Apart from a pair of headphones, I've not bought any new hi-fi kit for years. I was either too busy or too skint. At least I have more time now.
My kit has only seen light use over the years but changed circumstances means it's now in use 6 or more hours most days.
I'm wondering how much longer it can last, and I need a benchmark for my old equipment when it comes to thinking about replacements. Is it worse than, on a par with, or better than current budget models?
This is what I have:
Sources: Rega Planar 3/RB300/Linn K5, Rotel RCD-965BX, PC with Chaintech AV-710 sound card (rear two channel output is via a wolfson DAC)
Amp: Rotel RA-820BX3
Speakers: Wharfedale Diamond 2
Headphones: Senn 595
Rightly or wrongly, I thought I should start by replacing my amp and probably the speakers.
But just how does a Rotel RA-820BX3 compare to modern amps? Would, for example, a Rotel RA-01/RA-02/RA-04 be vastly superior?
The same sort of question applies to the Wharfedale Diamond 2 speakers. Would any of the modern small 2 way speakers make a huge difference?
The TT is hardly used as most of my LP collection is redundant as my musical tastes have evolved. If only current classical recordings were issued on vinyl, there would be no question of bothering with a CDP.
The Rotel RCD-965BX seems adequate and perhaps might be peeped up with something like a Beresford DAC. But perhaps I'd be better spending the money on a single box more recent CDP.
I listen at medium volume levels in a small room (14ft by 12ft) to classical music.
Right now my budget is limited to around £200 for an amp that has a phono stage and headphone jack, and maybe something similar for speakers, I'd be happy to try my luck in the s/hand market if the same money can buy something a little superior to brand new.
Recent disability means getting around to audition stuff is a problem. So I'd be interested to hear people's views on what to look for now and which bits of my system, if any, are worth keeping if money is tight.
My kit has only seen light use over the years but changed circumstances means it's now in use 6 or more hours most days.
I'm wondering how much longer it can last, and I need a benchmark for my old equipment when it comes to thinking about replacements. Is it worse than, on a par with, or better than current budget models?
This is what I have:
Sources: Rega Planar 3/RB300/Linn K5, Rotel RCD-965BX, PC with Chaintech AV-710 sound card (rear two channel output is via a wolfson DAC)
Amp: Rotel RA-820BX3
Speakers: Wharfedale Diamond 2
Headphones: Senn 595
Rightly or wrongly, I thought I should start by replacing my amp and probably the speakers.
But just how does a Rotel RA-820BX3 compare to modern amps? Would, for example, a Rotel RA-01/RA-02/RA-04 be vastly superior?
The same sort of question applies to the Wharfedale Diamond 2 speakers. Would any of the modern small 2 way speakers make a huge difference?
The TT is hardly used as most of my LP collection is redundant as my musical tastes have evolved. If only current classical recordings were issued on vinyl, there would be no question of bothering with a CDP.
The Rotel RCD-965BX seems adequate and perhaps might be peeped up with something like a Beresford DAC. But perhaps I'd be better spending the money on a single box more recent CDP.
I listen at medium volume levels in a small room (14ft by 12ft) to classical music.
Right now my budget is limited to around £200 for an amp that has a phono stage and headphone jack, and maybe something similar for speakers, I'd be happy to try my luck in the s/hand market if the same money can buy something a little superior to brand new.
Recent disability means getting around to audition stuff is a problem. So I'd be interested to hear people's views on what to look for now and which bits of my system, if any, are worth keeping if money is tight.