How much can I usefully spend?

[admin_exported]

Later in the year I shall be upgrading amp and CD player. I would, however, like to keep my current speakerage, which I'm happy with. These are Epos M5s and an M sub - generally well-regarded and with an original RRP of £350 and £650 respectively.

How much can I spend on new components before my Epos kit fails to do them justice? (Any suggestions for the actual components also welcome. I will probably go for a one-brand combo, just to avoid dealing with an insane number of options when it comes to the demoing.)

 

[plastic penguin]

tractorboy:Later in the year I shall be upgrading amp and CD player. I would, however, like to keep my current speakerage, which I'm happy with. These are Epos M5s and an M sub - generally well-regarded and with an original RRP of £350 and £650 respectively. How much can I spend on new components before my Epos kit fails to do them justice? (Any suggestions for the actual components also welcome. I will probably go for a one-brand combo, just to avoid dealing with an insane number of options when it comes to the demoing.)

Wow! that's a subjective question. I would say I wouldn't go beyond the Grand mark per item. If it were my money though, I would not be looking any further than the Roksan Kandy K2.

 

[matthewpiano]

Yep, try the Roksans, the Naim Nait 5i/CD5i, and the Yamaha A-S1000/CD-S1000.

 

[Anonymous]

Ta very much for the advice so far. Those types of components would be at the upper limit of the budget, but if the M5s will not disgrace them, I shall look into arranging auditions. Any other thoughts / suggestions gratefully received.

I was also considering the higher end Cambridge gear, i.e. 740 / 840. The ability to use the CD player as a DAC would be a welcome bonus.

 

[matthewpiano]

Can't remember what CD player you have. Is it the CD6002? If so I'd add a DacMagic to it rather than buying a 740c.

 

[Anonymous]

Close. I have the PM6002 paired with the 540c. I've been following with interest the mixed press which the DacMagic has received.

 

[matthewpiano]

I've not heard one but its got to be worth a try.

In terms of the 740A its a very very good amplifier but I found it to be overly clinical (I had one for about 6 months before buying the Denon). If you like the Marantz sound you might feel the same. Worth an audition though.

 

[Anonymous]

Ok, job done. Total spend for amp and CD player was £780, brand new, boxed and delivered. Any guesses? ;-)

 

[matthewpiano]

Either Roksan Kandy (the previous models) or Yamaha 700 series?

 

[matthewpiano]

Actually, I'm guessing Kandy.

 

[Anonymous]

You sir, are the winner. Kandy 3rd edition models courtesy of Audio Affair. Must stick a post on the "shop near me" thread...

Anyway, Elbow are kindly assisting with the running in process, which I understand can take a bit of time with this combo. First impressions straight out of the box, now that it's had an hour to warm up, are positive. Hefty, solid sound with a wide soundstage. I expect I'll see improvements over the next few weeks, but it's already a significant step up from what I'm used to. A lot of money for me, to be fair, but a pretty hefty discount, so I'm well pleased.

 

[matthewpiano]

tractorboy:You sir, are the winner. Kandy 3rd edition models courtesy of Audio Affair. Must stick a post on the "shop near me" thread...

Anyway, Elbow are kindly assisting with the running in process, which I understand can take a bit of time with this combo. First impressions straight out of the box, now that it's had an hour to warm up, are positive. Hefty, solid sound with a wide soundstage. I expect I'll see improvements over the next few weeks, but it's already a significant step up from what I'm used to. A lot of money for me, to be fair, but a pretty hefty discount, so I'm well pleased.

That is a lot of quality hi-fi for the money. When I bought my Denon kit it was a lot of money for me (about £1250.00 for the CD, amp and tuner), but I've never regretted it. Like me, I'm sure you'll get hours and hours of pleasure out of your new system and I think that makes it well worthwhile.

Glad you are pleased. Keep enjoying it and rifling back through your music collection. You'll be hearing new things all the time!!

Regards,
Matt.