Dilemma

[chris_bates1974]

Some help needed... I posted a few weeks ago (vintage hifi gift) as I had been given a quad 33/405 amp combination and a pair of Goodmans LS3/5a

I have built myself a new power cable for the 33 and got it all working using my Arcam CD72 as a source.... It sounds fantastic!!!

So, I am now thinking.... Do I sell my existing set up (Cyrus 5, Aracm CD72, Mission M73) and get a nice new CD player for using with the quads and Goodmans, or do I sell those and upgrade the current setup, and if so, with what????

Any hints/advice would be appreciated, thanks!!!

 

[CnoEvil]

"Sounding Fantastic" is the goal with hifi, so don't be in a rush to give it up.

If curious, compare it with modern systems in order to give you an idea whether you can get better at affordable money.

 

[chris_bates1974]

It's been a long time since I bought any hifi so no idea what is available to try! I guess it may be time to visit some stores again....

 

[chris_bates1974]

Bumped (sorry) as could still use some advice!

 

[Juzzie Wuzzie]

If you are happy, don't need the money from realising hifi equipment, sit still and enjoy it.

 

[bluedroog]

You old new system sounds quite balanced, an you Arcam CD isn’t a bad player either, I think you could easily waste some money here and regret it. Enjoy your system if you like it, certainly get completely familiar with the sound before thinking of changes. I love the look of the Quad 33 by the way, never heard one but they look very retro in a good way.

Maybe have a look at stuff like room treatment instead. Or perhaps you could get some of the older gear serviced and even up spec’ed by a professional who specialises in that kind of gear.

Check out Da da electronics for tips on the Quad gear. Also you might find some useful hints on the Quad Yahoo group.

 

[chris_bates1974]

Thanks guys, the main issue is that I don't really have the space for two systems so want to take advantage of what I have and do whatever I can to build the best system without making any additional outlay.... I'm tempted to sell the quads and LS3/5a speakers and get some new speakers to go with the Cyrus and arcam as I think the missions are the weak link in my current system....

thoughts???

 

[CnoEvil]

Since Quad and Cyrus are so different, you need to make sure that you keep the right one.....and we can't help with that, as it's so personal.

 

[matthewpiano]

Which amp do you like the sound of best? Sounds like a simple question but it really is the most important one. If you really like the sound of the Quads with the LS3/5a you are going to struggle to get that sort of sound from anything else.

 

[chris_bates1974]

The more I think about it, the more I think that I will sell the quads and speakers, as I have always loved my surrent set-up. Then I'll get some new speakers... Any recommendations? I reckon I'll be able to spend up to £700....

 

[bluedroog]

I think you’d be better starting anew thread to be honest but what kind of sound do you like, size of your room, new or used etc….the more info the better informed any advice. Ultimately you need to go and demo but speakers such ATC SCM7, B&W CM5, Neat Iota and PMC DB1 should be considered.

 

[BigH]

I would try the KEF LS50s best speakers I have heard around £800, I did not like the DB1s. The CM5s will give you more bass.

 

[altruistic.lemon]

You may well realise a lot more than that if you sell. In the Goodmans LS3/5A you have classic speakers whose price continues to rise, and your Quads are sought after, too. It's no surprise that system sounds better than your current one, if only because the Goodmans are streets ahead of the Missions.

I wouldn't see you'd gain much from the KEF LS50ss, the sound is meant to be based on the LS3/5a anyway.

P.S matthewpiano has it spot on.

 

[chris_bates1974]

Wow, thanks for all the advice everyone - much appreciated.... So, now I need a little advice on the best method of selling - I really don't fancy paying ebay fees!!!! Again, all help is really appreciated!

 

[BigH]

I wouldn't see you'd gain much from the KEF LS50ss, the sound is meant to be based on the LS3/5a anyway.

P.S matthewpiano has it spot on.

I'm not sure that is quite correct, there is a review in Stereophile I believe that compares the LS50s and the Rogers LS3/5 which are similar to the yours, they thought the KEF's were better. The Kefs are meant to be very natural so yes not a million miles away from the LS3/5a but are better in some ways. The LS3/5a are sealed while the Kefs are ported. Kefs are better with some space around.

 

[bluedroog]

Wow, thanks for all the advice everyone - much appreciated.... So, now I need a little advice on the best method of selling - I really don't fancy paying ebay fees!!!! Again, all help is really appreciated!

Not sure the rules on mentioning others forums so I won’t name names but most other forums have a classified ads section, you might need a minimum number of posts to trade though.