modern equivalent of a 10Y old Marantz/B&W CDM2 setup

[admin_exported]

Hi folks,

After listening to music through the horrible speakers of my computer for years, I was considering buying a decent hifi system...

At first I was looking to a system based on a compact all-in-one such as the well-reviewed Marantz cr502 and a pair of speakers like the new Q Acoustics 2020 (still waiting for the review though) as I have little room and the design matters.

Now some years ago I also used to listen a lot to the hifi system of my brother and I am thinking maybe if I go for a cheap solution I will be a little disappointed. My brother has: Marantz amplifier PM-66 SE (if I remember correctly Ken Ishiwata), Marantz CD 67SE and B&W CDM'2. My question is what would be a modern equivalent of this set-up and what price to expect... And how far it would be from the envisaged system (small all-in-one Marantz plus entry-level speakers OR entry-level speakers and entry-level separates (CD only))...

Many thanks for your valuable help!!

 

[matthewpiano]

There are two set-ups I'd be looking at:

Marantz CD6003
Marantz PM6003
Wharfedale Diamond 10.1

OR (for slightly more money but even better performance)

Yamaha CD-S700
Yamaha A-S700
Quad 11L

Where the second system would have the advantage is in terms of overall composure, tonal accuracy, and a stability of soundstaging in even the busiest passages. The neutral to warm character of the Yamaha kit perfectly compliments the fast and open sound of the Quads and as a set-up it is far more than the sum of its parts.

 

[jaxwired]

Here's what I would go with:

NAD C326bee

NAD C545bee

B&W CM5

The warm NAD sound with the brighter B&W CM sound is a knock out combo.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice.

I find the CM very appealing and they are probably what comes closer to the older CDM2. But what about the cheaper and smaller CM1? I see they have a lower sensitivity than the CM5, does it really matter?