£2,500 to spend, but on what?

[Charlie Jefferson]

That's my budget. It's speakers or an amp (integrated preferred) or both if that's an option, but more likely all of it on one item. My current kit is listed below: so what upgrade would make the biggest positive impact in my set-up? I have posted a variation on this before, but I'm now ready to compile a shortlist and buy.

 

[d_a_n1979]

See... IMO you've already got a superb base for a set-up.

The Arcam integrated/power combo along with the CD192 is superb and will do very well with a wide range of speakers.

Have you an idea of where your system maybe lacking (IMO I'd be looking at speakers straight away)?

Also; what music do you generally listen to?

 

[Anonymous]

Judging by what I see on the Web, those speakers are pretty good. A pair of floorstanders might be worth investigating, many love the ATC SCM40. See if you can home demo an amp to see if it brings much gain. I'd head straight for the ATC SIA2-150. If there's not much improvement then consider trying new speakers.

 

[d_a_n1979]

Igg; have you an idea of how the PMC's work with Arcam?

It's one combo that I've never heard that I have always wanted to!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Dan. I've only heard the PMC (various) on the Primare I30. The combo worked very well and the sound was very punchy and controlled. I can believe that the upper range Arcam amps would do an equally good job. The PMCs struck me as being pretty neutral in all but the bass. My gut feeling on the bass was that it had timing issues. I'm willing to believe that it was down to not being used to their sound.

 

[Anonymous]

Speakers get my vote...

I love Wilson Benesch's sound but I would also consider ATC, PMC and Dynaudios offering at this price point.

 

[Charlie Jefferson]

Hi Dan,

I am pretty pleased with my system in most respects but sometimes feel I'm lacking something:
don't know what really. Some days it's analytical detail, others it's raw power and ooomph, then it could be fuller soundstaging.

You see, I've just got upgrade-itis, and for once, the funds to do something about it.

Maybe I should do what I always do and talk myself out of it? Or audition some kit?

 

[d_a_n1979]

IMO you'd be best to find some places that you can audition speakers with your gear OR see if you can arrange a home demo!

The likes of ATC, PMC, Dynaudio and maybe even some es-dem Monitor Audio PL or B&W 800 range of speakers need to be looked at.

I'm sure other ideas will come along but for me; your electronics are already very good; it's the speakers that are letting the side down

 

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Wilson Benesch and Dynaudio. Also consider Totems - something of a cult, but very good nevertheless.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

I would go for speakers and consider ATC scm40 and Sonus Faber Luito Towers. Heard both recently and was very impressed.

 

[Anonymous]

A hot tub and some Monitor Audio outdoor speakers.

 

[MattSPL]

There is currently an ATC sia2-150(old shape) on ebay with a £850 starting bid.

Pair the amp with some scm19's or if you can stretch, try some scm40's also.

I previously had some PMC DB1i's, and the ATC's eclipse the PMC's in every way. Although the pmc's are good for their size, they are still a very small speaker so don't expect mirracles. Also i feel the old price of £770 for the DB1i's was acceptable but the new price of £985 is extortion in my opinion.

I have also used large PMC IB1's with an Arcam A22 intergrated amp and it was a very poor match. The 4ohm IB1 needing a lot more grunt.

 

[the record spot]

No idea Charlie. What's the drawback with your present system that's driving you to change, or is this "change for the sake of change" (the latter isn't ideal!)?

 

[Frank Harvey]

I've always tried to make a thing on these forums (or any forum for that matter) about driving speakers properly. Many people buy a nice expensive pair of speakers, probably because they've always wanted that specific pair, and continue to drive them with their existing amplifier, with little or no consideration as to how well the two go together, or whether the speaker is being driven adequately.

If you really want to stick to an integrated amplifier, you can see how an ATC SIA2-150 would match in with the B&W's. Otherwise, I'd drop in a Bryston power amplifier and give the B&W's a good kick up the rear and get them doing some real work. Bryston amplifiers are capable of what seems to be limitless power, and a grip on the speaker that most amps can only dream of. They also have a knack of sounding exactly the same whatever the volume they're played at.

 

[Anonymous]

FrankHarveyHiFi:
I've always tried to make a thing on these forums (or any forum for that matter) about driving speakers properly. Many people buy a nice expensive pair of speakers, probably because they've always wanted that specific pair, and continue to drive them with their existing amplifier, with little or no consideration as to how well the two go together, or whether the speaker is being driven adequately.

If you really want to stick to an integrated amplifier, you can see how an ATC SIA2-150 would match in with the B&W's. Otherwise, I'd drop in a Bryston power amplifier and give the B&W's a good kick up the rear and get them doing some real work. Bryston amplifiers are capable of what seems to be limitless power, and a grip on the speaker that most amps can only dream of. They also have a knack of sounding exactly the same whatever the volume they're played at.I take your point that budget speakers will sound better with good amplification, but they'll still sound like budget speakers. I'm not denying the the amps you mention may be good, but would be overkill.

Far better to allow the system to live up to its potential and upgrade the speakers now. Sonus Faber Is a good suggestion, too.

 

[Frank Harvey]

I wouldn't say that the B&W's you have are exactly a budget speaker. Solidly built cabinet, half 800 series with it's Nautilus tube tweeter - it's a very capable speaker that will perform better with better amplification. Until people try this sort of option (which many people don't because they think it won't work), they can't really comment on it's effectiveness.

I've heard £250 speakers sound amazing on £2k/3k's worth of decent amplification - they certainly didn't sound 'budget' then!

 

[Anonymous]

the record spot:No idea Charlie. What's the drawback with your present system that's driving you to change, or is this "change for the sake of change" (the latter isn't ideal!)?
Sometimes it's simply a case of wanting more of everything. I love my system but want to upgrade to move it further forward. Why isn't that "ideal"?

 

[the record spot]

I take the view that generally speaking that's fair enough. This thread seems to indicate a more pressing change and no clear reason what's behind it. Plenty of cases out there where fancying a change ends up in a lesser experience. That might not be the case here but hard to say without further info.

 

[ID.]

You could probably pick up a really nice power cable for that kind of money