Complete Hi-Fi Upgrade Advice

[Hectors-Jam]

Hi there,

This is my first post and I'm looking for advice as to what equipment to get for a completely new stack. I currently have a Technics SU-V85A amplifier, paired with an SL-PS900 CD player, ST-G55AL tuner, RS-B905 tape deck and an SL-1210M2 turntable. All of this is played through a pair of B&W 604s2's. I'm looking for advice on what to keep and what to change. Budget is not particularly an issue, but nothing too silly.

I have had a look at some Cyrus amplifiers (Mono X 300 and Pre Qx DAC) and found these to be very nice. I have also had a listen to some B&W 683's powered by 2 SE-A1000's and an SU-C1000 which also sounded superb.

I'm completely open minded as to whether I go out and buy something new or spend hours trawling auctions for a particular item, I just want to get this right.

Shaun

 

[Overdose]

Given your budget, either ADM9 with sub or ADM40. Demoing them may be tricky depending on where you live though. There are a few dealers dotted around that sell the ADM9s, the ADM40s may be exclusive via the online shop. Owners of the 40s should be able to confirm.

 

[matt49]

Hi there,

This is my first post and I'm looking for advice as to what equipment to get for a completely new stack. I currently have a Technics SU-V85A amplifier, paired with an SL-PS900 CD player, ST-G55AL tuner, RS-B905 tape deck and an SL-1210M2 turntable. All of this is played through a pair of B&W 604s2's. I'm looking for advice on what to keep and what to change. Budget is not particularly an issue, but nothing too silly.

I have had a look at some Cyrus amplifiers (Mono X 300 and Pre Qx DAC) and found these to be very nice. I have also had a listen to some B&W 683's powered by 2 SE-A1000's and an SU-C1000 which also sounded superb.

I'm completely open minded as to whether I go out and buy something new or spend hours trawling auctions for a particular item, I just want to get this right.

Shaun

hi Shaun,

are you planning to continue with tape, vinyl, and CD sources?

Matt

 

[Yamyam]

Yes, as per Matt - what's your source? Plus room size would be helpful.

In your position, maybe a "system package" would work out quite nicely.....

 

[Hectors-Jam]

Mostly vinyl and CD. I very rarely use the tape deck. room size is a fairly large room, approx 35 X 15 foot.

 

[matthewpiano]

I'd certainly suggest keeping the Technics SL1210 and considering the Timestep modifications (google for more info). I've heard a modified 1210 and it was superb.

 

[GCE]

I THINK that amp, B&W and ttable are awesome and better built than today gears http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=196968 >>>>> http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1778087-any-advice-buying-old-technics-amps.html <<< 8) ...

 

[matt49]

Shaun,

Are there any particular aspects of (the sound of) your system that you're not happy with?

Regarding the CD player, one possible upgrade route would be an outboard DAC. It'd be worth loaning one from a friendly dealer (or indeed a friend).

Matt

 

[CnoEvil]

Budget is not particularly an issue, but nothing too silly.

Shaun

Hi Shaun, and welcome to the forum.

Is it possible for you to put a max figure on this, as one person's "too silly" is another's starting point.

Can you also give a little info to guide advice

- What sort of music do you listen to?

- How do you like it to sound (smooth, detailed and organic or more forward, neutral and analytical)?

- How is your room furnished?

- Would you consider a Streaming solution?

- What brands do you have access to?

 

[Hectors-Jam]

I woild say anywhere up to around £15,000 for the seperates plus another £5000 for the speakers. I would say I mostly listen to 80's electronic and new age, with a bit of classic rock thrown in for good measure. Detailed and organic sounds much better to my ears than an over analytical sound. The room is carpeted with a couple of sofas in and a tv with all its associated gubbins. I would definitely be open to a streaming option but I would like a CD/Turntable source for when I want to reminisce about a particular album etc. With regards to brands that are available, I know for sure that I have a shop somewhere near me that stocks Cyrus, NAD, Naim and Marantz, other than that, I'd be willing to buy online assuming there's somewhere in england I can listen to the gear.

 

[CnoEvil]

I woild say anywhere up to around £15,000 for the seperates plus another £5000 for the speakers. I would say I mostly listen to 80's electronic and new age, with a bit of classic rock thrown in for good measure. Detailed and organic sounds much better to my ears than an over analytical sound. The room is carpeted with a couple of sofas in and a tv with all its associated gubbins. I would definitely be open to a streaming option but I would like a CD/Turntable source for when I want to reminisce about a particular album etc. With regards to brands that are available, I know for sure that I have a shop somewhere near me that stocks Cyrus, NAD, Naim and Marantz, other than that, I'd be willing to buy online assuming there's somewhere in england I can listen to the gear.

That is a very good budget and so I recommend you take your time, listen to the advice that comes your way, and do lots of demoing.

I will get my head around some suggestions later, but would first like to put forward some pesonal thoughts:

- Make sure you listen to the brands that are not the usual suspects (eg. Pathos, Electrocompaniet, McIntosh, Plinius, Luxman, Accuphase, Audio Analogue, Vienna Acoustics, Focal, Harbeth, Audio Analogue, Audio Note, Bel Canto, Musical Fidelity etc)

- Listen to the different Classes of Amps (A, AB, B, D); and types as in Solid State and Valve....to see which you prefer.

- Think of an Amp and Speaker as a suitable matched pair that have synergy.

- IMO. A good Streamer is superior to a CDP on every level, so the money that would be spent on it (CDP) would be better placed elsewhere.

- A TT is a great addition, but I'm little rusty in this area having sold mine over 20 years ago.

- A good specialist dealer is worth their weight in gold, and if you give the area where you live, I'm sure you will get some great suggestions.

- I wouldn't allocate your £20k budget until you see how things work out....there are different opinions as how this should be carved up.

 

[matt49]

I woild say anywhere up to around £15,000 for the seperates plus another £5000 for the speakers. I would say I mostly listen to 80's electronic and new age, with a bit of classic rock thrown in for good measure. Detailed and organic sounds much better to my ears than an over analytical sound. The room is carpeted with a couple of sofas in and a tv with all its associated gubbins. I would definitely be open to a streaming option but I would like a CD/Turntable source for when I want to reminisce about a particular album etc. With regards to brands that are available, I know for sure that I have a shop somewhere near me that stocks Cyrus, NAD, Naim and Marantz, other than that, I'd be willing to buy online assuming there's somewhere in england I can listen to the gear.

That is a very good budget and so I recommend you take your time, listen to the advice that comes your way, and do lots of demoing.

I will get my head around some suggestions later, but would first like to put forward some pesonal thoughts:

- Make sure you listen to the brands that are not the usual suspects (eg. Pathos, Electrocompaniet, McIntosh, Plinius, Luxman, Accuphase, Audio Analogue, Vienna Acoustics, Focal, Harbeth, Audio Analogue, Audio Note, Bel Canto, Musical Fidelity etc)

- Listen to the different Classes of Amps (A, AB, B, D); and types as in Solid State and Valve....to see which you prefer.

- Think of an Amp and Speaker as a suitable matched pair that have synergy.

- IMO. A good Streamer is superior to a CDP on every level, so the money that would be spent on it (CDP) would be better placed elsewhere.

- A TT is a great addition, but I'm little rusty in this area having sold mine over 20 years ago.

- A good specialist dealer is worth their weight in gold, and if you give the area where you live, I'm sure you will get some great suggestions.

- I wouldn't allocate your £20k budget until you see how things work out....there are different opinions as how this should be carved up.

This says everything I would have said, plus some, and says it better.

 

[steve_1979]

As far as the amplifier and speakers are concerned the Genelec 8260a active speakers are possibly the best that I've ever heard. Certainly worth an audition if you get the chance.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/genelec2/1.html

 

[CnoEvil]

This says everything I would have said, plus some, and says it better.

I forgot the Active route, but suspect that will get rectified. :shifty:

:cheers:

Cno

 

[steve_1979]

Given your budget, either ADM9 with sub or ADM40.

I have to agree with Overdose here. I think that you owe it to yourself to have a listen to the AVI speakers because you could find the sound that you're after and save yourself a lot of money while you're at it.

I haven't heard the new and improved versions of the ADM9RSS or ADM40 speakers but I have heard the old ADM9.1 speakers and when they're used with the matching AVI subwoofer they're easily on a par with the £10,000 ATC SCM50A speakers.

 

[Macspur]

Cno has already listed all the brands of amps I would have suggested... for your preferred sound, I would perhaps rule out Cyrus.

Try and let us know what area you live in and you might be surprised what options you do have.

If there aren't any, some dealers are open to sending you gear to home demo for the price of shipping.

Mac

 

[Overdose]

Given your budget, either ADM9 with sub or ADM40.

I have to agree with Overdose here. I think that you owe it to yourself to have a listen to the AVI speakers because you could find the sound that you're after and save yourself a lot of money while you're at it.

I haven't heard the new and improved versions of the ADM9RSS or ADM40 speakers but I have heard the old ADM9.1 speakers and when they're used with the matching AVI subwoofer they're easily on a par with the £10,000 ATC SCM50A speakers.

I had to laugh. I looked at the kit mentioned in the first post and assumed a budget from there. :doh:

However, don't get sucked into thinking that you need to spend all that much to get great sound quality.

 

[altruistic.lemon]

Are you sure you want to spend £15000 on amp+sources? You'd be better off subtracting £5000 from that and adding that to your speaker budget. That would put you firmly into the Martin Logan, top Sonus Faber, Wilson Benesch etc range, not to mention entry level Magico and the fabulous Tannoy Prestige range. For actives that puts you into ATC territory with the SCM 50s

Amps and CD player - Unison Research or Audio Analogue. Also Leben valves, but that depends heavily on the speakers you choose. Turntable I'd be thinking Nottingham Analogue.

Alternatively, given you have £20000 to spend, I'd buy an iPhone 5 with a decent set of cans and head off on the trip of a lifetime!

 

[Overdose]

Alternatively, given you have £20000 to spend, I'd buy an iPhone 5 with a decent set of cans and head off on the trip of a lifetime!

When the enjoyment of music is surely paramout, that's actually not a bad suggestion. Brings the amount that can be spent on hifi into perspective.

 

[hoopsontoast]

My advice would be to demo, demo and demo some more.

With such a healthy budget, you have access to such a wide variety of exotica.

Get round local dealers and see whats about. I would not personally be looking at Cyrus if I had £10k on Source/Amps and £10k on Speakers.

 

[matt49]

Shaun,

This forum's a pretty strange place, as you've probably already realized. But once you've dodged the curveballs (AVI) and implications that it's irrational to spend that amount of money on hifi (it's absolutely not irrational, if it's going to bring you pleasure), I hope you stick to your guns and let us know how you get on.

Whereabouts in England are you? I'm sure members of the forum would be able to suggest a list of reliable dealers within reach of you. Also, some dealers may be happy to travel quite long distances to bring kit to you (they're having a pretty hard time of it at the moment.)

Matt

 

[altruistic.lemon]

Shaun,

This forum's a pretty strange place, as you've probably already realized. But once you've dodged the curveballs (AVI) and implications that it's irrational to spend that amount of money on hifi (it's absolutely not irrational, if it's going to bring you pleasure), I hope you stick to your guns and let us know how you get on.

Whereabouts in England are you? I'm sure members of the forum would be able to suggest a list of reliable dealers within reach of you. Also, some dealers may be happy to travel quite long distances to bring kit to you (they're having a pretty hard time of it at the moment.)

Matt

Hang on, what implications that it's irrational to spend that amount of money? I see only positive suggestions here.

 

[BigH]

WIth that sort of budget I would look at B&O.

 

[jcbrum]

I'd buy the AVIs. They'll be better than all that £20k stuff mentioned so far.

And, you'll still have £17,000, + more from the sale of your old stuff, left in your budget for going on lemon's world trip.

JC

 

[chebby]

WIth that sort of budget I would look at B&O.

Yep that too. (Although the set-up I heard a few years ago did cost over £11000 for the front pair, you do have the budget and that price did include amplification because they are active speakers.)