A question of comparison for the experienced guys

[admin_exported]

In purely sound quality terms, what would deliver better 2 channel sound? The Arcam AVR600 driving B&W CM9s, or my current setup of Kandy K2 and MA GS10s.

Moving to a smaller house, and thinking of moving from 2 separate systems to one that can do everything. The main source for music would remain the CD192. I heard an AVR300 driving 684s (admittedly while mildly inebriated), and have to admit it sounded more musical than any other av amp I've ever heard.

Or as a cheaper option, would the Pioneer LX51 do justice to a 684 theatre setup?

 

[the record spot]

Just be aware that the notion of beer goggles the night before might equally transfer to beer ears for the morning after!

 

[Andrew Everard]

So many variables - change of amp, change of speakers... I suggest some extensive listening, preferably when sober.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks chaps. I wholeheartedly agree about auditioning and the merits of sobriety while so doing. I guess the basis of my question was what do people think, can a £3500 AVR with £1700 speakers outdo a £750 stereo amp with £900 speakers, or does the dedicated 2 channel amp trump the AVR every time?

Or is it a matter of taste, similar to comparing 2 AVRs or 2 two channel amps?

 

[plastic penguin]

Heads or tails?. . . .

As the others have said listening is essential.

 

[idc]

shuggieb:

...... I wholeheartedly agree about auditioning and the merits of sobriety while so doing.......

I disagree with this. If you mainly listen to music whilst under the influence of alcohol, then auditioning should be whilst drunk, so as to find the best sound. I may have got this wrong, hic

.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

shuggieb:
Thanks chaps. I wholeheartedly agree about auditioning and the merits of sobriety while so doing. I guess the basis of my question was what do people think, can a £3500 AVR with £1700 speakers outdo a £750 stereo amp with £900 speakers, or does the dedicated 2 channel amp trump the AVR every time?

Or is it a matter of taste, similar to comparing 2 AVRs or 2 two channel amps?

I would audition but I reckon that the Arcam and £1700 speakers would beat the K2 and the MA speakers. However, I would not put the Arcam with B&Ws, how about the MA Platinum standmounts instead??

 

[Lost Angeles]

Would the Kandy with £1700 speakers beat the Arcam with £1700 speakers? Surely this is a more level test.