Recommendations for a CD system.

[Integralista]

Not necessarily true. The OPs budget is 2k, so let's say pairing a 2k speaker with a 1k amp. There are 2k standmounts that are more demanding of amps. The KEF Concerto Meta is just above 1k yet is demanding. Floorstanders at 2k would be more forgiving I concede.

The new Arcams the OP suggested are great components in their own right, but a 2k speaker is going to ask more questions from the 50w A5+ amp, that I guarantee you. And the amp ultimately will be room size dependent, because it's going to dictate the speaker.. New speakers today are shotgun pairings with amps. 6 and 4ohm nominal are becoming the norm, replacing the 8ohm norm.

In summary, do not indulge in the speaker and then skimp on the amp, that's just a fool's errand.

Kef Q Concerto Meta is truly special speaker. Power them with Arcam A15+ or Rega Elex mk4 and some source and you have very good system for years.😉

 

[Fandango Andy]

Not necessarily true. The OPs budget is 2k, so let's say pairing a 2k speaker with a 1k amp. There are 2k standmounts that are more demanding of amps. The KEF Concerto Meta is just above 1k yet is demanding. Floorstanders at 2k would be more forgiving I concede.

The new Arcams the OP suggested are great components in their own right, but a 2k speaker is going to ask more questions from the 50w A5+ amp, that I guarantee you. And the amp ultimately will be room size dependent, because it's going to dictate the speaker.. New speakers today are shotgun pairings with amps. 6 and 4ohm nominal are becoming the norm, replacing the 8ohm norm.

In summary, do not indulge in the speaker and then skimp on the amp, that's just a fool's errand.

Unless I'm missing something, your maths looks a little off.

"The OPs budget is 2k, so let's say pairing a 2k speaker with a 1k amp."

You just spent his total budget on speakers.

 

[RoA]

Hi, turntable here is Audio Technika? And what are those vibration isolators below your components? Do they work? BR.

Technics. those are vibrapods, two per foot, one on top, one below. They certainly seem to work as I can knuckle tap the rack and nothing comes through the deck. I assume the same works the other way round. Any vibration generated by the direct drive will be minimised. In addition, the Technics feet reputedly have springs inside and are fairly pliable on their own. Minimal horizontal movement and well damped vertical.

There are also Sorbothane domes under the top shelf.

We have a suspended wooden floor and ideally the thing should be on the wall but I can't be bothered and wouldn't like the aesthetics.