| Columns Retired Columns & Blogs |
May 1, 2008 - 8:38pm
#1
How to upgrade a music only system
| Loudspeakers Amplification Digital Sources | |
Analog Sources Accessories Featured | |
Music Columns Retired Columns | |
Show Reports | |
Features Latest News Community | |
Resources Subscriptions |
© 2024 StereophileAVTech Media Americas Inc., USA
All rights reserved
What's your total budget for the whole shebang? I see that you thinking of $1000 for a CDP and less for an amp. I think that you need to decide on a total budget to be spent of a specific period of time, say one year.
In general an amp like yours, with 30 wpc isn't going to damage your new speakers, so long as you listen with sensitivity and don't just crank it up to its max volume and have it clipping. Most of us can resist that, but a few can't. If you can't, then get at least 50 watts, 100 watts is usually better.
You can get an Oppo as a really good universal player for around $200, freeing more budget for the amp, speakers and turntable.
I'd say your first priority should be deciding which speakers you like the most and then make sure you can find a compatable amp choice within your total budget. Once you've identified a speaker/amp combo that you think will make you happy, then buy one or the other and start saving for the next piece.
Happy hunting and keep us posted as your search progresses.
Dave
If I were you I would check out and listen to these items (I have, and recommend them highly):
Loudspeakers - Totem Sttaf $1600/pair, a full range speaker which would allow you to dump a sub. I think you get a much better two-channel listening experience with a pair of good full range floorstanders. Ideally, you should look at the Totem Hawk ($2300/pair) and apply the money you would have spent upgrading your sub towards these outstanding loudspeakers. Of course if you have the room I always recommend the Vandersteen 2Ce Signature IIs w/stands for $2345/pair.
Integrated Amplifier - Jolida JD1501A $675 100 wpc, a tube/solid state hybrid with a preamp section that has 12AX7 input tubes driving a MOSFET solid state power amp section. Powerful, great sounding amp for not a lot of money.
CD Player - Cambridge Audio Azur 740C $1000, about as good as it gets for $1000.
Tuner - a good reconditioned vintage tuner from Audiogon, eBay or Craigslist. Check out http://www.fmtunerinfo.com/
A lot of people seem to think the source is just as important as the amp. A NAD C355BEE is $800 so I'm using that as a gauge for the amp. A Rega Apollo is about $1,000 so I use that as a gauge for a CD player (that's definitely the max I'd go on a source, if I really, really, really want the Rega - otherwise I'd want to spend anywhere from $400-700). The Tannoy DC6 sets my limit for speakers, it's the most expensive one I'm considering. I'll tell you that the NHTs look tempting...not only are they nice to look at, but Audio Advisor has them at $450 (maybe that's for one only though!).
I'm looking at budgeting on an individual basis because that's how I plan to buy the components. When I have the money I'll buy the next thing.
I won't be needing DVD playability though. Oppo seems like a great value for HT, but I think for music only...I don't know but I get the impression there are better players if you are willing to spend a few hundred bucks more.
That makes sense to me since the speakers have the single largest impact on how a system sounds. May as well get the ones you love most and then build around them with components that are a good match.
Yes, I'll let you guys know how I make out.
Are Totems good for rock though? For some reason I'm under the impression that they aren't. Any speaker I get has to be good at playing some hard rock. But I probably will listen to the Totems. The store I will go to to hear the Paradigms also carry Totem. They carry PSB and Monitor Audio as well - I'm sure I'll take a listen to each brand. I've actually already listened to the PSB T45 and Monitor Audio BR5 and RS6 - listened to those when I was thinking about buying a HT. I preferred the Monitor Audios, and will likely get the BR5 as part of a HT down the line. One thing at a time though!
I'm kind of leaning away from floorstanders. I was actually leaning to them but they will be tough to fit into my room. I'm actually quite happy with the integration of my sub into the sound mix right now (I've played around with settings and placement and it sounds good), so I'm thinking if that's the case (not to mention the space issues) I may as well save the money and buy bookshelves. Right now my speakers are sitting on an extremely heavy, well built, and sturdy desk.
I wouldn't mind hearing a Jolida.
I'm also looking at this player as one of the higher end options. Do you know how much value upsampling actually offers? Does it work well?
Thanks, I'll check out that link.
Hi,
you should regard the rule, that what's fed to the amp and speakers you cannot change anymore...therefore I would go for Rega eventually Marantz
I think that you will find they are great for rock when you listen to them.
The Totems take up no more room than monitors/bookshelves on stands and to maximize placement you should really consider getting your speakers off the desk.
For the money I think you will be impressed.
There is some potential for improved jitter performance. However, I just know that the Cambridge Audio 840C and 740C sound very good.
If you are set on bookshelves you probably should listen to the Totem Rainmakers as well.
Well, I've sort of narrowed things down a bit, at least to exact models. I'll be listening to the following:
1. Paradigm Reference Signature S1 v.2
2. Tannoy Revolution DC6
3. B&W 685
4. NHT Classic Model Three
5. Dynaudio Excite x16
6. Triangle Esprit Comete Ex
7. PMC TB2i
8. Rega R1
I'll also listen to whichever Totem fits my budget. Maybe one or two other brands. I haven't totally ruled out floorstanders. I'm kind of pumped about hearing the Dynaudio. I've heard so many good things about their speakers, and this new line is designed to be easy to drive. Seems like a logical option to consider.
As for amps, I'll hopefully get to hear Marantz, Cambridge, NAD, and Rotel. I'll listen to the next step up as well...Rega, Bryston, and Naim.
I'm looking forward to this...should be lots of fun! It'll be a few weeks yet though.