Ageing System

[boyjohn2]

My setup is a mid 70s one (except the Marantz) consisting of ; Rotel RA612 Amp - Pioneer PL112D T/table - Marantz CD48 - pair of KEF 104ABs

One of my speaker channels on the Rotel has blown and i'm fitting new tweeters to the KEFs which I like very much. I'm looking to purchase a new amp and a second pair of speakers which will be used as the main pair and put the KEFs at the back, my head is spinning with looking at all of your recommendations and I don't no which I should think of buying!, so your advice would be welcome. My music taste is wide, from 60&70s all the way to jaz, opera and classical. My budget is around a £1000 (I can go more) My room size is 7 x 3.8mtrs. I also run the TV thru the amp when there is any music, like the proms on. Also your views on a new CD player and Turntable which I'll probably update at a later stage.

Thank You

 

[BigH]

Can you clarify what you are looking for, I concerned about the speakers, 2 main and 2 rear, you are looking for just a stereo system not a multi-channel one?

For the moment I would keep the cdp if its still working. Maybe add a Blu-Ray dvd player which could play cds as well, not expensive good Sony one for about £200.

For speakers and amp. best to go for some auditions, Rotel still make good amps, also consider Marantz/Denon, Yamaha, Rega are around £300-£500. Speakers you could try Dali Zensor 3s £300, Kef R100 £600, Epos have some around £400, AE 301 £400. With a room that size floorstanders maybe an option. TT look at Project around £300.

 

[boyjohn2]

Thanks for the reply and forgive me for my lack of knowledge on HiFi. I figured I could use the other pair of speakers for a surround system set up, but perhaps it won't work then?. I do have a Samsund HD blue ray player hooked up to the 52" samsung TV.

 

[altruistic.lemon]

Don't think you'd find better speakers than the Kefs this side of £2000. Use them as mains.

 

[mmichbam]

I was looking at possibly replacing a pair of Kef 102 but was advised to get them serviced which I will do come the new year. I think you would have to spend considerably more than your £1000 budget to make a big improvement.

 

[BigH]

Well its considered best to have 2 speakers for a stereo set up. SO if you have your Kefs repaired then a decent amp maybe all you need. At around £500-£800 there are quite a few to choose from, the best I have heard was the Creek 50A, also heard Marantz Pearl Lite, Rega Brio R, Arcam A19, Roksan Kandy K2, Musical Fidelity M3i, Audiolab 8200. The important thing is to find something that works with your speakers so try to get a home demo. I think the Creek or Arcam would probably work, Creek does not have a phono stage so budget £80 for one, for vinyl I would consider the Rega Brio R. Jazz canbe tricky to get right, although its generally well recorded the double bass will test some speakers and the cymbals if they sound harsh or too forward will really get on your nerves after a while.

Have you tried using your BD player for cds?

 

[Coll]

Don't think you'd find better speakers than the Kefs this side of £2000. Use them as mains.

Knowing the KEF speakers from the 70s I agree with this 100%

Also modern speakers are more forward which you may or may not like, I dont and wish I still had my old KEF reference speakers.

 

[boyjohn2]

Thanks to all you guys for your thoughts, I'm a lot clearer on the way forward now!. I'll get the KEFs checked out as they are good speakers.

Regards to all