Building a 2nd system

[d_a_n1979]

I think I'm going to build a 2nd system for upstairs so that I can have some background music on low whilst I'm working but also to use when the missus is watching Friends and the likes in the living room and her films etc... I think I'm going to go down either the NAD C320BEE or Arcam Alpha 8 integrated amplifier with the Arcam Alpha 7SE CDP. Speakers I'm looking at are either the Acoustic Energy Neo3's, Monitor Audio BR5's, B&W 602 S2's or the S3's OR the Monitor Audio BR2's. Standmount speakers will be on Atacama Nexus 6 stands if I go down that route. Music is generlaly Radio 2 and Classical FM during the day (quiet and calming haha []) and other music will range from Metallica to Hed Kandi to Fischerpooner to Massive Attack etc... Which speakers would suit best do you think? The back spare room is about 5m by 4.5m and has a large wardrobe, 3 seater futon and nice thick carpet []

 

[Anonymous]

If you fancy trying something slightly different to the current norm then a cracking speaker of the past is the KEF Cresta 2. We used to have a pair on a TEAC mini system as a second system until the fiance's dad borrowed it. They're sensitive and a decent size so give a nice rhythmic and punchy bass.

The bay has a pair here that can be snapped up for next to nothing.

Partner with an Arcam Alpha 8 or a Rotel RA01 and you'll have a nice second use system. Steve's Hifi has a few amps to browse too.

 

[d_a_n1979]

Cheers Iggle

I'm not a fan of KEF speakers; I dont like their sound. Owned a pair of these years ago and they soon went after a few months!

I've got my eye on the Rotel RA01 amps and a few Alpha 8's as well. There's a couple of NAD C320BEE's going as well which I think would be a better option. They are a superb amp and I sometimes wish I'd never gotten rid of the one I had a year or so back

 

[shooter]

Is your work PC based?

Could actives on stands suite over a full system?

 

[plastic penguin]

Just seen this, dan.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=320557344997

 

[Anonymous]

Bear in mind, these are old school KEF not like the recent stuff.

 

[Anonymous]

igglebert:If you fancy trying something slightly different to the current norm then a cracking speaker of the past is the KEF Cresta 2.

Dan, I read your reply, but I have to agree with Igglebert. The Cresta 2 might have the most beautiful midrange I've heard on a budget speaker, although I think that despite the cabinet size it's bass light. Play something like Dire Straits however and they're musical like no other.

Jack

 

[d_a_n1979]

Re the Kefs: As I said above I've owned the Cresta 2's before and I didnt like them

As said a bit too bass shy and thats no good for me

My work is PC based but I have aseperate office and there's no room for speakers unfortunately

 

[d_a_n1979]

plastic penguin:
Just seen this, dan.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=320557344997

The link isnt working PP sorry

 

[d_a_n1979]

d_a_n1979:plastic penguin:
Just seen this, dan.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=320557344997

The link isnt working PP sorry

PP... I just looked up the item number

It's too pricey TBH. I'm trying not to spend more than £350/£400 so would rather go for an amp, CDP and speakers

 

[plastic penguin]

d_a_n1979:d_a_n1979:plastic penguin:

Just seen this, dan.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=320557344997

The link isnt working PP sorry PP... I just looked up the item number

It's too pricey TBH. I'm trying not to spend more than £350/£400 so would rather go for an amp, CDP and speakers

I tried to post the picture but it came up as "error."

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=170510733661

I know you said you weren't keen on a short listen, the Creek really grows on you

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=170510733661

Sorry, these damn links are playing silly-beggars. Anyway, It's a Creek MK I and should go for around £200-£250.