Downgrade in Progress

[Thompsonuxb]

The proac d2 is a much better speaker than the likes of the Zensor 3 or the LS50...

And the amps mentioned are more a sideways move the A19 for example will not deliver anything like your current amp..

Don't take this the wrong way but what exactly are you trying to achieve. The suggestions so far make no sense.

On paper what you already have is good. Just curious to know what is the issue you're having.

BIG HINT! The title of the thread says DOWNGRADE! *biggrin*

I get that but is it in terms of SQ or equ.

In terms of SQ he could flog the lot get a Denon 39dab and have change left over.

If it's just kit, the money is already spent so what's the worry.

Just curious.

 

[Vladimir]

Think Rega Brio-R, Leema Elements, Creek Evo 50a, Naim 5si, Cyrus 6vs2, Arcam A19, Dali Zensor 3, Wharfedale Diamond 10s, MA RX6, Q Acoustics 2050i, Epos Epic 5, PMC DB1i, Dynaudio Focus 110, KEF LS50, ATC SCM 11 etc.

Newworld wants suggestions for combo that synergises well, like Naim 5si and Epos Epic 2. It wont amaze like his current system but it wont be that far apart with sound quality like the difference in price would suggest.

He may also have a mid-fi crisis. *wink*

 

[lindsayt]

Celestion Dittons would be fine too. They'd be more expensive than the Akais, and less amplifier friendly as they are less efficient, and they wouldn't have the bass impact of the 15" ers in the Akais and they are likely to have a more refined / more shut-in sound than the Akais.

Speakers are such a personal thing. If not the Akais or Dittons, then maybe some other speakers that can be bought for very little money?

It's a good sign that Akais are so anathemic to the Flat Earth brigade as so much of the stuff derided by the Ivor T marketing machine has turned out to be really good in hindsight.

 

[Vladimir]

I had only a handfull of chances to hear 100dB+ Japanese kabuki speakers (Sansui). I expected them to suck but they blew me away. Effortless sound at high SPL and tangible presence with acoustic music and vocals. I expected Cerwin Vega sound but it was nothing similar to it. Not really JBL or AR, just different.

 

[newworld]

Think Rega Brio-R, Leema Elements, Creek Evo 50a, Naim 5si, Cyrus 6vs2, Arcam A19, Dali Zensor 3, Wharfedale Diamond 10s, MA RX6, Q Acoustics 2050i, Epos Epic 5, PMC DB1i, Dynaudio Focus 110, KEF LS50, ATC SCM 11 etc.

Newworld wants suggestions for combo that synergises well, like Naim 5si and Epos Epic 2. It wont amaze like his current system but it wont be that far apart with sound quality like the difference in price would suggest.

He may also have a mid-fi crisis. *wink*

Thank you for being my advocate. You understand exactly where I'm coming from. All I'm saying is, what I have sounds great, been there and done that. I just want a system that I can enjoy on a smaller budget. I can live with the fact that it's not going to sound as good, so long as I can enjoy as much. And if I can free up some cash in the process, even better.

 

[EvPa]

If you did not want floorstanders I would have recommended these:

http://www.nubert.de/nupro-a-300/p1363/

GBP 794 for a pair (shipped to the UK, thanks the the current exhange rates...) and you save what you had budgeted for the amp.

RCA, S/PDIF, TOSLINK and UBS inputs, remote control and they sound very good.

As far as I know, this is the only review not written in German:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/nubert4/1.html

 

[rainsoothe]

I was exactly in your position and I downgraded from SN2 and Martin Logan Motion 40 to Arcam A 19 and Focal Aria 906. Different presentation, but it makes me very happy. You should really consider the A19 with B&W 685s2, Kef LS50, Martin Logan Motion 35XT or Motion 20, or even them Focals. Another awesome alternative is to check out XTZ, I think you can't find any better for the budget (and even above). XTZ A100D3 + XTZ 99.36 mk II, 99.26 mk II or 93.23 mk II, or any of the aforementioned speakers.

 

[JoelSim]

I don't understand. Why are you downgrading if you are intending on upgrading again? It doesn't make sense unless you are thinking you can bag an absolute bargain or you are unhappy with what you currently have.

 

[newworld]

I was exactly in your position and I downgraded from SN2 and Martin Logan Motion 40 to Arcam A 19 and Focal Aria 906. Different presentation, but it makes me very happy. You should really consider the A19 with B&W 685s2, Kef LS50, Martin Logan Motion 35XT or Motion 20, or even them Focals. Another awesome alternative is to check out XTZ, I think you can't find any better for the budget (and even above). XTZ A100D3 + XTZ 99.36 mk II, 99.26 mk II or 93.23 mk II, or any of the aforementioned speakers.

I have access to everything except for XTZ. The A19 with B&W 685s2 is an intriguing option. Very reasonable price indeed. I've never been a fan of Focal's, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to try.

 

[newworld]

I don't understand. Why are you downgrading if you are intending on upgrading again? It doesn't make sense unless you are thinking you can bag an absolute bargain or you are unhappy with what you currently have.

I don't want to upgrade. I've heard what great system sounds like in my room and know how to make the best out of it. Now I can move on and have just a simple setup that keep me from being fanatical. I have less and less time to listen to music. No reason to sit on something that depreciates everyday. I can live with much less.

 

[drummerman]

I don't think there's anything fanatical about your current system but I once 'had' to live with a Denon Micro system (the first of the DM series with the little Mission made speakers) for almost a year because of financial reasons. - I hugely enjoyed it and it got used as much if not more than the previous system, a valve one which I treasured and which I think was probably the best one I've ever had though time may cloud my judgement a little. - It was a little like 'how can something so cheap and small sound so good'?

Put the two next to each other and there will be a clear performance gap. - Use them on their own (and get off the hifi forums/magazines) and each one will be enjoyable in their own way after a week or so.

Of course, as circumstances changed I got bitten by the bug again and off we went again