Hi all
I'm currently considering options for an upgrade to my current system.
Up until recently I was using a pair of Tannoy 605s with the Sony amp for music listening.
I was fairly happy with the sound, but appeciated that a Hi-Fi amp would provide an improvement and also wanted to get some nicer looking speakers (605s are close to 20 years olds, and looking it!)
I opted for the diamond 9.1s based on positive reviews and the bargain price but have found that the sound is really lacking through the Sony, somewhat muddled at times, unbalanced and less fluid sounding.
Oddly this has affected music from the Squeezebox much more than the Rega.
So this has left me wondering whether I've essentially downgraded the speakers (which on paper could be the case), or whether they're just not good partnered with the Sony and that getting a new stereo amp will reddress the balance.
My budget for an amp is £350 max and having looked around I've so far found the Rotel RA-04 and NAD C326BEE seem to fit the bill.
I'm steered more towards the Rotel as this has a phono-stage built in (lack of remote isn't a concern).
I've been advised that the NAD will be better overall, however this would take me over budget when factoring in a phono-stage and won't be as tidy i.e more boxes, wire, etc'.
Alternatively, perhaps I need to start again with speakers and amp in which case I'd be prepared to stretch my budget to around £600.
I'd appreciate your thoughts on either option. Either a thumbs up to either NAD or Rotel, alternative amps to consider or a fresh start.
Previous Hi-Fi system was Arcam Alpha+ CDP, Alpha 3 amp and the Tannoys if that helps give an indication of what has worked well for me in the past.
Thanks in advance. Ian
I'm currently considering options for an upgrade to my current system.
Up until recently I was using a pair of Tannoy 605s with the Sony amp for music listening.
I was fairly happy with the sound, but appeciated that a Hi-Fi amp would provide an improvement and also wanted to get some nicer looking speakers (605s are close to 20 years olds, and looking it!)
I opted for the diamond 9.1s based on positive reviews and the bargain price but have found that the sound is really lacking through the Sony, somewhat muddled at times, unbalanced and less fluid sounding.
Oddly this has affected music from the Squeezebox much more than the Rega.
So this has left me wondering whether I've essentially downgraded the speakers (which on paper could be the case), or whether they're just not good partnered with the Sony and that getting a new stereo amp will reddress the balance.
My budget for an amp is £350 max and having looked around I've so far found the Rotel RA-04 and NAD C326BEE seem to fit the bill.
I'm steered more towards the Rotel as this has a phono-stage built in (lack of remote isn't a concern).
I've been advised that the NAD will be better overall, however this would take me over budget when factoring in a phono-stage and won't be as tidy i.e more boxes, wire, etc'.
Alternatively, perhaps I need to start again with speakers and amp in which case I'd be prepared to stretch my budget to around £600.
I'd appreciate your thoughts on either option. Either a thumbs up to either NAD or Rotel, alternative amps to consider or a fresh start.
Previous Hi-Fi system was Arcam Alpha+ CDP, Alpha 3 amp and the Tannoys if that helps give an indication of what has worked well for me in the past.
Thanks in advance. Ian
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram