- May 30, 2012
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Hello one and all. As title suggests I'm looking to buy my first Stereo seperates systems for listening to music only.
My budget to be fair has increased after auditioning some kit at my local Superfi store, I want to spend the least possible but head straight in and buy a system I'll be pleased with for years. Initially I went in to listen to B&W 684's and KEF Q500's with the Roksan Kandy K2. For me the 684's won this contest hands down over the disappointing KEF's. Whilst there though I couldn't help notice the beauty of the CM8's. Interested in the 'difference' the jump in price buys I asked to hook these up. Initially, whilst I thought better than the 684's, it was more closer than was expecting at a reasonable volume (to the untrained ear) - phew, no need to blow the budget on the oh so beautiful CM8's then. Then the sales assistant reduced the volume as we were talking and I (and an accompanying friend) immediately noticed that this was where the CM8's really shone. They just seemed to retain that crisp clarity at a lower volume far better than the 684's - stunning.
I live in a semi detached and would like to remain a considerate neighbour post purchase so this now becomes a major factor as majority of the time the volume won't be 'loud'. Floorboards are wood and my room is 13ft by 12ft with ceilings 9ft.
So, month or 2 thinking about this and I've decided on the CM8 speakers, anything less I think I'll regret and wish I just pushed the boat a little further. I've not purchased them yet as they are circa £1250 everywhere from what I can see but I understand in the appropriate sale at Superfi they reduce to approx £1050 so I will wait.
I was all set for the Roksan Kandy too but started reading the forums and one or 2 other amps seem to be suggested as good partners for the CM8's.
Rotel RA-1520
Cyrus?? (don't know much about these)
Rega Brio (cheaper but I'm assuming not in the league of the other amps mentioned here?)
Really don't want to go above £700 for the amp (Roksan seems to retail circa £750 but I have seen available at £650 - Superfi suggested they would do it for this price). Is the Roksan as good as it gets? What Hi Fi seem to think so. I've got a varied music taste, like, rock, folk, jazz. Not particularly into dance or massive bass, far prefer, clarity and natural reproduction of sound. I.e. love the fact the Roksan doesn't have an EQ - would never touch it anyway, want to hear a record as it's intended.
Only piece of kit I've actually bought so far is a DacMagic as they were being sold off in Richer Sounds for £170 so couldn't say no. I've no idea when it comes to cables - that will come once decided on the amp.
Any thoughts on the above? No doubt I've missed some key info but would be interested in anyone had experience of the above set ups. Next step is another demo yes - not sure if Superfi have the other amps in, I hear Sevenoaks is good?
Thanks in advance.
My budget to be fair has increased after auditioning some kit at my local Superfi store, I want to spend the least possible but head straight in and buy a system I'll be pleased with for years. Initially I went in to listen to B&W 684's and KEF Q500's with the Roksan Kandy K2. For me the 684's won this contest hands down over the disappointing KEF's. Whilst there though I couldn't help notice the beauty of the CM8's. Interested in the 'difference' the jump in price buys I asked to hook these up. Initially, whilst I thought better than the 684's, it was more closer than was expecting at a reasonable volume (to the untrained ear) - phew, no need to blow the budget on the oh so beautiful CM8's then. Then the sales assistant reduced the volume as we were talking and I (and an accompanying friend) immediately noticed that this was where the CM8's really shone. They just seemed to retain that crisp clarity at a lower volume far better than the 684's - stunning.
I live in a semi detached and would like to remain a considerate neighbour post purchase so this now becomes a major factor as majority of the time the volume won't be 'loud'. Floorboards are wood and my room is 13ft by 12ft with ceilings 9ft.
So, month or 2 thinking about this and I've decided on the CM8 speakers, anything less I think I'll regret and wish I just pushed the boat a little further. I've not purchased them yet as they are circa £1250 everywhere from what I can see but I understand in the appropriate sale at Superfi they reduce to approx £1050 so I will wait.
I was all set for the Roksan Kandy too but started reading the forums and one or 2 other amps seem to be suggested as good partners for the CM8's.
Rotel RA-1520
Cyrus?? (don't know much about these)
Rega Brio (cheaper but I'm assuming not in the league of the other amps mentioned here?)
Really don't want to go above £700 for the amp (Roksan seems to retail circa £750 but I have seen available at £650 - Superfi suggested they would do it for this price). Is the Roksan as good as it gets? What Hi Fi seem to think so. I've got a varied music taste, like, rock, folk, jazz. Not particularly into dance or massive bass, far prefer, clarity and natural reproduction of sound. I.e. love the fact the Roksan doesn't have an EQ - would never touch it anyway, want to hear a record as it's intended.
Only piece of kit I've actually bought so far is a DacMagic as they were being sold off in Richer Sounds for £170 so couldn't say no. I've no idea when it comes to cables - that will come once decided on the amp.
Any thoughts on the above? No doubt I've missed some key info but would be interested in anyone had experience of the above set ups. Next step is another demo yes - not sure if Superfi have the other amps in, I hear Sevenoaks is good?
Thanks in advance.