Speaker & CD challenge

[admin_exported]

After several years of not being used I am setting up my hi fi again and have a few challenges. Grateful for some advice and experience: I need new speakers and a CD player.

I have a Naim Nait 2 integrated amp and a Rega Planar 3 deck, as well as a newly acquired Denon TU1800 Tuner. My old speakers (Royd?) seem to have perished rubber around the outside of the cones so need a new pair. Positioning in this new room is not ideal, I have to place on wall moiunts (planning to use solid L shaped spikes mounts), which means the back of the speaker will be very close to the wall. My questions and challenges:

1. Given proximity to the wall is there any point going for better speakers (say Dali Lektor 1 or 2, EB1s etc) rather than something cheaper i.e. Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 (which I have read are more forgiving close to a wall). Any recommendations for this combination of amp and position?

2. Was considering the NAD CD player 545BEE but again given the massive compromise on speaker position will I be wasting money and should I go for a lower price Cambridge Azur 340 ? Once again given the distinctive Naim sound will the NAD or Cambridge sound better? My gut feel is NAD, given more treble from the Cambridge.

I understand I should go and listen, but need some starting points (i.e. don't need to try CDs and speakers in all budgets but have a shortlist)

Advice, input, etc really appreciated.

 

[Anonymous]

You could try finding some designed to work close to a wall. I think there are some B&W's are; the 685's maybe?

As for the cd player, i think it'd be worth it, especially since you wont feel the need to change it if you ever get the chance to position the speakers better.

 

[a91gti]

For close to wall use you'd do well with some Linn "Kans". There are usually some on a well known auction site for a decent price.
Cdp wise, get the best you can afford and it'll keep you happy for the foreseeable future