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Is OLED burn-in a problem? We want your input on one of TV’s hottest topics!
- Nov 23, 2007
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stephennic:
Hi Matthew,
Are you saying the marantz cd6003 is better than your marantz cd63KI. I listened to the marantz cd6002 and I thought that it wasnt as good as my marantz cd63se. Im interested in your sound comparison. Also I would think the rega apollo would be a step up to the marantz cd6003 in sound.
I still have my marantz cd63se and after many comparisons with various cd players I bought a consonance cd-120 linear as an upgrade. It has that nice musicalmidband of the marantz cd63se but with that added smoothness and also being more open and deeper soundstage and a fuller bass, and a little more natural sounding too. The rega apolllo sounded lean compared to the consonance its richer smoother and more dynamic.May I suggest the B&W cm7 or 9 as a good speaker with marantz or are you after bookshelf speakers.
Cheers
Steve.
Its hard to be 100% (different room/amp/speakers/music) but no, I don't think the 6003 is better than the KI Sig. In fact its probably not quite as good overall, but I'm a little wary of feeling settled with an older CD player and then suffering from laser or transport failure and having to start all over again. That is the only reason why I moved the KI Sig on - I loved the sound of it with the A400 amp.
Hi Matthew,
Are you saying the marantz cd6003 is better than your marantz cd63KI. I listened to the marantz cd6002 and I thought that it wasnt as good as my marantz cd63se. Im interested in your sound comparison. Also I would think the rega apollo would be a step up to the marantz cd6003 in sound.
I still have my marantz cd63se and after many comparisons with various cd players I bought a consonance cd-120 linear as an upgrade. It has that nice musicalmidband of the marantz cd63se but with that added smoothness and also being more open and deeper soundstage and a fuller bass, and a little more natural sounding too. The rega apolllo sounded lean compared to the consonance its richer smoother and more dynamic.May I suggest the B&W cm7 or 9 as a good speaker with marantz or are you after bookshelf speakers.
Cheers
Steve.
Its hard to be 100% (different room/amp/speakers/music) but no, I don't think the 6003 is better than the KI Sig. In fact its probably not quite as good overall, but I'm a little wary of feeling settled with an older CD player and then suffering from laser or transport failure and having to start all over again. That is the only reason why I moved the KI Sig on - I loved the sound of it with the A400 amp.
- Nov 23, 2007
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chainrock:Wow. I am really surprised you are considering PM6003 given how much you hated the PM6002....
Well I'm seriously starting to wonder whether it was the Diamond 9.1s that were skewing my opinion of the 6002s. The splashiness I heard in that audition was exactly the same as the splashiness I heard from the Diamond 10.1s on the end of the Quad gear. It is all starting to make sense actually. The 6003s can't be THAT different to the 6002s in sound, so it must be a speaker/synergy issue. It also really rather answers my question about the 10.1s I suppose - if I didn't like the 6002s with the 9.1s I'm unlikely to feel much different about the 6003s with the 10.1s. So, if I do go down the 6003 route perhaps it really does need to be with MS speakers.
Well I'm seriously starting to wonder whether it was the Diamond 9.1s that were skewing my opinion of the 6002s. The splashiness I heard in that audition was exactly the same as the splashiness I heard from the Diamond 10.1s on the end of the Quad gear. It is all starting to make sense actually. The 6003s can't be THAT different to the 6002s in sound, so it must be a speaker/synergy issue. It also really rather answers my question about the 10.1s I suppose - if I didn't like the 6002s with the 9.1s I'm unlikely to feel much different about the 6003s with the 10.1s. So, if I do go down the 6003 route perhaps it really does need to be with MS speakers.
- Nov 23, 2007
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So, a few questions that have been prompted by the extremely helpful responses already received on this thread:
1. How different are the 6003s to the 6002s? Would it be plausible for me to achieve similar performance from buying end-of-line 6002s?
2. Has anyone actually directly compared CD63MkII KI-Sig to one of the newer Marantz players?
3. Am I worryingly unduly about product life? Should I look for a nice 63 KI-Sig and A400 again as this is the system I have enjoyed the most?
Sorry to go on but I really need everyone's help this time. It is greatly appreciated.
1. How different are the 6003s to the 6002s? Would it be plausible for me to achieve similar performance from buying end-of-line 6002s?
2. Has anyone actually directly compared CD63MkII KI-Sig to one of the newer Marantz players?
3. Am I worryingly unduly about product life? Should I look for a nice 63 KI-Sig and A400 again as this is the system I have enjoyed the most?
Sorry to go on but I really need everyone's help this time. It is greatly appreciated.
Matthew, if you search on ebay, you can have a new laser installed into the Marantz CD63 MKII K1 sig for very cheap ... will last you for several years and the going rate is approx £120-£130 on ebay for a CD63 MKII K1 sig in good condition (which may not give probs for a very long time)
...there are different levels of upgrading the cdp , from under £100 up to £900 ...
you have owned loads of really good equipment and in my honest opinion, I dont think that you are making the right choice, as you will be dissapointed in time to come....
you make mention that you were very pleased with the combination of a pioneer A400, CD63 MKII K1 sig and Quad 11 speakers .... so why not buy another setup the same (will be much cheaper than the setup you are currently looking at)... and try the mission 753 (old version) instead of the quads .... makes a really good combo
Instead of the A400, add a Pioneer sa-9800 and you may be pleasantly surprised (The going rate for a SA-9800 is approx £250-£300) ... same price as what you are looking to spend on the Marantz amp and I am very pleased with mine, and have never read a bad comment/review of these
If you really fancy Marantz, there is a Marantz PM 7200 on ebay ... (item 260493546639 ) currently standing on £100 ... a few scratches but seller says it works perfect (you might get that at under £200)
as for a cdp, I used to own a Rotel RCD-9658X (limited edition) and can say that this is perhaps better than the CD63 MKII K1 sig?? ... these occasionally crop up on ebay and sell for less than £50
so to summarise, I would buy better older gear but research first and see what gels with what
buy the best for your budget, and stick with that .... you wont go wrong
...there are different levels of upgrading the cdp , from under £100 up to £900 ...
you have owned loads of really good equipment and in my honest opinion, I dont think that you are making the right choice, as you will be dissapointed in time to come....
you make mention that you were very pleased with the combination of a pioneer A400, CD63 MKII K1 sig and Quad 11 speakers .... so why not buy another setup the same (will be much cheaper than the setup you are currently looking at)... and try the mission 753 (old version) instead of the quads .... makes a really good combo
Instead of the A400, add a Pioneer sa-9800 and you may be pleasantly surprised (The going rate for a SA-9800 is approx £250-£300) ... same price as what you are looking to spend on the Marantz amp and I am very pleased with mine, and have never read a bad comment/review of these
If you really fancy Marantz, there is a Marantz PM 7200 on ebay ... (item 260493546639 ) currently standing on £100 ... a few scratches but seller says it works perfect (you might get that at under £200)
as for a cdp, I used to own a Rotel RCD-9658X (limited edition) and can say that this is perhaps better than the CD63 MKII K1 sig?? ... these occasionally crop up on ebay and sell for less than £50
so to summarise, I would buy better older gear but research first and see what gels with what
buy the best for your budget, and stick with that .... you wont go wrong
OOOH ... there is a seller selling a pioneer Sa-9800 on ebay with a buy it now of £1000 (item 280413099926 )... they are really good, but think this guy has been smoking his socks! .... £250-£300 is the going rate for one in good nick
- Nov 23, 2007
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dim_span:OOOH ... there is a seller selling a pioneer Sa-9800 on ebay with a buy it now of £1000 (item 280413099926 )... they are really good, but think this guy has been smoking his socks! .... £250-£300 is the going rate for one in good nick
Yeah, just seen that myself!!!! Hope it keeps fine for him...
Thanks for the replies dim_span. Its difficult this is.
Yeah, just seen that myself!!!! Hope it keeps fine for him...
Thanks for the replies dim_span. Its difficult this is.
waited 3 months for mine ... checking ebay daily (3 times a day) ... got lucky ... item was listed a few minutes with a buy it now ... posted about it on thus forum as I never had cash ... wife said no probs, so snapped it up .... so you need to be patient (make a list of 3-4 really good vintage amps and check daily)
my shortlist was:
marantz 1200
sansui au-d11
pioneer sa-9800
yamaha a2000
kenwood Ka-907 or ka 9100
and Marantz PM7200
my shortlist was:
marantz 1200
sansui au-d11
pioneer sa-9800
yamaha a2000
kenwood Ka-907 or ka 9100
and Marantz PM7200
dim_span:
Matthew, if you search on ebay, you can have a new laser installed into the Marantz CD63 MKII K1 sig for very cheap ... will last you for several years and the going rate is approx £120-£130 on ebay for a CD63 MKII K1 sig in good condition (which may not give probs for a very long time)
...there are different levels of upgrading the cdp , from under £100 up to £900 ...
you have owned loads of really good equipment and in my honest opinion, I dont think that you are making the right choice, as you will be dissapointed in time to come....
you make mention that you were very pleased with the combination of a pioneer A400, CD63 MKII K1 sig and Quad 11 speakers .... so why not buy another setup the same (will be much cheaper than the setup you are currently looking at)... and try the mission 753 (old version) instead of the quads .... makes a really good combo
Instead of the A400, add a Pioneer sa-9800 and you may be pleasantly surprised (The going rate for a SA-9800 is approx £250-£300) ... same price as what you are looking to spend on the Marantz amp and I am very pleased with mine, and have never read a bad comment/review of these
If you really fancy Marantz, there is a Marantz PM 7200 on ebay ... (item 260493546639 ) currently standing on £100 ... a few scratches but seller says it works perfect (you might get that at under £200)
as for a cdp, I used to own a Rotel RCD-9658X (limited edition) and can say that this is perhaps better than the CD63 MKII K1 sig?? ... these occasionally crop up on ebay and sell for less than £50
so to summarise, I would buy better older gear but research first and see what gels with what
buy the best for your budget, and stick with that .... you wont go wrong
Hi. I just looked at that amp on ebay and I was wondering if all old amplifiers come with encaptured mains leads? (I know upgrading them would probably be pointless with old kit.)
Marco.
Matthew, if you search on ebay, you can have a new laser installed into the Marantz CD63 MKII K1 sig for very cheap ... will last you for several years and the going rate is approx £120-£130 on ebay for a CD63 MKII K1 sig in good condition (which may not give probs for a very long time)
...there are different levels of upgrading the cdp , from under £100 up to £900 ...
you have owned loads of really good equipment and in my honest opinion, I dont think that you are making the right choice, as you will be dissapointed in time to come....
you make mention that you were very pleased with the combination of a pioneer A400, CD63 MKII K1 sig and Quad 11 speakers .... so why not buy another setup the same (will be much cheaper than the setup you are currently looking at)... and try the mission 753 (old version) instead of the quads .... makes a really good combo
Instead of the A400, add a Pioneer sa-9800 and you may be pleasantly surprised (The going rate for a SA-9800 is approx £250-£300) ... same price as what you are looking to spend on the Marantz amp and I am very pleased with mine, and have never read a bad comment/review of these
If you really fancy Marantz, there is a Marantz PM 7200 on ebay ... (item 260493546639 ) currently standing on £100 ... a few scratches but seller says it works perfect (you might get that at under £200)
as for a cdp, I used to own a Rotel RCD-9658X (limited edition) and can say that this is perhaps better than the CD63 MKII K1 sig?? ... these occasionally crop up on ebay and sell for less than £50
so to summarise, I would buy better older gear but research first and see what gels with what
buy the best for your budget, and stick with that .... you wont go wrong
Hi. I just looked at that amp on ebay and I was wondering if all old amplifiers come with encaptured mains leads? (I know upgrading them would probably be pointless with old kit.)
Marco.
matthewpiano:So, a few questions that have been prompted by the extremely helpful responses already received on this thread: 1. How different are the 6003s to the 6002s? Would it be plausible for me to achieve similar performance from buying end-of-line 6002s? 2. Has anyone actually directly compared CD63MkII KI-Sig to one of the newer Marantz players? 3. Am I worryingly unduly about product life? Should I look for a nice 63 KI-Sig and A400 again as this is the system I have enjoyed the most? Sorry to go on but I really need everyone's help this time. It is greatly appreciated.
Hi Mathew,
When I was buying a replacement for my marantz cd-63se. I tried a nad c542, warmer but less detailed, the cambridge audio 640c v2 was more upfront and refined however it was not as musical or natural sounding, the marnatz seem to be smoother and more balanced tonally. I tried the marantz cd60000 ose again better top end and a bit bright but didnt have the natural open mids of the cd63se and the cd63se had a deeper soundstage. I tried the marantz cd6002 it seem to have a flat soundstage and again wasnt as good. I tried the next one up Marantz cd 7001, it was more upfront but more digital sounding again not the nice mids of the marantz cd63se. I tried an Arcam cd73t which had a wider soundstage, but the marantz cd63se seem to do rock and pop better and was crisper up top so again prefer the 63se.
Its only when I looked at the next price up the creek evo (ok - probably still prefer the marantz cd63se), naim cd5i and rega apollo. However I still love that musical mids that makes the marantz cd63se stand out - naims good in this regard too, yes others have maybe more detail, punch refinement, the marantz seems have that open mid that is quite rich and musical. The consonance cd-120 linear has a similar mids that I like plus added smoothness and depth of soundstage, however it does have a slightly rolled off top end - but still airy and detailed so I bought it and kept the marantz cd63se and the consonance.
It took me over 12 months to find a replacement cd player for the marantz cd63se without paying the earth. I know the marantz cd 63KI similar sound signiture, similar soundstaging, but smoother and more refined overall. Hope that gives some comparisons for you with cd players compared to the marantz.
Cheers,
Steve.
Hi Mathew,
When I was buying a replacement for my marantz cd-63se. I tried a nad c542, warmer but less detailed, the cambridge audio 640c v2 was more upfront and refined however it was not as musical or natural sounding, the marnatz seem to be smoother and more balanced tonally. I tried the marantz cd60000 ose again better top end and a bit bright but didnt have the natural open mids of the cd63se and the cd63se had a deeper soundstage. I tried the marantz cd6002 it seem to have a flat soundstage and again wasnt as good. I tried the next one up Marantz cd 7001, it was more upfront but more digital sounding again not the nice mids of the marantz cd63se. I tried an Arcam cd73t which had a wider soundstage, but the marantz cd63se seem to do rock and pop better and was crisper up top so again prefer the 63se.
Its only when I looked at the next price up the creek evo (ok - probably still prefer the marantz cd63se), naim cd5i and rega apollo. However I still love that musical mids that makes the marantz cd63se stand out - naims good in this regard too, yes others have maybe more detail, punch refinement, the marantz seems have that open mid that is quite rich and musical. The consonance cd-120 linear has a similar mids that I like plus added smoothness and depth of soundstage, however it does have a slightly rolled off top end - but still airy and detailed so I bought it and kept the marantz cd63se and the consonance.
It took me over 12 months to find a replacement cd player for the marantz cd63se without paying the earth. I know the marantz cd 63KI similar sound signiture, similar soundstaging, but smoother and more refined overall. Hope that gives some comparisons for you with cd players compared to the marantz.
Cheers,
Steve.
Here is a company that sell quality used items at reasonable prices ... all items checked and come with warranty ... they are based in cornwall ... check out the used valve amps (some 'tasty' bits there)
http://www.bigearsaudio.org.uk/index.html
http://www.bigearsaudio.org.uk/index.html
- Nov 23, 2007
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stephennic:
matthewpiano:So, a few questions that have been prompted by the extremely helpful responses already received on this thread: 1. How different are the 6003s to the 6002s? Would it be plausible for me to achieve similar performance from buying end-of-line 6002s? 2. Has anyone actually directly compared CD63MkII KI-Sig to one of the newer Marantz players? 3. Am I worryingly unduly about product life? Should I look for a nice 63 KI-Sig and A400 again as this is the system I have enjoyed the most? Sorry to go on but I really need everyone's help this time. It is greatly appreciated.
Hi Mathew,
When I was buying a replacement for my marantz cd-63se. I tried a nad c542, warmer but less detailed, the cambridge audio 640c v2 was more upfront and refined however it was not as musical or natural sounding, the marnatz seem to be smoother and more balanced tonally. I tried the marantz cd60000 ose again better top end and a bit bright but didnt have the natural open mids of the cd63se and the cd63se had a deeper soundstage. I tried the marantz cd6002 it seem to have a flat soundstage and again wasnt as good. I tried the next one up Marantz cd 7001, it was more upfront but more digital sounding again not the nice mids of the marantz cd63se. I tried an Arcam cd73t which had a wider soundstage, but the marantz cd63se seem to do rock and pop better and was crisper up top so again prefer the 63se.
Its only when I looked at the next price up the creek evo (ok - probably still prefer the marantz cd63se), naim cd5i and rega apollo. However I still love that musical mids that makes the marantz cd63se stand out - naims good in this regard too, yes others have maybe more detail, punch refinement, the marantz seems have that open mid that is quite rich and musical. The consonance cd-120 linear has a similar mids that I like plus added smoothness and depth of soundstage, however it does have a slightly rolled off top end - but still airy and detailed so I bought it and kept the marantz cd63se and the consonance.
It took me over 12 months to find a replacement cd player for the marantz cd63se without paying the earth. I know the marantz cd 63KI similar sound signiture, similar soundstaging, but smoother and more refined overall. Hope that gives some comparisons for you with cd players compared to the marantz.
Cheers,
Steve.
Extremely helpful. Thank you!!
matthewpiano:So, a few questions that have been prompted by the extremely helpful responses already received on this thread: 1. How different are the 6003s to the 6002s? Would it be plausible for me to achieve similar performance from buying end-of-line 6002s? 2. Has anyone actually directly compared CD63MkII KI-Sig to one of the newer Marantz players? 3. Am I worryingly unduly about product life? Should I look for a nice 63 KI-Sig and A400 again as this is the system I have enjoyed the most? Sorry to go on but I really need everyone's help this time. It is greatly appreciated.
Hi Mathew,
When I was buying a replacement for my marantz cd-63se. I tried a nad c542, warmer but less detailed, the cambridge audio 640c v2 was more upfront and refined however it was not as musical or natural sounding, the marnatz seem to be smoother and more balanced tonally. I tried the marantz cd60000 ose again better top end and a bit bright but didnt have the natural open mids of the cd63se and the cd63se had a deeper soundstage. I tried the marantz cd6002 it seem to have a flat soundstage and again wasnt as good. I tried the next one up Marantz cd 7001, it was more upfront but more digital sounding again not the nice mids of the marantz cd63se. I tried an Arcam cd73t which had a wider soundstage, but the marantz cd63se seem to do rock and pop better and was crisper up top so again prefer the 63se.
Its only when I looked at the next price up the creek evo (ok - probably still prefer the marantz cd63se), naim cd5i and rega apollo. However I still love that musical mids that makes the marantz cd63se stand out - naims good in this regard too, yes others have maybe more detail, punch refinement, the marantz seems have that open mid that is quite rich and musical. The consonance cd-120 linear has a similar mids that I like plus added smoothness and depth of soundstage, however it does have a slightly rolled off top end - but still airy and detailed so I bought it and kept the marantz cd63se and the consonance.
It took me over 12 months to find a replacement cd player for the marantz cd63se without paying the earth. I know the marantz cd 63KI similar sound signiture, similar soundstaging, but smoother and more refined overall. Hope that gives some comparisons for you with cd players compared to the marantz.
Cheers,
Steve.
Extremely helpful. Thank you!!
- Nov 23, 2007
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dim_span:
Here is a company that sell quality used items at reasonable prices ... all items checked and come with warranty ... they are based in cornwall ... check out the used valve amps (some 'tasty' bits there)
http://www.bigearsaudio.org.uk/index.html
Nice website and some nice gear on there. Will keep a look out.
Here is a company that sell quality used items at reasonable prices ... all items checked and come with warranty ... they are based in cornwall ... check out the used valve amps (some 'tasty' bits there)
http://www.bigearsaudio.org.uk/index.html
Nice website and some nice gear on there. Will keep a look out.
sonus faber minimas and concertos on ebay at present
buy one or the other and live happily ever after because you wont need to change speakers again
buy one or the other and live happily ever after because you wont need to change speakers again
- Nov 23, 2007
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Well, thanks to many people here and some excellent advice from dim_span about older gear, I've resisted going for the Marantz kit. There has been so much good sense from everyone and I've listened very carefully. I'm not there completely yet but I have bought an amplifier and some speakers. The last piece of the jigsaw will be the CD player, which is what I will need a bit of advice on now.
Amp wise I've bought a Pioneer A400 which I should receive tomorrow from Steve's Hi-Fi. I paid a bit more than the going rate on Ebay but it has been fully serviced recently and checked over thoroughly again before sale, and it has the benefit of a 3 month warranty. I had a good chat with the proprieter and was very impressed with his enthusiasm and knowledge. I can't wait to get it.
For speakers I've gone for a pair of Mission 751s which I am arranging to collect from the seller in the next few days. I've read a lot of good things about them and I feel that they will suit my needs very well. I couldn't find space for 753s which dim_span suggested so felt that these would be a good choice. They look to be in superb condition from the photos.
This now leaves me with a conundrum over the CD player. I have thought about a CD63KI Signature but wonder whether it might be too bright with my chosen amp and speakers. Would I be better balancing things out with something slightly warmer like a Rotel RCD965BX?
Any thoughts on this would be very welcome.
Amp wise I've bought a Pioneer A400 which I should receive tomorrow from Steve's Hi-Fi. I paid a bit more than the going rate on Ebay but it has been fully serviced recently and checked over thoroughly again before sale, and it has the benefit of a 3 month warranty. I had a good chat with the proprieter and was very impressed with his enthusiasm and knowledge. I can't wait to get it.
For speakers I've gone for a pair of Mission 751s which I am arranging to collect from the seller in the next few days. I've read a lot of good things about them and I feel that they will suit my needs very well. I couldn't find space for 753s which dim_span suggested so felt that these would be a good choice. They look to be in superb condition from the photos.
This now leaves me with a conundrum over the CD player. I have thought about a CD63KI Signature but wonder whether it might be too bright with my chosen amp and speakers. Would I be better balancing things out with something slightly warmer like a Rotel RCD965BX?
Any thoughts on this would be very welcome.
Hi Matthew ... nice purchases and am sure you will be delighted! ...
in relation to you questions, I have owned a Rotel RCD-9658X (limited edition) and was very very pleased with the CDP ...
was connected to a pioneer A400 and a pair of IMF speakers using van den hul speaker cable (cannot remember the model but was flat speaker cable) and sound stage, bass, and treble were superb. I used an interconnect that never had a name (was bought from a carboot and was silver and as thick as a hosepipe)
If you can find a Rotel RCD9658x CDP, I would say go for it ... and get a Silver High breed interconnect. (if not, try a marantz cd63 MKII k1 sig (many crop up on ebay for approx £130 in mint condition with remote and box)
As for speaker cable, you may need to try a few, but also include a van den hull (there may be better, but thats the one I used, paid approx £60 (new) with banana plugs and was very happy)
in relation to you questions, I have owned a Rotel RCD-9658X (limited edition) and was very very pleased with the CDP ...
was connected to a pioneer A400 and a pair of IMF speakers using van den hul speaker cable (cannot remember the model but was flat speaker cable) and sound stage, bass, and treble were superb. I used an interconnect that never had a name (was bought from a carboot and was silver and as thick as a hosepipe)
If you can find a Rotel RCD9658x CDP, I would say go for it ... and get a Silver High breed interconnect. (if not, try a marantz cd63 MKII k1 sig (many crop up on ebay for approx £130 in mint condition with remote and box)
As for speaker cable, you may need to try a few, but also include a van den hull (there may be better, but thats the one I used, paid approx £60 (new) with banana plugs and was very happy)
Messiah
Well-known member
- Jan 13, 2008
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I think the 751s will work fine with this combination. A friend of mine used to use this exact combination and it sounded pretty good.
As another option have you heard the AVI 9.1s?? I have been through various systems over the years trying to find the right combination and these speakers have it for me.
You also have the piece of mind about not having to worry about changing a particular component or worry about the best speaker cable to suit the system.
May be a possible solution to your quest?? Maybe worth a listen??
As another option have you heard the AVI 9.1s?? I have been through various systems over the years trying to find the right combination and these speakers have it for me.
You also have the piece of mind about not having to worry about changing a particular component or worry about the best speaker cable to suit the system.
May be a possible solution to your quest?? Maybe worth a listen??
Matthew I think your Chord Rumour 2 will be good. I'm guessing you've probably used it with your A400 before already. So I wouldn't worry about cables.
matthewpiano:Well, thanks to many people here and some excellent advice from dim_span about older gear, I've resisted going for the Marantz kit. There has been so much good sense from everyone and I've listened very carefully. I'm not there completely yet but I have bought an amplifier and some speakers. The last piece of the jigsaw will be the CD player, which is what I will need a bit of advice on now. Amp wise I've bought a Pioneer A400 which I should receive tomorrow from Steve's Hi-Fi. I paid a bit more than the going rate on Ebay but it has been fully serviced recently and checked over thoroughly again before sale, and it has the benefit of a 3 month warranty. I had a good chat with the proprieter and was very impressed with his enthusiasm and knowledge. I can't wait to get it. For speakers I've gone for a pair of Mission 751s which I am arranging to collect from the seller in the next few days. I've read a lot of good things about them and I feel that they will suit my needs very well. I couldn't find space for 753s which dim_span suggested so felt that these would be a good choice. They look to be in superb condition from the photos. This now leaves me with a conundrum over the CD player. I have thought about a CD63KI Signature but wonder whether it might be too bright with my chosen amp and speakers. Would I be better balancing things out with something slightly warmer like a Rotel RCD965BX? Any thoughts on this would be very welcome.
Hi,
I have just been reading a 1995 what hifi magazine. They recommend the rotel RCD 965BX for classical music however a little weak in the bass, not so good with rock music but still gets 5 stars. The marantz cd63se also gets 5 stars and is recommended for all types of music. It maybe many years ago I heard the rotel from memory I think I preferred the marantz.
If you want me to quote the mag I can. I think the Rotel would be a sideways move. Try the consonance cd-120 linear it certainly isnt bright and is smoother than the marantz. See reviews in (hifi world, hifi +, tnt audio, star online, stereotimes) the operaaudio website or check out the alium audio website (shop). I had a lend of the old cambridge dacmagic iii, and used the marantz cd-63se as the transport, it improved it a bit, smoother more dynamic. Im not sure the new dacmagic might be brighter than the older dacmagic.
Hope I am some help.
Cheers,
Steve.
Hi,
I have just been reading a 1995 what hifi magazine. They recommend the rotel RCD 965BX for classical music however a little weak in the bass, not so good with rock music but still gets 5 stars. The marantz cd63se also gets 5 stars and is recommended for all types of music. It maybe many years ago I heard the rotel from memory I think I preferred the marantz.
If you want me to quote the mag I can. I think the Rotel would be a sideways move. Try the consonance cd-120 linear it certainly isnt bright and is smoother than the marantz. See reviews in (hifi world, hifi +, tnt audio, star online, stereotimes) the operaaudio website or check out the alium audio website (shop). I had a lend of the old cambridge dacmagic iii, and used the marantz cd-63se as the transport, it improved it a bit, smoother more dynamic. Im not sure the new dacmagic might be brighter than the older dacmagic.
Hope I am some help.
Cheers,
Steve.
I would probably encourage seeking out a few more options wrt the CDP - the CD63-KI is a classic, no question, and you might yet still go with it, but I'd check out what there was out there that fits your budget.
For example, many users rate the Cambridge CD4SE, I think due to the DAC and transport from memory. Anyway, you can Google it and see what's said. How it compares to the CD63-KI (they were from around the same time) I have no idea, but a wider shortlist may help when listening with your new amp and speakers.
For example, many users rate the Cambridge CD4SE, I think due to the DAC and transport from memory. Anyway, you can Google it and see what's said. How it compares to the CD63-KI (they were from around the same time) I have no idea, but a wider shortlist may help when listening with your new amp and speakers.
the record spot:I would probably encourage seeking out a few more options wrt the CDP - the CD63-KI is a classic, no question, and you might yet still go with it, but I'd check out what there was out there that fits your budget. For example, many users rate the Cambridge CD4SE, I think due to the DAC and transport from memory. Anyway, you can Google it and see what's said. How it compares to the CD63-KI (they were from around the same time) I have no idea, but a wider shortlist may help when listening with your new amp and speakers.i have the cd4se in the shed lots of detail but a bit too forward for me but thats the fashion so should go well if you like that sound
prefer the marantz sound as its warmer
prefer the marantz sound as its warmer
stephennic:
I have just been reading a 1995 what hifi magazine. They recommend the rotel RCD 965BX for classical music however a little weak in the bass, not so good with rock music but still gets 5 stars. The marantz cd63se also gets 5 stars and is recommended for all types of music. It maybe many years ago I heard the rotel from memory I think I preferred the marantz.
If you want me to quote the mag I can. I think the Rotel would be a sideways move. Try the consonance cd-120 linear it certainly isnt bright and is smoother than the marantz. See reviews in (hifi world, hifi +, tnt audio, star online, stereotimes) the operaaudio website or check out the alium audio website (shop). I had a lend of the old cambridge dacmagic iii, and used the marantz cd-63se as the transport, it improved it a bit, smoother more dynamic. Im not sure the new dacmagic might be brighter than the older dacmagic.
Hope I am some help.
Cheers,
Steve.
The Rotel RCD-9658X is not the same CDP as the RCD-965BX ... the RCD-9658X was a limited edition CDP and totally different to the one you quoted
I have just been reading a 1995 what hifi magazine. They recommend the rotel RCD 965BX for classical music however a little weak in the bass, not so good with rock music but still gets 5 stars. The marantz cd63se also gets 5 stars and is recommended for all types of music. It maybe many years ago I heard the rotel from memory I think I preferred the marantz.
If you want me to quote the mag I can. I think the Rotel would be a sideways move. Try the consonance cd-120 linear it certainly isnt bright and is smoother than the marantz. See reviews in (hifi world, hifi +, tnt audio, star online, stereotimes) the operaaudio website or check out the alium audio website (shop). I had a lend of the old cambridge dacmagic iii, and used the marantz cd-63se as the transport, it improved it a bit, smoother more dynamic. Im not sure the new dacmagic might be brighter than the older dacmagic.
Hope I am some help.
Cheers,
Steve.
The Rotel RCD-9658X is not the same CDP as the RCD-965BX ... the RCD-9658X was a limited edition CDP and totally different to the one you quoted
one off:
the record spot:I would probably encourage seeking out a few more options wrt the CDP - the CD63-KI is a classic, no question, and you might yet still go with it, but I'd check out what there was out there that fits your budget. For example, many users rate the Cambridge CD4SE, I think due to the DAC and transport from memory. Anyway, you can Google it and see what's said. How it compares to the CD63-KI (they were from around the same time) I have no idea, but a wider shortlist may help when listening with your new amp and speakers.i have the cd4se in the shed lots of detail but a bit too forward for me but thats the fashion so should go well if you like that sound
prefer the marantz sound as its warmer
That's a first for me you know folks; I've heard of shedloads of detail, but never lots of detail in the shed.
Boom boom!! Don't worry, I brought me own...
the record spot:I would probably encourage seeking out a few more options wrt the CDP - the CD63-KI is a classic, no question, and you might yet still go with it, but I'd check out what there was out there that fits your budget. For example, many users rate the Cambridge CD4SE, I think due to the DAC and transport from memory. Anyway, you can Google it and see what's said. How it compares to the CD63-KI (they were from around the same time) I have no idea, but a wider shortlist may help when listening with your new amp and speakers.i have the cd4se in the shed lots of detail but a bit too forward for me but thats the fashion so should go well if you like that sound
prefer the marantz sound as its warmer
That's a first for me you know folks; I've heard of shedloads of detail, but never lots of detail in the shed.
Boom boom!! Don't worry, I brought me own...
As to other alternatives, been racking the brain cells on and off during the day, and vague memories around the Philips kit of the mid-late 90s sprang to mind. Philips CD600 series was rather good AFAIR...CD610 and the 615, 650 too I think. There was also the 900 series players, but that's a mistier memory in fairness.
back to Cambridge and a search on a highly vague "classic CD players" threw up the CD6, which apparently Mike Creek (he of, yes, Matsui...okay, okay, Creek fame, if you will) had something to do with. Nice looking player; features a rather plain CA design, the kind of thing that makes NAD kit look like they're into cutting edge design speccing...gold plated balanced XLR outputs to the rear though, optical outs, etc...
As the boys in Motorhead might say, lemmy have a look around and see what else crops up.
EDIT: One that really comes back at me is the Teac VRDS range - built like a tanks, superb kit from memory...I think the VRDS 10 was - along with the VRDS T1 transport - the best of the bunch. £600 a decade back, you might need to lash out a couple of hundred or so on it, maybe a little more for a mint example, but very desirable IMO. Worth shortlisting I think.
back to Cambridge and a search on a highly vague "classic CD players" threw up the CD6, which apparently Mike Creek (he of, yes, Matsui...okay, okay, Creek fame, if you will) had something to do with. Nice looking player; features a rather plain CA design, the kind of thing that makes NAD kit look like they're into cutting edge design speccing...gold plated balanced XLR outputs to the rear though, optical outs, etc...
As the boys in Motorhead might say, lemmy have a look around and see what else crops up.
EDIT: One that really comes back at me is the Teac VRDS range - built like a tanks, superb kit from memory...I think the VRDS 10 was - along with the VRDS T1 transport - the best of the bunch. £600 a decade back, you might need to lash out a couple of hundred or so on it, maybe a little more for a mint example, but very desirable IMO. Worth shortlisting I think.
- Nov 23, 2007
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Record Spot, thank you for your suggestions. I will look into them and do some more research. I've got the amp running now (superb service from Steve's Hi-Fi) but I won't get the Missions until the middle of next week. Feeling impatient!!
While you are there, any advice on positioning and set-up of the Missions? (I know you have a strong history with 75x series models).
While you are there, any advice on positioning and set-up of the Missions? (I know you have a strong history with 75x series models).
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