Re: Upgrade from 170se
Do you need to stay with a bookshelf speaker? I ask because based on what you're saying it sounds like tower speakers are really the way to go for you. You'll get deeper bass extension and even bigger sound. If you can squeeze it I'd go for the Sierra Towers personally. Go with the RAAL upgrade if you can afford it.
It's hard to say what is justifiable as an upgrade for anyone. I think most people will say that it is, but it all depends on budget and what you want to hear from your speakers. I personally am totally addicted to my Sierra Towers and Horizon and haven't had a single thought about upgrading them since I bought them almost two years ago.
-Alex
PS4/Nvidia Shield --> Emotiva XMC-1 --> Emotiva XPA-5 --> Ascend Acoustics Sierra Towers and Horizon Center w/ RAAL tweeters (L/C/R), HTM-200 SE (Surrounds), 2x Rythmik F12 subwoofers