Hello fellow music lovers,
As probably is customary, with my very first contribution to this forum I am hoping for advice before purchasing. As the subject suggests, I am in the hunt for a decent set consisting of an integrated amplifier and a pair of speakers (standmounts are preferred). I own a decent, as far as I know, turntable by Audio Technica, which will be the sole source of music. I may add a CD-player at some point, but currently, that is not a priority.
I have been dallying for about a month now, trying to develop an understanding of my own preferences and to ballpark my budget. Basically, I've come to a realisation that I compromises are necessary. Budget currently: EUR600-1300.
The room is some 25-30 square metres, will probably listen from close range (1-3 metres, it all depends on the spatial needs of the lady). However, the range is not set in stone, as I feel I have some room to maneuver and look for the optimal positions. I have acquired a rather extensive taste for music. Anything from Davis, Mingus, Coltrane; to Beatles, Dylan, Velvet Underground; to Clash, the Smiths, the Pixies; to Radiohead, Muse, Neutral Milk Hotel; to Mogwai, Mono, Isis, Pelican, Envy, Boris; to Cult of Luna, Converge, Between the Buried and Me.
Since my choices for amplifier are more limited, I will start with that. I have been primarily looking for Rega Brio R, Arcam Solo Mini and other similar compact amplifiers, as these would not necessiate a separate equipment rack. Aesthetically, I'm inclined to the highly-acclaimed Rega. Also, it would be the cheaper of the two, barring a bargain at eBay. However, I haven't had the chance to listen to any of these. How would the two compare? Somehow their visual look indicates they might, indeed, be quite dissimilar.
Speaker-wise, this is where I am standing:
Sonus Faber Toy: loved the warmth of the sound, but lacked in bass.
KEF Q300: A positive surprise, warm yet forthcoming, decent dynamics, but lacked a little accuracy in high-mid frequencies. (Amp: Cambridge 650)
Usher 520: Not for me. (Amp: Cambridge 650)
Aurelia Magenta: Very articulate, forthcoming, but was almost too 'snappy', sounded somewhat synthetic. (Amp: Cambridge 650)
Amphion Argon2 Anniversary: Very well balanced, very articulate to the point that I felt it compromised (albeit only slightly) the warmth and feel of the recording played. Brilliant bass. (Amp: Arcam F18).
Other speakers that I have listened, only briefly, hence no comments, were Audiovector M1 Super, Amphion Helium 510. Other makers I have had in mind include Dynaudio, System Audio and Elac.
Any suggestions on how to proceed: should I be looking at other speakers perhaps? I am very close to purchasing the Rega Brio R, how would that drive the aforementioned speakers? Would there be any noticable change in sound? What about the Arcam Solo Mini?
I hope I have provided enough information, I really want to get my new sound up and running some time this year, so any comments and suggestions are welcome.
Much obliged,
aleski
As probably is customary, with my very first contribution to this forum I am hoping for advice before purchasing. As the subject suggests, I am in the hunt for a decent set consisting of an integrated amplifier and a pair of speakers (standmounts are preferred). I own a decent, as far as I know, turntable by Audio Technica, which will be the sole source of music. I may add a CD-player at some point, but currently, that is not a priority.
I have been dallying for about a month now, trying to develop an understanding of my own preferences and to ballpark my budget. Basically, I've come to a realisation that I compromises are necessary. Budget currently: EUR600-1300.
The room is some 25-30 square metres, will probably listen from close range (1-3 metres, it all depends on the spatial needs of the lady). However, the range is not set in stone, as I feel I have some room to maneuver and look for the optimal positions. I have acquired a rather extensive taste for music. Anything from Davis, Mingus, Coltrane; to Beatles, Dylan, Velvet Underground; to Clash, the Smiths, the Pixies; to Radiohead, Muse, Neutral Milk Hotel; to Mogwai, Mono, Isis, Pelican, Envy, Boris; to Cult of Luna, Converge, Between the Buried and Me.
Since my choices for amplifier are more limited, I will start with that. I have been primarily looking for Rega Brio R, Arcam Solo Mini and other similar compact amplifiers, as these would not necessiate a separate equipment rack. Aesthetically, I'm inclined to the highly-acclaimed Rega. Also, it would be the cheaper of the two, barring a bargain at eBay. However, I haven't had the chance to listen to any of these. How would the two compare? Somehow their visual look indicates they might, indeed, be quite dissimilar.
Speaker-wise, this is where I am standing:
Sonus Faber Toy: loved the warmth of the sound, but lacked in bass.
KEF Q300: A positive surprise, warm yet forthcoming, decent dynamics, but lacked a little accuracy in high-mid frequencies. (Amp: Cambridge 650)
Usher 520: Not for me. (Amp: Cambridge 650)
Aurelia Magenta: Very articulate, forthcoming, but was almost too 'snappy', sounded somewhat synthetic. (Amp: Cambridge 650)
Amphion Argon2 Anniversary: Very well balanced, very articulate to the point that I felt it compromised (albeit only slightly) the warmth and feel of the recording played. Brilliant bass. (Amp: Arcam F18).
Other speakers that I have listened, only briefly, hence no comments, were Audiovector M1 Super, Amphion Helium 510. Other makers I have had in mind include Dynaudio, System Audio and Elac.
Any suggestions on how to proceed: should I be looking at other speakers perhaps? I am very close to purchasing the Rega Brio R, how would that drive the aforementioned speakers? Would there be any noticable change in sound? What about the Arcam Solo Mini?
I hope I have provided enough information, I really want to get my new sound up and running some time this year, so any comments and suggestions are welcome.
Much obliged,
aleski
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