Help with upgrading...

[admin_exported]

The acquisition of an Aracam Alpha one amplifier has completely transformed my old hifi. My kit consists of a Marantz CD-63, Mission 31i speakers on sand-filled Atacama Nexus 6 stands, Nordost Flatline Gold (biwired) cables, Chord Company Chrysalis interconnect. My room is approx 6mx4m and I listen to a wide variety of music. I have got the upgrade bug (again) but have not been intensely interested in what's happening in the market for several years and am a bit out of touch (having young kids and all that!). I would genuinely appreciate some advice regarding further upgrades on a limited budget of a couple of hundred quid. I'm pretty happy with the Marantz CD source to be honest, but suspect that my speakers could be improved (the Arcam totally blows away my old Marantz PM 44 SE amp, and is far more revealing). I'm really tempted to buy a pair of used Mission 751's....but then again, the Monitor Audio Bronze Reference BR2's sound amazing...or should I buy a new interconnect (Chord Company Cobra???). I love my Nordost cables and prefer them over my Chord Company Carnival Silver's, so don't really want to change my speaker cables. Any ideas welcome. Ta in advance...

 

[JoelSim]

In your shoes, I would keep the Nordost, and I would be tempted to follow a long upgrade path as follows:

New speakers - go second hand and go for something like ProAc Tablettes or PMC DB1.

Then in a few months look to get a good power amp which will add far more, and create a civilised, even more refined sound. Perhaps Arcam to match what you have biamped of course.

Then get a more contemporary Arcam amp instead of the Alpha One.

Then look at your source.

My first system included the famous Pioneer A-400, and I had it for more than 15 years, and it's now at my parents where my dad loves it. I then moved on to Arcam 7 CD/amp/tuner and now have my system as below which blows away the previous systems to a big degree. It's not cost me a fortune either, for a £6k system (all bits and cables included), I have spent about £3k or thereabouts mostly second hand, and to be honest I can't see myself upgrading now for a while - I listen to it every day without fail and it's caused me too many late nights!

If I were you I would upgrade with really good pieces of kit rather than things like the BR2 which are limited. Make it worthwhile and it will cost you less in the long-run. I'm pretty sure if I were to sell all my stuff I'd get my money back.

Keep your eyes on eBay and when you feel you know how much you should be spending on something, then make some bids and go with your instincts.

It's an addiction really but there's so much pleasure to be had.

 

[Anonymous]

"It's an addiction really but there's so much pleasure to be had".

You are so right Joel. Thanks for the input. Your answer has caused me to reflect upon my situation, and I do wonder if a longer, ultimately more expensive upgrade path is the one to take. Especially, re the power amp issue, which I had not considered. Your system sounds incredible! My brother has spent approximately £5k on a system based on Cyrus 8 CD source and monoblocs, with Monitor Audio Gold Ref speakers. However, as good as it is, I really don't think it "sounds" £4k better than my (arguably budget) set-up. Money, unfortunately, is limited and I'm very impatient when it comes to this sort of thing. I agree that my speakers need an upgrade, and I will check the prices of your recommendations. What Power Amp might you suggest to match the Arcam Alpha one amp? Any other input is welcome.

 

[amarocknrollstar]

I would definately look to upgrade those speakers first.

Are you looking for bookshelves or floorstanders and what is your budget please?

Cheers

Stevie

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Stevie
I've just gone and bought a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze Reference BR2 speakers off ebay for £80. I listened to these in my local HiFi specialist shop last week (Gloucester Hi Fi) and was very impressed. I probably need to upgrade my interconnect to best suit the brightness of the Marantz CD-63, and was thinking of getting a Chord Company Cobra 3. What do you think?

 

[amarocknrollstar]

Hey mate,

Nice little bargain you bagged there.

I'd say the cobra 3's would be a perfect accompanyment for your system and would save you having to upgrade for some time to come. They always get great reviews. I've seen them on an ebay shop for £45 which is a steal.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/chord-company-cobra-3_W0QQfkrZ1QQfnuZ1QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ32QQkeywordZchordQ20companyQ20cobraQ203

Might be worth looking at the following also.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Seduction-Studio

I've got some of these and they're awesome.

Good luck.

Stevie

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input Stevie. Which Seduction interconnects are you referring to? They look amazing. I'm hoping that a new interconnect will save me upgrading my CD source for a bit yet, as I'm generally happy with the Marantz...

 

[d_a_n1979]

Good going on the M/A BR2s!

As above i'd go with changing the interconnect, i can heartedly reccommend the Van Den Hul 'The Name' or the QED Quenex 3 interconnects, both very good.

In regards to the amp, as Joel said above, i'd look at changing that as well as the CDP when you can afford it.

I'm a huge fan of Arcam and i havent found a Marantz CDP yet that has gone well with them. I just dont think Japanese seperates suit British seperates, but thats just my opinion.

Youve already been on Ebay so take a look at other Arcam/NAD amps, mainly the Arcam Alpha 8 or 9 integrated amps which can both be upgraded with the matching power amp at a later date.

Also take a look at the matching Arcam CDPs, more so the Alpha 7/8 or the Alpha 7SE or the 8SE CDPs. All very good and i would say a mass improvement on your current Marantz CDP

You could also take a look at NAD amps and CDPs. The NAD C315 and C320BEE amps are very good as are the matching CD players.

 

[amarocknrollstar]

[quote user="badabingbadaboom"]Which Seduction interconnects are you referring to?[/quote]

To be honest buddy, they are all of an equal measure.

Essentially they are the same product in different clothes. My money is on the cheapest one!!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah d_a_n, I absolutely aspire to Arcam 9 CD/amp and agree that the Jap/English match is not the best. Sadly, funds are tight and I have to make do with the CD-63, Arcam Alpha one, MABR2 for the time being. I can certainly live with the sound it produces but am hoping that a new interconnect will neutralize the Marantz somewhat. I'll check out the Van Den Hul and QED stuff as per your recommendation. I've got a QED Quinex HDMI cable for my high-def DVD/TV and it is stunning.

 

[Anonymous]

Stevie, those seduction fellows have got my mouth watering...