£1100 for amp and speakers...

[admin_exported]

Hi all,

I’m a new member so be kind. Basically I’m after an Amp and some speakers.

I've asked a similar question elsewhere but I’m asking it again as I’ve had some great tips about creating a system, not to avoid listening tests (I’ve had the need to do that drummed into me by wise friends) but at the same time some tips from folks on here does add an extra level of info about what to look for when trying out components at dealers.

So, my task is this. I have a max of £1100 for an Amp and stereo speakers. The source for now is a Squeezebox playing my CD’s as uncompressed wavs – I know this could do with a DAC, but the Amp and speakers are a priority for now. My music is a bit of everything; today having listened to Sam Cooke, Credence Clearwater, Randy Newman, Death Cab For Cutie, some Stax stuff Arcade Fire and Kings of Leon. No dance or classical or jazz though! My room size is probably about 6mx5m, the speakers will be about .5m - 1m from the rear wall (and bit of a window), well away from side walls.

As for audio requirements, I think we’d like something quire warm and with good bass and nice detail, but I don’t need mega bass as I am in a flat and not a bass head. There are no real specific requirements regarding style of speakers. Because we have a cat the best thing might be stand mounts as he might stretch up floorstanders and give them a good scratch (especially as a friend has donated some top Atacama stands), though he probably won’t, so floorstanders are a definite option. Something not too huge would be nice though to be marriage friendly

Stuff suggested so far is combos of:
AMPS: Arcam A18, Cyrus 6vs2 (or an ex demo / reduced 8v), Roksan Kandy L.III (finding one in stock, obviously), Roksan K2, Rega Mira 3, Creek Evolution, Naim Nai 5i
SPEAKERS: B&W 685, CM1, Monitor RS1, Br5, RS5, RS6, Quad 12l2, Tannoy DC4

Are there any potential standout combos in that lot?

Sooo, that’s my rather waffling ‘predicament’. Hardly a predicament though, I’m looking forward to finding my hi-fi!
Cheerio!

 

[JoelSim]

Do you definitely want new kit? Second hand goes much much further and means you don't lose much when selling on.

I personally am unlikely to buy anything brand new ever again for that very reason. My kit cost about £8k at RRP yet about £3k-£4k second hand/ex demo/end of line and I love it.

ÿ

ÿ

 

[matthewpiano]

mulliganandohare:
Hi all,

I'm a new member so be kind. Basically I'm after an Amp and some speakers.

I've asked a similar question elsewhere but I'm asking it again as I've had some great tips about creating a system, not to avoid listening tests (I've had the need to do that drummed into me by wise friends) but at the same time some tips from folks on here does add an extra level of info about what to look for when trying out components at dealers.

So, my task is this. I have a max of £1100 for an Amp and stereo speakers. The source for now is a Squeezebox playing my CD's as uncompressed wavs - I know this could do with a DAC, but the Amp and speakers are a priority for now. My music is a bit of everything; today having listened to Sam Cooke, Credence Clearwater, Randy Newman, Death Cab For Cutie, some Stax stuff Arcade Fire and Kings of Leon. No dance or classical or jazz though! My room size is probably about 6mx5m, the speakers will be about .5m - 1m from the rear wall (and bit of a window), well away from side walls.

As for audio requirements, I think we'd like something quire warm and with good bass and nice detail, but I don't need mega bass as I am in a flat and not a bass head. There are no real specific requirements regarding style of speakers. Because we have a cat the best thing might be stand mounts as he might stretch up floorstanders and give them a good scratch (especially as a friend has donated some top Atacama stands), though he probably won't, so floorstanders are a definite option. Something not too huge would be nice though to be marriage friendly

Stuff suggested so far is combos of:
AMPS: Arcam A18, Cyrus 6vs2 (or an ex demo / reduced 8v), Roksan Kandy L.III (finding one in stock, obviously), Roksan K2, Rega Mira 3, Creek Evolution, Naim Nai 5i
SPEAKERS: B&W 685, CM1, Monitor RS1, Br5, RS5, RS6, Quad 12l2, Tannoy DC4

Are there any potential standout combos in that lot?

Sooo, that's my rather waffling 'predicament'. Hardly a predicament though, I'm looking forward to finding my hi-fi!
Cheerio!

All my personal opinion, but:

The standouts in your list are the Roksan K2, Creek Evolution, and Naim Nait 5i. The Mira 3 is only average at its price and in a back-to-back I actually thought the Brio 3 was far more enjoyable. If you want to go for Arcam, avoid the entry-level stuff and, as Joel suggests, look at buying second hand. A used A32 will leave the A18 standing in every sense.

Speaker-wise, the 685s are excellent all-rounders. I've had a pair here for the last few days and enjoyed the detail levels and soundstage but ultimately found them too safe sounding. Well worth a try though, particularly with the K2. I'd certainly pick them over the Quads.

The MAs are an acquired taste. The Bronze range has a tendency to sound a bit thick in the midband, whilst some find the Silvers a bit on the bright side. The RS6s are cracking speakers (I've not heard the RS1s) but would need careful matching.

Add Rega and Dali to your speaker list. The RS3s would be well worth trying with the Nait 5i or a Rega Brio 3, and I'd heartily recommend trying the Dali Ikon and Lektor ranges. Dali make some very musical speakers which would match well with Arcam or NAD amplification.

 

[Anonymous]

£1100 on amp and speakers? I'd book an audition of the AVI ADM9.1. Add the sub later. By far the best hifi I've heard for the money.

 

[JoelSim]

igglebert:£1100 on amp and speakers? I'd book an audition of the AVI ADM9.1. Add the sub later. By far the best hifi I've heard for the money.

Really?

I wouldn't mind hearing some, great reports but wouldn't know what to do with them!

ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah, real bang for buck. Amps (325W a side, 75W treble, 250W bass), DAC and speakers all in stand mount speakers. The sound is very clear, controlled and rather neutral. Not necessarily for everyone if a bit of colour is for you. I happen to like a dash of colour in the form of warmth.

 

[JoelSim]

Me too. I like to be enveloped albeit with much air surround

ÿ

 

[chebby]

I like something I can listen to for up to 16 hours a day sometimes (radio, music, TV, DVDs etc) both as background when working and with the volume up a bit for just getting the groove going.

Everything I have read by their proponents tells me the ADM9.1s are a hard, revealing, merciless listen that don't do lower volumes and don't forgive. Besides, I like vinyl and radio and spoken word (drama and history and comedy) as well as computer-based music and CDs. (Too much 'legacy' stuff I have been reliably informed).

I am not into the 'slam' 'slam' 'slam' of 650 combined watts of relentess active studio desk monitor based designs.

 

[Anonymous]

chebby:
I like something I can listen to for up to 16 hours a day sometimes (radio, music, TV, DVDs etc) both as background when working and with the volume up a bit for just getting the groove going.

Everything I have read by their proponents tells me the ADM9.1s are a hard, revealing, merciless listen that don't do lower volumes and don't forgive. Besides, I like vinyl and radio and spoken word (drama and history and comedy) as well as computer-based music and CDs. (Too much 'legacy' stuff I have been reliably informed).

I am not into the 'slam' 'slam' 'slam' of 650 combined watts of relentess active studio desk monitor based designs.

I think that description of them is going a bit far. They're not about slam, slam, slam but simply provide a clean sound. If anything, they'd be good for low volume due to the clarity and control.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

mulliganandohare:
Hi all,

I'm a new member so be kind. Basically I'm after an Amp and some speakers.

I've asked a similar question elsewhere but I'm asking it again as I've had some great tips about creating a system, not to avoid listening tests (I've had the need to do that drummed into me by wise friends) but at the same time some tips from folks on here does add an extra level of info about what to look for when trying out components at dealers.

So, my task is this. I have a max of £1100 for an Amp and stereo speakers. The source for now is a Squeezebox playing my CD's as uncompressed wavs - I know this could do with a DAC, but the Amp and speakers are a priority for now. My music is a bit of everything; today having listened to Sam Cooke, Credence Clearwater, Randy Newman, Death Cab For Cutie, some Stax stuff Arcade Fire and Kings of Leon. No dance or classical or jazz though! My room size is probably about 6mx5m, the speakers will be about .5m - 1m from the rear wall (and bit of a window), well away from side walls.

As for audio requirements, I think we'd like something quire warm and with good bass and nice detail, but I don't need mega bass as I am in a flat and not a bass head. There are no real specific requirements regarding style of speakers. Because we have a cat the best thing might be stand mounts as he might stretch up floorstanders and give them a good scratch (especially as a friend has donated some top Atacama stands), though he probably won't, so floorstanders are a definite option. Something not too huge would be nice though to be marriage friendly

Stuff suggested so far is combos of:
AMPS: Arcam A18, Cyrus 6vs2 (or an ex demo / reduced 8v), Roksan Kandy L.III (finding one in stock, obviously), Roksan K2, Rega Mira 3, Creek Evolution, Naim Nai 5i
SPEAKERS: B&W 685, CM1, Monitor RS1, Br5, RS5, RS6, Quad 12l2, Tannoy DC4

Are there any potential standout combos in that lot?

Sooo, that's my rather waffling 'predicament'. Hardly a predicament though, I'm looking forward to finding my hi-fi!
Cheerio!

I would definitely try and listen to the Creek Evo and maybe with the 685s. That gives you money left for decent cables and interconnects.

 

[chebby]

igglebert:chebby:I like something I can listen to for up to 16 hours a day sometimes (radio, music, TV, DVDs etc) both as background when working and with the volume up a bit for just getting the groove going.
Everything I have read by their proponents tells me the ADM9.1s are a hard, revealing, merciless listen that don't do lower volumes and don't forgive. Besides, I like vinyl and radio and spoken word (drama and history and comedy) as well as computer-based music and CDs. (Too much 'legacy' stuff I have been reliably informed).

I am not into the 'slam' 'slam' 'slam' of 650 combined watts of relentess active studio desk monitor based designs.

I think that description of them is going a bit far. They're not about slam, slam, slam but simply provide a clean sound. If anything, they'd be good for low volume due to the clarity and control.

Maybe you are right, but that still leaves the matter of my turntable and Freeview radio and wishing to retain the CD option and my preference for using my laptop and USB rather than our iMac. Every single one of those sources/options is anathema to the designer and manufacturer of the ADM9.1s and have all been publicly ridiculed as hopelessly outdated 'legacy' sources and incompatible with the intent of AVI for use of their product.

Obviously (despite enjoying computer based music as a source) I am not ready for the Brave new World of the ADM9.1s quite yet. (And I find AVI marketing - wherever I encounter it on the web - completely repellent and cannot so easily dissociate the product from the way it is promoted by the company who manufacturer it.)

However, for the OP they could be ideal if the Squeezebox is the only source and - despite my misgivings about the company - there are people on this forum who have given excellent feedback on the ADM9.1s and are very happy with them.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Top tips, cheers. Just wanted to say thanks so far - I didn't reply as I didn't relaise I'd not set up my account to remind me of replies. But it has been appreciated.

Anyway, got a listen of the 685's, CM1's and the K2 today and loved the lot, so that's an OK combo. But, on the 'bay and elsewhere I have noticed some good 2nd hand and ex-demo stuff, some that would save some money, some about the same, so I may go that route.

I'll investigate the other tips, now I have noticed the replies

 

[Anonymous]

I forgot to add...

As someone said, I tried the MA RS6 with a Rotel RA06 and really enjoyed it. OH, and I have a direct question, a couple of places had used or ex demo Arcam A80's, 85's and 90's for decent prices - £300-£500, are they competitive with new stuff from other manufacturers at that price? I only asked as I was very disapointed with the A18 and A28 for their price. They were good, but not £600 and £900 good.

 

[Anonymous]

I would seriously consider Joel's advice. If you are looking at recent second hand Arcam models, I would definitely consider the A85 - ideally with a P85 power amp - you may get both for about £500-ish. Equally you might get an A32 for similar money. Either would be excellent value for money and will give a great sound. They are well built and will last for years. I agree the new range of amps do not represent vfm as the A18 and A28 struggle to hold their own at their current RRP. Personally I love the fact that I just keep wanting to listen to music when I hear my system; its not fatiguing, I love the detail, soundstage and tinge of warmth. Top end Arcam models get hold of the bass properly and they complement a glass of malbec like nothing else.

 

[Anonymous]

LowFeller:
I would seriously consider Joel's advice. If you are looking at recent second hand Arcam models, I would definitely consider the A85 - ideally with a P85 power amp - you may get both for about £500-ish. Equally you might get an A32 for similar money. Either would be excellent value for money and will give a great sound. They are well built and will last for years. I agree the new range of amps do not represent vfm as the A18 and A28 struggle to hold their own at their current RRP. Personally I love the fact that I just keep wanting to listen to music when I hear my system; its not fatiguing, I love the detail, soundstage and tinge of warmth. Top end Arcam models get hold of the bass properly and they complement a glass of malbec like nothing else.

Sounds good - a friend at work reccomended a similar route. Is there significant quality differences between the a80/95/90?

Oh, and for the previous gen Arcam's is there any consensus about speaker matches? Put another away are theyre any obvious combos to avoid?