How to best upgrade my setup (which amp to buy)

[argaman040]

Hey all,

I am looking to upgrade my current setup, which now is:

• Amplifier: Argon SA1
• Streamer: Bluesound Node (N130)
• Speakers: DALI SPEKTOR 2

I used to listen over Bluetooth, but bought the Bluesound streamer about 6 months ago.
Now I am thinking to first update the setup by buying a new amplifier.

What amp would be the best option for between €500 and €1500?

One option I was thinking about is the Marantz PM6007/N1SG Amplifier .
But is that really an upgrade compared to the one I have now?

Another option could be this one: NAD C 3050.

Maybe there is another option that is closer to €500 than to €1500, that's a really good amplifier?

Then after swapping the Argon SA1 for something better, I would like to improve the speakers.

Thank you for anyone replying and sharing advice!

 

[twinkletoes]

Welcome

Buy once buy right is the best i can give anybody!

I’d give the marantz M1 serious look sell the blusound and put the money towards something like that.

Or a left field option would be use the bluesound into pair of active speakers like a pair of ae1’s it would make for a very formidable system indeed. And very elegant.

Best wishes

 

[gasolin]

sell amp and streamer an get a wiim amp pro

 

[abacus]

Go to a dealer and try some out with your speakers as amps will sound different with different speakers. (Unless you go really high end where the power supply and output stage have such capacity that no matter what you stick on the end of it, it will not alter)
If you are thinking of upgrading your speakers at a later date, then try some amps with those speakers, as then you will know that when you do upgrade the speakers the amp is the optimum for them.
NOTE: Nobody can tell you what is best, as everybody ears and preferences are different.

Bill

 

[Noddy]

Here’s measurements for your amp:

Argon SA1 Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Argon SA1 integrated amplifier with phono input and Bluetooth. It is on kind from a European member and costs €369. I have a soft spot for white audio electronics and the SA1 goes right after that! Quite elegant. What I didn't like is the lack...

www.audiosciencereview.com

It’s fine if you use the digital input. Your Bluesound streamer should be very good. I doubt it’s worth spending a fortune on a new amp given your budget speakers. Would a new amp make a difference to the sound? I suspect not. Some dealers such as Sevenoaks allow you to audition a demo unit at home, it’s the only way to know if a unit works well.

 

[argaman040]

Here’s measurements for your amp:

Argon SA1 Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Argon SA1 integrated amplifier with phono input and Bluetooth. It is on kind from a European member and costs €369. I have a soft spot for white audio electronics and the SA1 goes right after that! Quite elegant. What I didn't like is the lack...

www.audiosciencereview.com

It’s fine if you use the digital input. Your Bluesound streamer should be very good. I doubt it’s worth spending a fortune on a new amp given your budget speakers. Would a new amp make a difference to the sound? I suspect not. Some dealers such as Sevenoaks allow you to audition a demo unit at home, it’s the only way to know if a unit works well.

Thanks for your reply!

So perhaps I need to save a bit more... And then buy a new pair of speakers + the amp in one go.

 

[argaman040]

Go to a dealer and try some out with your speakers as amps will sound different with different speakers. (Unless you go really high end where the power supply and output stage have such capacity that no matter what you stick on the end of it, it will not alter)
If you are thinking of upgrading your speakers at a later date, then try some amps with those speakers, as then you will know that when you do upgrade the speakers the amp is the optimum for them.
NOTE: Nobody can tell you what is best, as everybody ears and preferences are different.

Bill

Thanks Bill! I might go to Hifi Klubben, one of the dealers here in Scandinavia. And ask them to pair my small bookshelf speakers to the Marantz amplifier for example.

 

[argaman040]

sell amp and streamer an get a wiim amp pro

I went with Bluesound because I have a small Bluesound speaker in the kitchen. So on some days, I play music on the living room set + the speaker in the kitchen. Works really well and is great for things like cleaning the house - walking from one room to the other all the time.

 

[argaman040]

Welcome

Buy once buy right is the best i can give anybody!

I’d give the marantz M1 serious look sell the blusound and put the money towards something like that.

Or a left field option would be use the bluesound into pair of active speakers like a pair of ae1’s it would make for a very formidable system indeed. And very elegant.

Best wishes

Thanks twinkletoes!

I like this idea. But it's not so 'future proof'. I would like to go with a better amp first, and then in a year or so upgrade my speakers to Wharfedale Diamond floor speakers or even Q ACOUSTICS 5050.

 

[Al ears]

Thanks twinkletoes!

I like this idea. But it's not so 'future proof'. I would like to go with a better amp first, and then in a year or so upgrade my speakers to Wharfedale Diamond floor speakers or even Q ACOUSTICS 5050.

What do you need to be 'future proof ', nothing really is?

 

[Noddy]

What do you need to be 'future proof ', nothing really is?

Indeed. Future proofing is a great marketing wheeze. It makes sure you spend more now than otherwise, and you still end up upgrading anyway when The Next Great Thing appears.