Best way forward

[BigH]

I have an old system nearly 20 years old:

Marantz 63SE CD

Arcam Alpha 3 amp

Mission Cyrus speakers (small standmounted).

Was thinking of buying the Marantz 6004cd and amp but not sure it would be much of an upgrade. So would I be better to set my sights a bit higher like Rega cd and amp which are about £500 each, heard good things about the Rega RS1s which should suit my room which is 16x11 feet and speakers are near to rear wall and music is played at low volumn. Music is mainly 50s jazz, 70s rock, female vocals. Sound I would like is natural, no sharp treble and tight bass (not big or boomy).

Other option keep the cd and amp and add a DAC like an Arcam or Rega?

 

[Frank Harvey]

You still have a pretty decent CD player, so if you want to change two units, look at the amp and speakers - otherwise, I'd be pooling my money and concentrating on the amplifier to make the most of the incoming signal from the CD, and to drive the speakers (presumably 780SE) as well as possible.

 

[BigH]

Yes I think you are correct about speakers 780SE, does not say on them.

 

[BigH]

Having found an older post: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/upgrade-cdp-or-add-a-dac-to-existing-cdp?page=1

I think adding a Rega DAC could be the answer to start with but the speakers I think are past their best, already had to glue one flange back onto the cabinet. HAve just found out that my local hifi shop now stocks Marantz, so be booking a demo soon.

So demo: Marantz 6004 cd and amp with Rega RS1s then add in Rega DAC, then change amp to Rega, without then with DAC. Any other speakers I should consider, given my room and sound requirements, close to rear wall, no harsh treble, tight bass, also not too revealing given I have 50 year old recordings on cd, budget £500. On my list MA RX2, KEF R100, Q300, B&W 685, Tannoy DC6.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi BigH

I'd definitely recommend using your current CD player as a transport and getting a DAC. I've got a Marantz CD6000 OSE and 6 months ago thought about getting the Marantz 6004 as a replacement. I went for an Audiolab M-DAC instead and kept my CD player and it's made a big difference to the sound quality, having improved in depth, clarity, detail and dynamic range. The Rega DAC is excellent by all accounts.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts after the demo - which made the bigger difference, the DAC or the amp.

 

[BigH]

Thanks I will let you know.

One other reason for buying a DAC is for playing downloaded music.

 

[the record spot]

I'll add in the Tannoy DC4 or DC6, both excellent speakers and very much remind me of the strengths of mission speakers I've owned in the past; very musical, detailed without being clinical and with a lovely midrange that can be very impressive. The bass is more than respectable, especially if you are in a small room.

Richer Sounds have them on reduced price, so get them on your shortlist if only to discount them later.