Pioneer N50A - What Amp & Speakers

[Adluck]

I've recently bought a Pioneer N50A HiRes source. I'm looking to buy an Amp and speakers to go with this...

My list of Amplifiers so far: Pioneer A50, Roksan K2, Arcam A19

My list of possible Speakers so far: Roksan K2 TR5, or B & W 685 S2

Has anyone tried the Pioneer N50A with any of the above yet or have an opinion ?

I also have a K4040 Valve Amplifier ( 15W ClassA pc/ 90W Class AB pc) which I would like to use occasionally so this might factor into the speaker choice.

Thanks Adrian

 

[Al ears]

I've recently bought a Pioneer N50A HiRes source. I'm looking to buy an Amp and speakers to go with this...

My list of Amplifiers so far: Pioneer A50, Roksan K2, Arcam A19

My list of possible Speakers so far: Roksan K2 TR5, or B & W 685 S2

Has anyone tried the Pioneer N50A with any of the above yet or have an opinion ?

I also have a K4040 Valve Amplifier ( 15W ClassA pc/ 90W Class AB pc) which I would like to use occasionally so this might factor into the speaker choice.

Thanks Adrian

Hi Adrian, welcome to the forum.

Nice streamer by all accounts but I've not heard it yet.

When it comes to speakers it can be very difficult to recommend becuase every ones listening rooms are different. That being said I would urge you to go and audition these first.

Out of you suggestions, and for a 'well rounded' system that will suit all musical genres I would be putting my money on the Roksan pairing (if you get on with the speakers at audition).

(Note there is a pair on ebay right now going for £600, a good saving although second-hand might be worth a look)

Both speakers you mention have a resonable efficiency rating but neither are going to go particularly loud when listening with your K4040 but should be OK at average listening levels.

 

[Adluck]

Thanks for your response. My initial thoughts on the Pioneer N50A are it seems to be a solid well thought out piece of kit. I think the likes of Cambrige Audio have a lot to worry about, especially since I was able to pick this up new for £419.

My thoughts are the Roksan setup is the way to go as well. It seems to be in a slightly different league to the rest in terms of quality.

I did see the TR5's on ebay, however Richer Sounds have a deal at the moment, where they will do the amp and speakers for £1250, which is £500 off the combined list price. Which means new equipment for more or less what it's going for 2nd hand on eBay. Money isn't the primary consideration, rather quality of sound but it does seem to be a great offer.

The K4040 valve amp is pretty mighty in terms of output for a valve amp, and drives my Rega Ela floorstanders (89/90dB sensitivity) very easily, so I don't anticipate any trouble in driving either set of speakers. My query was more in terms of which speaker combination would work best. I suspect this will be the TR5's as wel,l as they are slightly more sensitive than the B&W 685 S2. I'll be interested to see how the Roksan fares up against the K4040.

 

[matthewpiano]

The Marantz PM8005 can be had for very good prices these days, around £650. Worth a listen at least!

 

[Al ears]

The Marantz PM8005 can be had for very good prices these days, around £650. Worth a listen at least!

This is true it is another very good option but personally I wouldn't partner it with a Pioneer streamer.

The OP might disagree though and it is well worth an audition. If he likes it then obviously the choice of speakers comes to the fore again and, assuming they suit his room, I'd still say partner with the TR5's