Perfect Partner for Marantz CD63 KI Signature

[ESP2009]

This is asking for that can of worms image to be dragged out all over again and displayed on these hallowed pages, but...

...although I am enjoying the sound that my KI Sig is making in its current set-up, I am always curious as to whether even better audio experiences would be tickling my pleasure centres if I were to try another amp (or any other items for that matter).

Does anyone have any suggestions for the CDP's 'perfect partner' should I happen across a bargain?

Yes, it's just like poking at the wasp nest or picking at a scab but you have to do it.

Right, off for some exercise away from the temptation of the interweb...

 

[matthewpiano]

Without a doubt I would say the Pioneer A400. Combine those with your Spendors and I think you'd have a stunning sounding system.

 

[Anonymous]

speaking from experience:

mission 753 speakers (Pre-freedom model) and a pioneer A-400 amp go well (even better is the Pioneer A-300R precision amp) ... there is one currently listed on ebay

or, B&W DM2 speakers with the above suggested amps

or .... an old Pioneer SA-9800 amp and IMF TLS80 speakers (or IMF TLS50 speakers) or the B&W DM2 speakers

or.... above amps with Quad 11L speakers (the early version)

(recently connected an old Musical Fidelity A5 amp to my K1 and B&W speakers and can say, the A5 will most likely be my next upgrade)

have read some forums where some people with valve amps recomend the Marantz K1 sig cdp but have never heard one connected to a valve amp

however, it's always best to audition before you buy (if you can) ... hope that helps

 

[ESP2009]

Thanks both for some interesting ideas there. I will take a look or at least keep my eyes open. Mind you, I should have mentioned that all components have to be sexy, sultry black - can't stand silver! Mind you, there's always Hammerite.

Having splashed out £600 on the Spendors, I won't be getting rid of those any time soon, though. Oh, and I note that the A400 only has the two binding posts per speaker; how much of draw-back might that be?

The valve amp line intrigues me - what is the synergy or affinity there, I wonder? Not that I have any ambitions along that line at present.

Anyone else got any input?

 

[Andrew Everard]

ESP2009:Does anyone have any suggestions for the CDP's 'perfect partner' should I happen across a bargain?

The PM-66 KI-Signature would seem to be an obvious choice.

 

[ESP2009]

Andrew Everard: The PM-66 KI-Signature would seem to be an obvious choice.

Since when has 'obvious' or, for that matter, 'logical' in these discussions?

Still, a suggestion worthy of consideration, thanks.

 

[ESP2009]

Andrew Everard:

ESP2009:Does anyone have any suggestions for the CDP's 'perfect partner' should I happen across a bargain?

The PM-66 KI-Signature would seem to be an obvious choice.

So, would £200 seem a reasonable price to pay?

 

[Andrew Everard]

I'd say £200 would be an absolute max: I've seen them for sale for £150 or less in the past.

 

[dave_k]

I got my 66SE KI amp for £155 and it's more or less mint.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Jinx.

 

[dave_k]

BTW, thanks for your recommendation of this amp to me a short while back, Andrew.

 

[Andrew Everard]

YVW - glad you're enjoying it.

 

[ESP2009]

Thanks chaps. I suspected that £200 was a bit high, but thought confirmation from independent observers would help. I'm not really in any hurry, so shouldn't go chasing after the first item I come across. As I said, the 8000S does a good job, but I can't help but wonder if there is something out there that will do the job better without spending over £200 second-hand.

It's a shame no-one does a hi-fi lending library eh?

 

[drummerman]

There's always something out there that's either better, or different as is often the case. For what it's worth I like the 66KI (I still have mine but rarely use it) but it also has clear limitations though these are imo fewer than with the KI player. Only to be expected at that price. You won't get perfection at this level. I have also owned the 8000S when it came out and did'nt like it at all and would choose the Marantz's easy musicality and good timing any time, limitations notwithstanding. Having said all this, if you actually enjoy your system as it is, I really don't think such a sidewards move will bring great benefits and you'd probably be better off saving a little and spend a bit more. As always, my opinion only.

 

[amarocknrollstar]

Pioneer A400 without exception. Hands down winner!
Works with a wealth of speakers.

 

[ESP2009]

drummerman:There's always something out there that's either better, or different as is often the case. For what it's worth I like the 66KI (I still have mine but rarely use it) but it also has clear limitations though these are imo fewer than with the KI player. Only to be expected at that price. You won't get perfection at this level. I have also owned the 8000S when it came out and did'nt like it at all and would choose the Marantz's easy musicality and good timing any time, limitations notwithstanding. Having said all this, if you actually enjoy your system as it is, I really don't think such a sidewards move will bring great benefits and you'd probably be better off saving a little and spend a bit more. As always, my opinion only.

Drummerman, you talk plenty of sense and I cannot fault what you say. The problem is that my curiosity has got the better of me. OK, so it probably isn't worth me spending a whole lot of extra to do a proper upgrade, but I can't help but wonder if there is a change I can make to surprise me with something new and more musical to my ears. I don't often get to hear my system as I want to, but it's always a temptation to extract a bit more out of it when I do when I get the chance. I have finally reached a stage in life where I can (to my mind anyway) spend a certain amount of cash to experiment, whilst accepting that it is really not worth taking that extra step to a new and far more expensive level. That said, there is a little devil sitting on my shoulder that urges me to audition a system that is above and beyond what I have, just so that I know what, if anything, I am missing. And, yes, that way madness lies!

Incidentally, what are the limitations you mention with regard to the Marantz?

 

[ESP2009]

amarocknrollstar:Pioneer A400 without exception. Hands down winner! Works with a wealth of speakers.

Obviously we have a fan of the Pioneer-Marantz combo here!

I am currently watching the Fleabay emporium for a reasonably priced A400 (ie, not threatening the ton) to see if it works for me. I am perfectly happy to give it a try on that basis and maybe sell it on if it doesn't work for me.

I would be interested to learn what interconnects and speaker cables you are using for listening to the KI Sig and Pioneer. Your response and system list suggest more than satisfaction with your listening experience.

Again, I want to say that, having listened to one version of what the KI Sig CDP can offer via one (at the time) highly rated amp, I am keen to know whether there is an alternative that might appeal even more.

 

[amarocknrollstar]

I use cambridge audio pacific (lifetime guarantee) and run my speakers with an oxygen free terminated speaker cable - sadly not sure of their name but they kicked the preverbial out of any speaker cable i have owned in the past!

Stevie