Help with upgrade of Cambridge Audio A5 amp

[admin_exported]

Hi All,

I've currently got a Cambridge Audio A5 amp connected to a pair of Mordaunt Short 902i bookshelf speakers on sound filled stands. I've got a Cambridge Audio Azur 540A (v1) CD player connected to the amp.

I'd like to upgrade the amp and possibly the CD player later on.

I did consider the 340A SE, but CA told me that while it would have less power, but an more refined sound. They recommended the 540A/640A as a better upgrade.

I did take a look at the CA 540A
v2 or 640A v2. However, it seems that Richer Sounds have recently put
their prices up on these amps, to £279 and £329 respectively. This
price increase along with the Award winning Marantz PM6002 being
cheaper have put me off the CA kit slightly.

So I've now started thinking about the PM6002. Would this work well with the MS902i speakers? How much does the amplifier output actually make to 'how loud' an amplifier will sound? The A5 is 60W per channel, and while I don't play it loudly too often, we do have the occasional party where loud music is required. Will the PM6002 have enough power to go loud if required?

I've also seen a few places on the internet selling off the PM7001 amp for a similar price to the PM6002. How does this compare with the PM6002? Or is the CA kit still worth consideration if I can get RS to knock some cash off their prices?

All help/advice would be much appreciated.

 

[John Duncan]

I loved the 7001, and would get that over the 6002 any day...

 

[Anonymous]

The 7001 may no longer be an option for me as the missus has decreed she wants the silver version. I can only find it available in black at the moment.

I contacted Richer Sounds to enquire about the PM6002, unfortunately they only do that in black as well!

When I asked why the 540A/640A prices had risen I was told it was because these are products which are winning loads of awards and CA is now a very sought-after brand, and as such CA have risen the price.... Hmmm.