Huggis:

I wish I had a better suggestion. These components all received 5 stars on What-Hifi. And I am also aware of Cambridge Audio's respect as an excellent manufacturer and have owned one of their Phono Stages and for the money it was excellent.

Just to tell you what I ended up with; as it's also "Brit-Fi" and should have similar sound, but a better amplifier:

1. Creek Evolution 50A Integrated Amplifier
2. Creek Epos Epic 2 speakers (not as nice as yours, but I think maybe my amp may even the field a bit. I happen to prefer book shelves).
3. Creek Ruby DAC OR USED Bryston BDA-1. Either of these are balanced. The creek is meant to be installed inside the amp; but uses balanced circuitry and a Wolfson DAC. The BRYSTON is fully balanced and with dual DACs as well. it is superior to the Creek Dac, but the Creek DAC Also turns the integrated amp into a receiver .. It adds FM if that is important to you.
4. AudioQuest King Cobra XLR Interconnects (for the Bryston)
5. AudioQuest Rocket 33 bi-wired speaker cable

Total: £1600
(a little more substituting used Bryston DAC)

Best Regards,

Ron

duplicate reply so deleted text

Huggis:

With your budget, you have many many integrated amps to choose from. Creek is just what I settled on; and they are I think a step above Cambridge strictly in the amplification area.

Ultimately, only your ears will decide what is best for you. You may very well end up not liking the Creek... But again at this budget it is a good recommendation.

Try researching on the Internet Integrated Amplifiers to see all that's out there. Another integrated I liked was made by Rogue Audio, and still another by Arcam. Those two companies in addition to creek should open up some more possibilities for you.

Let us know what you ultimately purchase. And to restate, what you already chose is a very good system/ just giving options.

Good luck with your search!

Ron

I am assuming this is used. Even then this is a very good value. I would take it.

Tannoy precision 6.2s get a 5 star rating from WhatHiFi and are 1899 pounds new. The Cambridge Equipment alone should cost your 1200 pounds though that 651 line is likely on clearance as I think it is discontinued and is being replace by the CX line. See this link for the Tannoys:

http://www.richersounds.com/product/floorstanders/tannoy/precision-6.2/tann-prec-6.2-blk

Cambridge makes a first rate DAC and a quality amplifier. At less than half the price of what it should be and less than the price of the speakers new, this is a tough deal to pass up.

Sure Creek is better, but You are going to pay 800 pounds for that integrated Amp, maybe more. You are going to pay 500 pounds for an equal quality DAC/Streamer. That leaves you 200 pounds for speakers. That will not compare to the value you are getting above.

Yes..you are correct. I forgot to take into account I got my speakers for 1/2 off retail on clearance. They were $800, marked down to $400.

However, I think the OP is indeed referring to at least some equipment they purchased also at excellent deals. I think a very good system can be had for his price; perhaps putting quality cabling or speaker stands if needed off until next paycheck or availability of budget.

Respectfully,

Ron

You can put together an awesome system on that budget and maybe a better one. That being said, I feel like what the OP outlined is pretty awesome. They will need to work really hard to find better performing components collectively that are going to outperform the deal they already have. It's possible but it will take time and energy with no promise of success. A bird in hand is better than two in the bush....

Please let us know how it turns out.

I agree and you are spot on regarding resale. The speakers worth more than you what you are paying. Even then, I think you are going to be happy.

No Classifieds here, Audiogon or eBay

There is a classified section for audio gear at AVS Forum also.

Great to hear that you like the kids and high as those are more difficult to fix. That to me says this was a good system choice for you. Bass is easy to fix.

Do you find that bass is less substantial with music, movies or both? The low end frequency response of the Tannoy's goes to about 34hz at -6dB. Most subs go below 30hz so Simplest solution it to add a subwoofer. Do you still have one from your older systems? If you have a sealed sub, it will integrate nicely and give you the bigger bass you are looking for.

I would start with the volume relatively low on the sub and set the crossover at around 40hz and make adjustments from there to tune the system in.

It could just be that you are used to slightly bolder bass because the way the subwoofers were set up. For most music, you should be getting full bass extension or very close to full bass extension.

Hello Huggis,

Any feedback on how did it go with the Massloading?

Thanks!