Current System
Marantz CD63 KI Signature
Onkyo A-9010
Tannoy Eclipse 2
QED Qunex 1
QED XT40i
I assembled the above on a strict budget when I gained the space to make a full system worthwhile again. The Onkyo (bought new) stood head and shoulders above the other amps I demo'd, including a couple that were considerably more expensive (Marantz PM6006, Yamaha AS-501) and I would like to keep it for a while yet. The CD63 KI was a somewhat sentimental purchase as it was an object of desire when I was first getting into the hobby as a yoof, but surely remained at least the equal of anything I could have bought new for what it cost me second hand. Its age is a concern though as these things don't last forever... The Tannoys were bought new for, essentially, what was left of the budget.
I find the overall sound to be detailed without being overly analytical, but also slightly laid back and lacking a bit of heft. There can also be a touch of roughness in the upper midrange when listening at higher volumes. It's an enjoyable "starter" system but, especially as someone who is not new to this game, I know that improvement is always possible.
I am a firm believer in "garbage in, garbage out" but also recognise that the speakers are probably the one truly "budget" element of the setup. If you were me, would you go big on speakers now and hope that the Marantz holds up for the year or two more it would take to save for a replacement? Would dropping £1k or so on a set of speakers to stick them on the end of the Onkyo be a waste? In theory I could get a Rotel CD11 Tribute along with some Dali Oberon 5 or AE109^2 speakers - perhaps you think this sort of idea would actually be better?
I'm putting this out there as I'm interested in what the community thinks. Obviously I will be demoing extensively before making final decisions! I have easy access to Richer Sounds and a few other options with slightly more effort.
Background Info
The below system was the culmination of 5 or so years of saving and spending in my late teens/early twenties. I loved it. The sound was big and bouncy and fun and engaging, to my (and no doubt my neighbours'!) ears at least. Lack of adequate space and a need for money saw the components make their way onto a well known auction site... I include details of this system here as a reference - I am not expecting to be able to replicate it on the budget that I have, nor do I have the space for speakers of that size (the current Tannoys are a relatively compact floorstander).
Roksan K2 CD player
Roksan K2 amp
Monitor Audio GR20
QED Silver Spiral
QED Silver Anniversary bi-wire
Marantz CD63 KI Signature
Onkyo A-9010
Tannoy Eclipse 2
QED Qunex 1
QED XT40i
I assembled the above on a strict budget when I gained the space to make a full system worthwhile again. The Onkyo (bought new) stood head and shoulders above the other amps I demo'd, including a couple that were considerably more expensive (Marantz PM6006, Yamaha AS-501) and I would like to keep it for a while yet. The CD63 KI was a somewhat sentimental purchase as it was an object of desire when I was first getting into the hobby as a yoof, but surely remained at least the equal of anything I could have bought new for what it cost me second hand. Its age is a concern though as these things don't last forever... The Tannoys were bought new for, essentially, what was left of the budget.
I find the overall sound to be detailed without being overly analytical, but also slightly laid back and lacking a bit of heft. There can also be a touch of roughness in the upper midrange when listening at higher volumes. It's an enjoyable "starter" system but, especially as someone who is not new to this game, I know that improvement is always possible.
I am a firm believer in "garbage in, garbage out" but also recognise that the speakers are probably the one truly "budget" element of the setup. If you were me, would you go big on speakers now and hope that the Marantz holds up for the year or two more it would take to save for a replacement? Would dropping £1k or so on a set of speakers to stick them on the end of the Onkyo be a waste? In theory I could get a Rotel CD11 Tribute along with some Dali Oberon 5 or AE109^2 speakers - perhaps you think this sort of idea would actually be better?
I'm putting this out there as I'm interested in what the community thinks. Obviously I will be demoing extensively before making final decisions! I have easy access to Richer Sounds and a few other options with slightly more effort.
Background Info
The below system was the culmination of 5 or so years of saving and spending in my late teens/early twenties. I loved it. The sound was big and bouncy and fun and engaging, to my (and no doubt my neighbours'!) ears at least. Lack of adequate space and a need for money saw the components make their way onto a well known auction site... I include details of this system here as a reference - I am not expecting to be able to replicate it on the budget that I have, nor do I have the space for speakers of that size (the current Tannoys are a relatively compact floorstander).
Roksan K2 CD player
Roksan K2 amp
Monitor Audio GR20
QED Silver Spiral
QED Silver Anniversary bi-wire