Audio Systems: Upgrading Home Hi-Fi System, home hi fi, dynamic headroom

Question
Hi! I own a mini-component JVC EX-A10 Hi-Fi which sounds good. I'm currently in the process of replacing the CD Player (source) with a USB/DAC (Music Streamer II) to use my laptop as a better sounding source (via high quality FLAC files). I need to find out what my weakest link will be now (amplifier or speakers). JVC uses Bi-Amplification and Bi-Wiring in the EX-A10 (which helps very much, 30 W/c on Woofers and 20 W/c on tweeters, at a nominal impedance of 6 Ohms.) In attempting to upgrade this further, I am planning to get a better amplifier but my speakers are two-way, bass reflex, small (4.2" woofers), highly insensitive (82 Db), yet they sound really nice. I also have a nice Velodyne Sub-woofer to assist the small speakers at lower frequencies. My question is this: Should I replace my current amplifier and loose Bi-amplification to a tube integrated amplifier or should I get something like the Yamaha A-S500 or A-S2000? Should I replace the speakers first (I would hate that)? What is my best bang for the buck next upgrading step?  Thanks so much for your assistance. Dave

Answer
Hi, David.
The speakers are generally the weakest link in most systems.
So I would get the speakers first then go for amplification.
I prefer mono block tubes to integrated tubes but there are many integrated tube amps which sound GREAT. I actually bi-amp my reference system with both integrated and mono block tubes. Mono blocks on the bass and integrated on the mids/highs.

Since the speakers sound really nice to you, you may want to get the amp first  but on the other hand, I would point out that if you heard some decent, much more efficient speakers you may not be needing an amplifier at all! ♫
Hopefully, this is all about 'your' ears satisfaction more than anyone else.

If you need more punch.. buy more efficient speakers (like Klipsch or Polk Audio).
If you need more dynamic headroom (reserve power for high volume transients), you will need a larger amp.

249.00 http://www.klipsch.com/kb-15-bookshelf-speakers-pair
12 Db higher than your current speakers with 1 watt of power (or similar to having 400 wpc instead of the 50 per speaker you have now). This is testimony to why speakers are so important in the chain of audio.

Both of the amplifiers seem to be good choices from what I have read and heard.
I hope this sheds some light on the matter for you.

jm