Advice on buying a new system

[admin_exported]

I'm looking to buy a new system in the next month or so and would appreciate thoughts on my choice and options. I've currently got a nine-year old Denon M30 micro system paired with the M50 speakers it came with. Though I knew little about hi-fi at the time, I was sensible enough to try out a few systems and consult the mags and that this was a decent choice for my budget and sure enough it has served me very well since and still sounds great.

I think I've got my heart set on the Arcam Solo Mini paired with the B&W 685 speakers; though I'll admit I'm guided mainly by picking the best buys at my budget from WHFSV and don't know if these would be a good pairing or some other combination would be better? My budget is around £1000 give or take so, nice as it is, the new Cyrus CD6SE might be out of it as I'd need to spend as much again on an amp.

My girlfriend of course wonders why I need to change the Denon if it still works okay; though I then ask her if she needs a new handbag or shoes if the ones she's got still work okay and she goes quiet. She has a point though - would I notice a big difference with the Arcam and B&Ws over the current Denon?

Thoughts appreciated!

 

[manicm]

Just picked up my Solo Mini and picking up the 685s tomorrow (dealer ordered the colour I wanted). Heard them, did not sound bad but I suspect they would sound a whole lot better with proper setup, cos at the dealer they were just a metre apart and I don't think that did the imaging any justice.

So I'm gonna sound out MA RS1s as well before I make my final decision, which I suspect may give a more 3D, bright sound which I don't mind, but hope it's not harsh, should be a bit easier to drive than the 685s as well. Will keep you posted tomorrow evening!

 

[matthewpiano]

I think the MAs are a better match than the 685s.

 

[Terryff]

Shouln't that be bell tolls?

 

[manicm]

Terryff:Shouln't that be bell tolls?

My twist, read the great, great book

 

[manicm]

Jarnesque, picked up the 685s today but haven't opened the box yet - the dealer was off sick and the single in-store assistant did not seem like a bloke who could be bothered so couldn't hear the RS1s.

I could call him tomorrow when he returns and wait till Saturday (took the day off today to do some serious errands), but don't know if my patience will last, so I may just keep the 685s.

Another reason I may keep them is that for a short while they will sit on, <cough cough>, a table-top near a wall on one side which should not be a biggie cos they're front-ported.

The one thing I can say about the 685s is that they were clear and not harsh - they passed my notorious Scary Monsters CD test admirably - the recording and Bowie's vocals will show up poor sibilance control in a system very quickly and ruthlessly. The one thing I am a bit concerned about is the imaging, but I guess only time and proper stands and space will tell...

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks. Your initial impressions of the Solo Mini - volume it can generate and how well it pairs with the 685s?

 

[manicm]

Oh the Mini blows the 685s no problem, frankly for the 25W I was surprised by it! And the volume wasn't even halfway.

To be very honest it does not sound bad at all, a fairly spacious sound, but as others state they need solid stands otherwise the bass is ill-defined, and I would say they need at least 2m apart for good imaging.

I still want to try out the RS1s, but can you beat me to it and give me feedback? They're a bit cheaper too.

I'm impressed with the Mini's sound and versatility - MP3s on a USB stick can sound really good - hint: buy Interpol's download Specialist from 7Digital (no subscription required) - it's a really good, spacious recording with echo and reverb. I was really impressed by it. And the tuner can store unlimited stations, and displays RDS name, frequency and preset number simultaneously - great.

Be warned though - the USB can be a pain, displaying song names is no problem but artist and album is problematic. If you have, say, Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon then abbreviate the folder name as PF - DSOTM. It handles only 12 chars for album names, and does not do artist - even if you've stored your albums by artist. Another e.g. I name my purchased DG Beethoven symphonies Beethoven S3 etc.

So it's great but if you can sound out the RS1s for me.

(BTW the 685s look great in Wenge).

 

[Anonymous]

manicm:
Oh the Mini blows the 685s no problem, frankly for the 25WÿI was surprised by it! And the volume wasn't even halfway.

(BTW the 685s look great in Wenge).

I would advise against it. There is too much hype around the 685 and unless you pair them with a system that will allow them to shine there is no point. Unfortunately the Arcam is too little in this instance.

 

[manicm]

Octopo:manicm:

Oh the Mini blows the 685s no problem, frankly for the 25W I was surprised by it! And the volume wasn't even halfway.

(BTW the 685s look great in Wenge).

I would advise against it. There is too much hype around the 685 and unless you pair them with a system that will allow them to shine there is no point. Unfortunately the Arcam is too little in this instance.

I agree the RS1s may be better, but trust me the Arcam drives the 685s reasonably loud no problem, its power belies its specified 25W. And apparently I'm not the only one using this combination.