if given the choice of the two which would get your vote i can probably pick them up s/hand for about the same price £250-300. my system is nad c352 and moniter audio rx1 silver ,chord carnival silver screen. or other option wait till next month and have budget of £500 for new rega or similar priced cdp????
arcam cd192 or rega apollo
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Sliced Bread
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I'm making a BIG guess here (so please someone with more experience correct this if it s wrong) but IMO the Nad / Arcam combi might be too warm.
the system is running with an arcam cd72 at the mo i dont find it to warm, however i would like to add a little more high end magic with this upgrade can find it a little restricted at times
Nope; the Arcam CD192 isnt a warm CDP at all; it's very fast and punchy with great dynamics as well.
TBH you'd be looking at closer to £400 plus for a 2nd hand Arcam CD192 whereas the Rega Apollo is £475 brand new and c£300 on eBay etc..
Personally; for your system the Rega Apollo would fit in very nicely and it'll do very well with your NAD amp and M/A speakers.
There are 2 on eBay currently so keep your eyes on them
I loved the Rega Apollo when I demo'd it with my system below but I ended up going for the NAD as I was unable to demo it with the M/A RX6 speakers.
I may be getting one on home demo very soon though
TBH you'd be looking at closer to £400 plus for a 2nd hand Arcam CD192 whereas the Rega Apollo is £475 brand new and c£300 on eBay etc..
Personally; for your system the Rega Apollo would fit in very nicely and it'll do very well with your NAD amp and M/A speakers.
There are 2 on eBay currently so keep your eyes on them
I loved the Rega Apollo when I demo'd it with my system below but I ended up going for the NAD as I was unable to demo it with the M/A RX6 speakers.
I may be getting one on home demo very soon though
I have had both and in your system would go for the arcam cd192. It is a punchy player and will pep up the sound a bit from the cd72.
The bass will be a bit more as well as the top end.
When I changed the arcam for the rega in the bedroom system, it gave a better sound, but I think it was to do with I had not done a a-b test between them, and I had not had a cd player for a week.
Which ever you decide to go for, it will give a nice sound upgrade.
The bass will be a bit more as well as the top end.
When I changed the arcam for the rega in the bedroom system, it gave a better sound, but I think it was to do with I had not done a a-b test between them, and I had not had a cd player for a week.
Which ever you decide to go for, it will give a nice sound upgrade.
potboyslim:
Which ever you decide to go for, it will give a nice sound upgrade.
Deffo agree with that
Which ever you decide to go for, it will give a nice sound upgrade.
Deffo agree with that
So much generalisation about Arcam being warm in many WHF forum replies - in many cases it really isnt true at all, particularly on their CD players.
Having heard and owned a number of Arcam CD players, the Diva range i.e 73 and 192 are not warm and are great clear and detailed players.
FMJ players will give you a slightly smoother presentation and with more bass and these could be considered warmer, but they remain clear and detailed too.
It is important not to label all items by one company in the same way. Personally i would say more of the warmth if you want to call it that comes from their amplifiers but again here it isnt true of all the Arcam range.
Having heard and owned a number of Arcam CD players, the Diva range i.e 73 and 192 are not warm and are great clear and detailed players.
FMJ players will give you a slightly smoother presentation and with more bass and these could be considered warmer, but they remain clear and detailed too.
It is important not to label all items by one company in the same way. Personally i would say more of the warmth if you want to call it that comes from their amplifiers but again here it isnt true of all the Arcam range.
I had the chance to test Apollo with MA RX6 and NAD amplifications (c315, 326 and 375). Sounded great and in my opinion created a very good balance with other components
how would the cyrus cd06 se stand amongst these two now available for 599 its pushing the budget but is it it worth the extra 125 over the rega
The Cyrus is a very good CDP indeed; fairly fast paced but it can sound a little lean sometimes.
I think the Rega Apollo would be the best option as I said above with the Arcam being a very close call
I think the Rega Apollo would be the best option as I said above with the Arcam being a very close call
If you can go get the cyrus, then that would blow away the rest by miles!
Get the best you can, then you won't have to upgrade later, apart from the rest of the kit like amp, speakers etc.
Thumbs up for the cyrus.
Get the best you can, then you won't have to upgrade later, apart from the rest of the kit like amp, speakers etc.
Thumbs up for the cyrus.
potboyslim:
If you can go get the cyrus, then that would blow away the rest by miles!
Get the best you can, then you won't have to upgrade later, apart from the rest of the kit like amp, speakers etc.
Thumbs up for the cyrus.
I wouldnt agree with the 'blow away the rest' comment as the Arcam CD192 was a £900 CDP at its time and the Rega Apollo creates superb synergy with NAD and M/A speakers.
IMO the OP REALLY NEEDS to demo both the Apollo and Cyrus CDP as soon as he can. I agree that both are very good but they are at different ends of the spectru when it comes to playback sound and some people will really love the Cyrus and hate the Apollo and vice versa.
The Arcam CDP is a very good CDP indeed and still competes very well but as you're unable to demo this (unless you know someone with one and similar gear) it's a dangerous game to play.
Get demoing ASAP and let us know the results
If you can go get the cyrus, then that would blow away the rest by miles!
Get the best you can, then you won't have to upgrade later, apart from the rest of the kit like amp, speakers etc.
Thumbs up for the cyrus.
I wouldnt agree with the 'blow away the rest' comment as the Arcam CD192 was a £900 CDP at its time and the Rega Apollo creates superb synergy with NAD and M/A speakers.
IMO the OP REALLY NEEDS to demo both the Apollo and Cyrus CDP as soon as he can. I agree that both are very good but they are at different ends of the spectru when it comes to playback sound and some people will really love the Cyrus and hate the Apollo and vice versa.
The Arcam CDP is a very good CDP indeed and still competes very well but as you're unable to demo this (unless you know someone with one and similar gear) it's a dangerous game to play.
Get demoing ASAP and let us know the results
potboyslim:
If you can go get the cyrus, then that would blow away the rest by miles!
Get the best you can, then you won't have to upgrade later, apart from the rest of the kit like amp, speakers etc.
Thumbs up for the cyrus.
Cyrus is a great cd player, but absolutely doesn't blow away any of the others. It's just a matter of personal taste, and for example Cyrus for me was completely unsatisfactory. Also pay attention to the sinergy with your gear, because I'm not sure for example that Cyrus would be the right choice. Anyway, audition is a must.
If you can go get the cyrus, then that would blow away the rest by miles!
Get the best you can, then you won't have to upgrade later, apart from the rest of the kit like amp, speakers etc.
Thumbs up for the cyrus.
Cyrus is a great cd player, but absolutely doesn't blow away any of the others. It's just a matter of personal taste, and for example Cyrus for me was completely unsatisfactory. Also pay attention to the sinergy with your gear, because I'm not sure for example that Cyrus would be the right choice. Anyway, audition is a must.
chebby
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potboyslim:If you can go get the cyrus, then that would blow away the rest by miles!
potboyslim:Bedroom: Cyrus Pre Vs2 & X Power, Cyrus 8SE + PSX-R, Spendor S3E's,
Creek Evo Tuner, VDH 1st Ult, Odyssey 4, S/Dreads.
Lounge: Cyrus 8vs2, Rega Apollo & Leema Xero
That's about as helpful as me suggesting the OP get a Naim CD just because I have an all Naim system.
potboyslim:Bedroom: Cyrus Pre Vs2 & X Power, Cyrus 8SE + PSX-R, Spendor S3E's,
Creek Evo Tuner, VDH 1st Ult, Odyssey 4, S/Dreads.
Lounge: Cyrus 8vs2, Rega Apollo & Leema Xero
That's about as helpful as me suggesting the OP get a Naim CD just because I have an all Naim system.
I disagree chebby, as when every review out there says the cyrus slays all comers under the £1000 mark, and some above, does this not lead to the conclusion that it is infact the best sub grand player out there.
Ive had all 3 players he was looking at or heard the cyrus, and in my opinion, as well as WHF, it wins hands down.
The review speaks for itself if you go read it in the reviews section.....
Ive had all 3 players he was looking at or heard the cyrus, and in my opinion, as well as WHF, it wins hands down.
The review speaks for itself if you go read it in the reviews section.....
just read that review ,whfi say the cyrus doesnt just beat the apollo , it flattens it
.. and that they would give it 6 stars if they could , mighty praise , i cant afford one so its all the one to me .. but id be auditioning if i was the op after reading that review..
chebby
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Do a forum search with keywords.. Cyrus loading
Check out the numerous threads (at least one of which is 14 pages long).
Check out reviews from other UK hifi magazines. (One of which praised the 6SE but gave it a lukewarm 4/5).
And listen to it (and the Rega and the Arcam) preferably with your own system at home if possible.
I have read a lot of rave reviews for various products by various magazines (and users) and only a very small subset ever get universally praised.
I have only heard the Cyrus and the Rega - from the OP's list - so I cannot take a position having not heard the specific Arcam mentioned.
It would also be inappropriate to comment on the Cyrus now as it would seem a response to Potboy's comments rather than my true impressions. (And it was over a year ago and in a dealer dem room which is never a good idea.)
Check out the numerous threads (at least one of which is 14 pages long).
Check out reviews from other UK hifi magazines. (One of which praised the 6SE but gave it a lukewarm 4/5).
And listen to it (and the Rega and the Arcam) preferably with your own system at home if possible.
I have read a lot of rave reviews for various products by various magazines (and users) and only a very small subset ever get universally praised.
I have only heard the Cyrus and the Rega - from the OP's list - so I cannot take a position having not heard the specific Arcam mentioned.
It would also be inappropriate to comment on the Cyrus now as it would seem a response to Potboy's comments rather than my true impressions. (And it was over a year ago and in a dealer dem room which is never a good idea.)
Last week as mentioned on this forum I was assembling my new system, and, if had to base myself on reviews only, I would have gone straight to MA Rx6 speakers, without considering if they suited my gear, my taste, my music, etc. Before auditioning I was 100% sure that they would have been definetely my new speakers, given the reviews and the praise they got but......after auditioning I discovered that there are many factors to keep in count and what for sure was a great product wasn't my best choice......so I think that reviews can give us important hints but only proper listens can give us definite answers......I'm not an expert in this field, but one thing I learned: there are very few certain facts, and many possible surprises around the corner, so the advice is always the same: audition them all, of course Cyrus included, and then make your choice
matthewpiano
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- Nov 23, 2007
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In my experience there aren't any components which completely blow the competition away, especially once you get beyond a certain price point.
What there is, is a wide range of different approaches and priorities. This is why auditioning and, where possible, auditioning at home, is so important.
I also agree with Crusaderlord about the assumptions people make regarding Arcam gear. The CD192 is anything but 'warm and cosy'. From memory (and it is a while since I heard one) it is a supremely well balanced player with a real sense of drive and involvement.
What there is, is a wide range of different approaches and priorities. This is why auditioning and, where possible, auditioning at home, is so important.
I also agree with Crusaderlord about the assumptions people make regarding Arcam gear. The CD192 is anything but 'warm and cosy'. From memory (and it is a while since I heard one) it is a supremely well balanced player with a real sense of drive and involvement.
home audition sounds great but which shops do this i know rs does but im pretty sure they dont stock these items i have a sevenoaks but dont know that they do home audition???
pauladamss:home audition sounds great but which shops do this i know rs does but im pretty sure they dont stock these items i have a sevenoaks but dont know that they do home audition???
They should have similar gear to yours (i.e. NAD C355BEE amp) and they'll have the M/A RX1 speakers etc...
SynergyAV do the Rega Apollo on home demo; you can either collect (not sure where you live) or they'll take your card details and they will courier it to you
http://www.rega-synergyav.co.uk/acatalog/Add.html
They should have similar gear to yours (i.e. NAD C355BEE amp) and they'll have the M/A RX1 speakers etc...
SynergyAV do the Rega Apollo on home demo; you can either collect (not sure where you live) or they'll take your card details and they will courier it to you
http://www.rega-synergyav.co.uk/acatalog/Add.html
potboyslim:
I disagree chebby, as when every review out there says the cyrus slays all comers under the £1000 mark, and some above, does this not lead to the conclusion that it is infact the best sub grand player out there.
Ive had all 3 players he was looking at or heard the cyrus, and in my opinion, as well as WHF, it wins hands down.
The review speaks for itself if you go read it in the reviews section.....
The thing is though that it's THEIR review and NOT the OP's!
As we have all said; the OP needs to demo and NOT just buy from reviews.
Steffy's a prime example that demoing the gear yourself is the right choice as otherwise he'd have gone with the M/A RX6's and he would have more than likely not been happy...
I disagree chebby, as when every review out there says the cyrus slays all comers under the £1000 mark, and some above, does this not lead to the conclusion that it is infact the best sub grand player out there.
Ive had all 3 players he was looking at or heard the cyrus, and in my opinion, as well as WHF, it wins hands down.
The review speaks for itself if you go read it in the reviews section.....
The thing is though that it's THEIR review and NOT the OP's!
As we have all said; the OP needs to demo and NOT just buy from reviews.
Steffy's a prime example that demoing the gear yourself is the right choice as otherwise he'd have gone with the M/A RX6's and he would have more than likely not been happy...
potboyslim:I disagree chebby, as when every review out there says the cyrus slays all comers under the £1000 mark, and some above, does this not lead to the conclusion that it is infact the best sub grand player out there.
Deep breath.........no.
Deep breath.........no.
matthewpiano
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Reviews. They are just a guide. They are not the definitive answer and being an 'expert' doesn't make any reviewer better at judging how good a piece of hi-fi equipment is. The best judge, by far, is the prospective purchaser.
What can happen, all too easily, is that a small number of products can get lauded above all others and purchasers risk missing out on less celebrated products that might suit better.
Don't be afraid to explore products that haven't had 5-star reviews or to walk off the beaten track. Brands like AstinTrew, Sugden, Audio Analogue, Aurousal and Icon Audio make some excellent kit. Likewise some brands that don't have snob value like Marantz, Creek, Rega, Yamaha, and Denon, make some superb components that are every bit as worthy for consideration as the oft referred-to Naim, Roksan, and Cyrus.
Hi-fi is a broad church and doesn't have to be defined by the latest obsessions of the reviewers.
What can happen, all too easily, is that a small number of products can get lauded above all others and purchasers risk missing out on less celebrated products that might suit better.
Don't be afraid to explore products that haven't had 5-star reviews or to walk off the beaten track. Brands like AstinTrew, Sugden, Audio Analogue, Aurousal and Icon Audio make some excellent kit. Likewise some brands that don't have snob value like Marantz, Creek, Rega, Yamaha, and Denon, make some superb components that are every bit as worthy for consideration as the oft referred-to Naim, Roksan, and Cyrus.
Hi-fi is a broad church and doesn't have to be defined by the latest obsessions of the reviewers.
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