D400 Route or new speakers

[Womaz]

I would say that you actually need a complete upgrade strategy.  There is no doubt that for anyone with a D200, that upgrading to a D400 is a good idea.  It is not just about the additional power, because in dual mono mode the configuration of the amplifiers is different, halving distortion levels and giving an amplifier that sounds far smoother and "higher definition".  The additional headroom is of course a bonus, but depending on the speaker can give smoother treble and better base control. and so on.

That said, running a pair of PMC 23's with a D400 does look a little bit like overkill.

So at the moment, you are asking the question, speakers or amp.  Well if you decide to go with different speakers, then the D400 upgrade will remain a tempting option at a future date,

So I think what you should do is decide what your ultimate end point would be, consisting of a D400 and speakers worthy of a D400.  Then you just have to decide which order to do the upgrades in.

Ideal speakers for a D400?  That is probably a very long list!  A list running through a very wide price range.   Over the last couple of years I've seen a D400 demonstrated with SF Olimpica's, KEF Blades, Wilson Audio's and others.  How far dare you go? (!)

Great post again thanks. You make some good points as always. I think in my head the new speakers will be the next step. The ones you mention will probably just be out of my price range. I could find say 3 to 4 k now or possibly around 6k say nine months down the line.
It makes sense to wait but you know what it's like it's the shiny new toy now syndrome .. That's why a second hand companion could be bought now, but yes it makes sense to go speakers first.
Like I say above if I get new speakers then a second hand companion would probably be a no brainer at a later date......depending on cash I guess.