expect?

[J*E*Cole]

So to further improve the sound, (and I admit it, I like the way audio equipment looks, especially the avant garde stuff, but it's still not as important as the sound) should I add an Amp?, and maybe what would be a good choice for this receiver (Harman/Kardon AVR130) for under $500. Is this a logical step and does it pass the "diminishing benefits" test? Also, any thoughts on an EQ? Budget $300-$400.

Thanks again for all the terrific posts and information.

[Wireworm5]

It like your enthusiasm Mr. J*E*Cole and great to see your interest in audio like the rest of us. But in all honesty your system is what I think most of here would call a starter system, this is not a put down. I was where you are at now, a few years ago. Enjoy your system, try to become a critical listener, anyalyze your sound. Continue to educate yourself on this board and others. If your really serious about sound it will take considerable more investment.
There are various strategies for upgrading your system. Some will suggest speakers.Myself I would start by buying a A/V receiver with at least 100 watts RMS per channel that has preouts so you can use it as a preamp down the road. A receiver of quality in Canada is $1200-$1500. However getting a preamp and amp may be a better option, but that's something you'll have to decide. Take your time as your budget allows, upgrade one piece at a time 'til your content.(once you get the bug, there is always one more upgrade)

[J*E*Cole]

It like your enthusiasm Mr. J*E*Cole and great to see your interest in audio like the rest of us. But in all honesty your system is what I think most of here would call a starter system, this is not a put down. I was where you are at now, a few years ago. Enjoy your system, try to become a critical listener, anyalyze your sound. Continue to educate yourself on this board and others. If your really serious about sound it will take considerable more investment.
There are various strategies for upgrading your system. Some will suggest speakers.Myself I would start by buying a A/V receiver with at least 100 watts RMS per channel that has preouts so you can use it as a preamp down the road. A receiver of quality in Canada is $1200-$1500. However getting a preamp and amp may be a better option, but that's something you'll have to decide. Take your time as your budget allows, upgrade one piece at a time 'til your content.(once you get the bug, there is always one more upgrade)

I realize you didn't mean to "put me down", but upon doing some extensive research I have found some interesting facts. For instance in the H/K line, there is not one receiver including their $6000 TOTL that has any better specs than my entry level does, except for watts per channel, which is subjective based on your volume and listening environment needs. In fact, my AVR130 has better specs than most of the others in this line even besting certain ones like signal to noise. Check out their site if you don't believe me. Even if you go to their Digital Path Receiver lineup, my line's specs are still mostly better. So I must infer that when you say "starter system" you mean in terms of price, and not sound quality. Is this correct? But I need not only refer to this brand, my research has also shown that to best my $349 Harman/Kardon receiver, I would have to spend about $800 in Pioneer money, about $500-600 in Yamaha money, and even around $600-700 in Denon money. Now I could spend more but if sound alone is what I care about, then why? As for my critical listening, I have played piano by ear for more than 25 years and also tune them. Music is most important to me, and I feel, and many people over the years have told me so, that I DO have a golden ear. HA HA! But seriously, as an interesting challenge, and maybe some of you out there already have a pretty good idea, what's the most someone COULD spend on a mainstream receiver without matching the AVR130 in a specification breakdown? In other words, I paid $349 for mine, what is the most one could pay for any other without beating my unit's specs? I think this is a relevant and interesting challenge. Anyone up to it?

Thanks again, this is an awesome forum!

[E-Stat]

In other words, I paid $349 for mine, what is the most one could pay for any other without beating my unit's specs? I think this is a relevant and interesting challenge. Anyone up to it?

Sure. (in my best Andy Rooney imitation - huh, huh, hmmm):

Did'ya ever notice that specifications for amplifiers have gotten worse over the years? Compare Crown amplifiers from the 70s to current ones. Why did the distortion and noise figures go up? Ever wonder why it is that the $28,000 Pass Labs XA-200 has higher distortion specs than the 1981 Threshold Stasis 1 ? Same design engineer with twenty more years experience. Why is that anyway?

rw

[J*E*Cole]

Sure. (in my best Andy Rooney imitation - huh, huh, hmmm):

Did'ya ever notice that specifications for amplifiers have gotten worse over the years? Compare Crown amplifiers from the 70s to current ones. Why did the distortion and noise figures go up? Ever wonder why it is that the $28,000 Pass Labs XA-200 has higher distortion specs than the 1981 Threshold Stasis 1 ? Same design engineer with twenty more years experience. Why is that anyway?

rw

I seem to remember before the internet came to be thumbing through all those glossy audio and stereo magazines, which I loved to do, remembering by heart all the specs on the latest equipment of the day (the 1980's for me), and yes I have noticed this phenomenon . But do you think that despite this anomoly, the sound of current equipment is still improved, or not? I seem to think it has, but maybe my perception has changed... Interesting.

[E-Stat]

...should I add an Amp?, and maybe what would be a good choice for this receiver (Harman/Kardon AVR130) for under $500. Is this a logical step and does it pass the "diminishing benefits" test? Also, any thoughts on an EQ? Budget $300-$400.

I find the speakers to be the center of any system. What are you using? I used to sell H-K stuff back in the 70s and have high regard for their receivers. As for equalizers, I am not a particular fan of them. While they can provide remedies for bad recordings or rooms, most inexpensive ones don't have the degree of control necessary and you're adding another circuit in the signal path. I think as Mike suggested, a logical step would be to opimize your speaker placement and room. There are a number of inexpensive DIY room treatments available to cure slap echo, improve imaging, and to tame room bass nodes.

rw

[J*E*Cole]

I find the speakers to be the center of any system. What are you using? I used to sell H-K stuff back in the 70s and have high regard for their receivers. As for equalizers, I am not a particular fan of them. While they can provide remedies for bad recordings or rooms, most inexpensive ones don't have the degree of control necessary and you're adding another circuit in the signal path. I think as Mike suggested, a logical step would be to opimize your speaker placement and room. There are a number of inexpensive DIY room treatments available to cure slap echo, improve imaging, and to tame room bass nodes.

rw

I'm using Infinity Alpha 50's as mains and Alpha 40's as surrounds and the Alpha Center.

[chimera128]

If you are happy with the way your system is now I would just buy some dvds and cds and enjoy it. After all.. it may sound just a little better when you get a new upgrade but I find that I get tired of listening and watching the same things more than 4 times. (house is beginning too look like a blockbuster after an earthquake lol.. have to get a new dvd rack)

[robin_v]

It would seem that you have a natural immunity to the dreaded Audiophile 1 virus which, in many cases, is incurable. Nothing wrong with that, J E, just sit back and enjoy the music!