New amp and cd player

[admin_exported]

Hi, just joined this forum. I'm looking to upgrade my hi fi equipment. I currently have a Technics SU A700mk2 amp, and a Technics CD player that I bought at the same time (can't remember the model). I recently bought a set of Monitor Audio RS5 speakers when my old Mission floorstanders died, and am thinking of upgrading the amp and cd player.

I quite fancy a valve amp, and would grateful for advice as to whether one of the Icon Audio amps (either 25 or 40) would go with the speakers (the sensitivity is 90dB).

In terms of a CD player, I have a budget of around £500, and am thinking along the lines of a Rega Apollo.

Would this combination be any good, or should I be looking at any alternatives? Hoping to draw up a shortlist and to go and listen to the equipment soon.

Thanks

 

[batonwielder]

I have no experience with Icon Audio myself, but if they have a good reputation for reliability and customer service, why not?

I've personally found Rega Apollo to be thin sounding and overpriced for what it is. There are so many budget players that sounds just as good or better these days. Look into Cambridge Audio. I find them to be incredible value. The new Arcam sounds really good, too.

 

[Anonymous]

batonwielder:
I have no experience with Icon Audio myself, but if they have a good reputation for reliability and customer service, why not?

I've personally found Rega Apollo to be thin sounding and overpriced for what it is. There are so many budget players that sounds just as good or better these days. Look into Cambridge Audio. I find them to be incredible value. The new Arcam sounds really good, too.

Rega Apollo - 'Thin sounding and overpriced'??? And you recommend Cambridge Audio instead? LOL.

 

[tenergy]

Hi! Rega Apollo user here. It's not quite thin on my system - quite good in fact. Of course, it may be due, in large part, to my speaker cables and speakers being Rega-made as well. Synergy at work? That said, since my amplification for the Apollo isn't from Rega, your Icon Audio amp may just do the trick.

Good luck and have fun on the upgrade!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the answers. As an update, I have now purchased an Icon Audio Stereo 40 amp, and changed my speakers to RS6. Still looking for a CD player - any more recommendations on what would go well with the other components?

 

[Anonymous]

Garland Genoho:
Rega Apollo - 'Thin sounding and overpriced'??? And you recommend Cambridge Audio instead? LOL.

Agree with batonwielder. Nothing thin or overpriced about CA.

 

[RCduck7]

What about a chinese MHZS CD33 CD player?? I didn't knew anything about this brand till i read about it on forums where they put up this player to some other well regarded cd players. After that i could borrow one for home auditioning and was more then convinced. And let me tell you a secret, this player is actually a Puresound A8000 priced at about 1000£. It is exactly the same inside. this kind of scam happens a lot with other brands to.