Thought i'd share some findings on my search for practical hifi setup.
I have been looking at moving from AV setup back to hifi again but trying to use as much of existing kit as possible.
Having got Arcam AV amp as musical (supposedly) and marantz DV6001 DVD player for same multichannel reason I have tried demoing RDAC (& existing Dac magic 1), Using IPOD Touch or MAC as a source both Wireless and hard wired and Adding CD player to mix.
I have tried several speakers (compact and flexibile positioning) as well.
Conclusions:-
Using RDAC and MAC/IPOD Touch as a source was fairly reasonable and not much different to DVD player + DAC.
AV AMP AVR 280 Arcam is a big weakness in building a hifi system although I found the Monitor Audio and RDAC an enjoyable combo, rhythm and dynamic and warm (not harsh) but missing detail, depth and seperation and imaging etc.
Therefore finding speakers to enjoy music doesn't have to contain some of above but I think I would feel disappointment eventually.
Using DAC Can certainly add weight and warmth, especially for DVD player.
After trying Rega RS1speakers with AVR amp and then switching to Rega Mira 3 AMP the difference was night and day. Music came alive and made sense much better with good sound seperation and terrific drums. Overall sound with RDAC and DVD player still not quite there. Vocals a bit surpressed and needing a bit more oomph!
After another demo with Rega Apollo, still better but a little fatiging in highs. Switching to Neat Motive 3 speakers was less harsh and brilliantly entertaining / foot tapping. Lovely speakers but not sure will work close to rear wall on sideboard as well as rega RS1.
Finally tried Naim Nait 5i-2 and these worked very nicely. LOVE the way these grip music. I will likely get Naim Amp and Rega RS1 speakers and use with DVD player and Cambridge Audio Dac to start.
I will most likely save for used Naim CD5i-2. I used to have mark 1 and I image the combo of nait and RS1 speakers will be very pleasing.
Of course If anyone has tried this would be great to hear?
The Rega Apollo, Nait 5i and RS1 was good but not blown away.Thinking CD5i will be much better.
Conclusion is that AV based system is limiting in true hifi qualities and can be difficult to find components that work well together. Having a good dealer who can listen and help guide you is sooo important, to me at least. Also, once you have heard a good setup/sound, budget gear just doesn't cut the mustard anymore.
This is where hobby becomes more expensive!!!!
Almost there!!!!
More to come.............
Cheers for all help and hope to update more soon.
Ambrose
I have been looking at moving from AV setup back to hifi again but trying to use as much of existing kit as possible.
Having got Arcam AV amp as musical (supposedly) and marantz DV6001 DVD player for same multichannel reason I have tried demoing RDAC (& existing Dac magic 1), Using IPOD Touch or MAC as a source both Wireless and hard wired and Adding CD player to mix.
I have tried several speakers (compact and flexibile positioning) as well.
Conclusions:-
Using RDAC and MAC/IPOD Touch as a source was fairly reasonable and not much different to DVD player + DAC.
AV AMP AVR 280 Arcam is a big weakness in building a hifi system although I found the Monitor Audio and RDAC an enjoyable combo, rhythm and dynamic and warm (not harsh) but missing detail, depth and seperation and imaging etc.
Therefore finding speakers to enjoy music doesn't have to contain some of above but I think I would feel disappointment eventually.
Using DAC Can certainly add weight and warmth, especially for DVD player.
After trying Rega RS1speakers with AVR amp and then switching to Rega Mira 3 AMP the difference was night and day. Music came alive and made sense much better with good sound seperation and terrific drums. Overall sound with RDAC and DVD player still not quite there. Vocals a bit surpressed and needing a bit more oomph!
After another demo with Rega Apollo, still better but a little fatiging in highs. Switching to Neat Motive 3 speakers was less harsh and brilliantly entertaining / foot tapping. Lovely speakers but not sure will work close to rear wall on sideboard as well as rega RS1.
Finally tried Naim Nait 5i-2 and these worked very nicely. LOVE the way these grip music. I will likely get Naim Amp and Rega RS1 speakers and use with DVD player and Cambridge Audio Dac to start.
I will most likely save for used Naim CD5i-2. I used to have mark 1 and I image the combo of nait and RS1 speakers will be very pleasing.
Of course If anyone has tried this would be great to hear?
The Rega Apollo, Nait 5i and RS1 was good but not blown away.Thinking CD5i will be much better.
Conclusion is that AV based system is limiting in true hifi qualities and can be difficult to find components that work well together. Having a good dealer who can listen and help guide you is sooo important, to me at least. Also, once you have heard a good setup/sound, budget gear just doesn't cut the mustard anymore.
This is where hobby becomes more expensive!!!!
Almost there!!!!
More to come.............
Cheers for all help and hope to update more soon.
Ambrose