Are the Focals and the Dali's still on the list? Would be interested to know your thoughts in comparison with the others you mention. If you really liked the Focals and already know what they are like with the A18 this would be a good place to start.
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Do you stream hi-res music or download hi-res tracks? We want your opinions!
I know they may be a little further down in the price range but I first had a demo of my neutron v with arcam amplification (although not the a18) and they sounded great. Lots of detail and a big soundstage for such a small speaker. I have not heard many of the other speakers you mention but I have read that they hold their own with the proac 110 and db1i.
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Blackdawn:Are the Focals and the Dali's still on the list? Would be interested to know your thoughts in comparison with the others you mention. If you really liked the Focals and already know what they are like with the A18 this would be a good place to start.
Yes both are still on the list and I'm still particularly hot on the Focals as I found them to be very musical and involving when I heard them. I need to find somewhere that can let me listen to them again.
Also the MA RX2s. My dealer has the RX1s for me to listen to but doesn't carry the RX2s because they don't rate them.
Yes both are still on the list and I'm still particularly hot on the Focals as I found them to be very musical and involving when I heard them. I need to find somewhere that can let me listen to them again.
Also the MA RX2s. My dealer has the RX1s for me to listen to but doesn't carry the RX2s because they don't rate them.
thats interesting mp, when i was buying my rx6's i also asked about rx2's and my dealer said the rx1's were the better speaker, he didnt stock the rx2's either..
The KEF Q500 I listened to were totally different to its predecessor so you will most likely enjoy the 300. I am surprised you did not try the iQ30 as recommended by another hifi mag as these worked well with the Arcam Mini Solo when I auditioned them at Richer Sounds last year. I appreciate you are trying to find that sonic signature that works for you.
If you do go back via the Pioneer A400 route they worked well with the square shaped tweeter and woofer of the Sony APM 22ES Loudspeakers. Quite a dynamic pairing if memory serves!
If you do go back via the Pioneer A400 route they worked well with the square shaped tweeter and woofer of the Sony APM 22ES Loudspeakers. Quite a dynamic pairing if memory serves!
matthewpiano:Blackdawn:Are the Focals and the Dali's still on the list? Would be interested to know your thoughts in comparison with the others you mention. If you really liked the Focals and already know what they are like with the A18 this would be a good place to start.
Yes both are still on the list and I'm still particularly hot on the Focals as I found them to be very musical and involving when I heard them. I need to find somewhere that can let me listen to them again.
Also the MA RX2s. My dealer has the RX1s for me to listen to but doesn't carry the RX2s because they don't rate them.
You mentioned ProAcs earlier MP, I see Emporium Hi Fi on Ebay have various pairs for under £500, also some AVI Nutrons which I'd be shortlisting at the drop of a hat for about £250. You can return (Buy It Now - return within 7 day option and they're a good dealer), so this could be one option. Just warn them ahead of your problem and I'm sure they'd be willing to help you out.
I'd suggest the AVIs new, but I've heard people sometimes have issues returning gear, but that may all be hearsay. Drop Ashley a line - he's a good sort (yes, I know, but he is...no flame wars please) and he will be able to advise. The £399 Nutron 5s are apparently the best they've made, so I'd have them on my list way ahead of the usual suspects aforementioned.
Yes both are still on the list and I'm still particularly hot on the Focals as I found them to be very musical and involving when I heard them. I need to find somewhere that can let me listen to them again.
Also the MA RX2s. My dealer has the RX1s for me to listen to but doesn't carry the RX2s because they don't rate them.
You mentioned ProAcs earlier MP, I see Emporium Hi Fi on Ebay have various pairs for under £500, also some AVI Nutrons which I'd be shortlisting at the drop of a hat for about £250. You can return (Buy It Now - return within 7 day option and they're a good dealer), so this could be one option. Just warn them ahead of your problem and I'm sure they'd be willing to help you out.
I'd suggest the AVIs new, but I've heard people sometimes have issues returning gear, but that may all be hearsay. Drop Ashley a line - he's a good sort (yes, I know, but he is...no flame wars please) and he will be able to advise. The £399 Nutron 5s are apparently the best they've made, so I'd have them on my list way ahead of the usual suspects aforementioned.
plastic penguin
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the record spot:matthewpiano:Blackdawn:Are the Focals and the Dali's still on the list? Would be interested to know your thoughts in comparison with the others you mention. If you really liked the Focals and already know what they are like with the A18 this would be a good place to start.
Yes both are still on the list and I'm still particularly hot on the Focals as I found them to be very musical and involving when I heard them. I need to find somewhere that can let me listen to them again. Also the MA RX2s. My dealer has the RX1s for me to listen to but doesn't carry the RX2s because they don't rate them.
You mentioned ProAcs earlier MP, I see Emporium Hi Fi on Ebay have various pairs for under £500, also some AVI Nutrons which I'd be shortlisting at the drop of a hat for about £250. You can return (Buy It Now - return within 7 day option and they're a good dealer), so this could be one option. Just warn them ahead of your problem and I'm sure they'd be willing to help you out.
I'd suggest the AVIs new, but I've heard people sometimes have issues returning gear, but that may all be hearsay. Drop Ashley a line - he's a good sort (yes, I know, but he is...no flame wars please) and he will be able to advise. The £399 Nutron 5s are apparently the best they've made, so I'd have them on my list way ahead of the usual suspects aforementioned.
I think given that Matthew has specific requirements regarding the sound, I would suggest AVI and ProAcs may be high risk. In Matthews case he should audition the brands he's already allocated.
Yes both are still on the list and I'm still particularly hot on the Focals as I found them to be very musical and involving when I heard them. I need to find somewhere that can let me listen to them again. Also the MA RX2s. My dealer has the RX1s for me to listen to but doesn't carry the RX2s because they don't rate them.
You mentioned ProAcs earlier MP, I see Emporium Hi Fi on Ebay have various pairs for under £500, also some AVI Nutrons which I'd be shortlisting at the drop of a hat for about £250. You can return (Buy It Now - return within 7 day option and they're a good dealer), so this could be one option. Just warn them ahead of your problem and I'm sure they'd be willing to help you out.
I'd suggest the AVIs new, but I've heard people sometimes have issues returning gear, but that may all be hearsay. Drop Ashley a line - he's a good sort (yes, I know, but he is...no flame wars please) and he will be able to advise. The £399 Nutron 5s are apparently the best they've made, so I'd have them on my list way ahead of the usual suspects aforementioned.
I think given that Matthew has specific requirements regarding the sound, I would suggest AVI and ProAcs may be high risk. In Matthews case he should audition the brands he's already allocated.
it never fails to amaze me that the expression of an opinion results in someone else saying what another should do. I would keep an open mind. Something that's rapidly disappearing from these parts. Matthew has already mentioned pro-ac and the Nutrons are well known for their qualities. In any case, it's a risk free suggestion so the issue is? Non-existant I think.
plastic penguin
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the record spot:it never fails to amaze me that the expression of an opinion results in someone else saying what another should do. I would keep an open mind. Something that's rapidly disappearing from these parts. Matthew has already mentioned pro-ac and the Nutrons are well known for their qualities. In any case, it's a risk free suggestion so the issue is? Non-existant I think.
I'm not telling him what he should do. Crikey, RS, you know the syles of music MP listens to and you know he's changed his kit so much that increasing the list will only confuse matters.
Didn't he say earlier in that B&Ws have the general sound he likes? let's leave it that, eh?
I'm not telling him what he should do. Crikey, RS, you know the syles of music MP listens to and you know he's changed his kit so much that increasing the list will only confuse matters.
Didn't he say earlier in that B&Ws have the general sound he likes? let's leave it that, eh?
Why? Seriously, why? It's also well known that they've not quite ticked all the boxes for a lot of people and this seemed like a risk free suggestion. I certainly wouldn't be so patronising to say "stick to the 685s mate, you'll only get confused" which is the inference here.
I agree with you on a lot of stuff PP, but the rationale I'm putting forward here is pretty much no risk and leaving it to MP to make up his own mind. Emporium are a decent bunch, you get a 7 day trial and you can return as per their entry on the site. Issues? None that I can see, plus MP can try them at home and they're plumb on the budget.
How will they work within his current set up? I have no idea; the point is that he can demo at leisure.
I agree with you on a lot of stuff PP, but the rationale I'm putting forward here is pretty much no risk and leaving it to MP to make up his own mind. Emporium are a decent bunch, you get a 7 day trial and you can return as per their entry on the site. Issues? None that I can see, plus MP can try them at home and they're plumb on the budget.
How will they work within his current set up? I have no idea; the point is that he can demo at leisure.
MUSICRAFT
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matthewpiano:Rick,
Thanks for your input. Do you not rate the A18 then? I get the impression it is rather a good amp and that it is just waiting for some better speakers to unleash its full ability. Am I wrong?
And, as Igglebert asks, IF the A400 was a route to take, what speakers would you suggest? (I don't have an A400 at this point).
Also, can you suggest suitable speakers for the A18?
Thanks
Matt.
Hi Matt
I am sorry for the late reply however before i do completely forget i will quickly say again Pioneer's A-400 is by far the best component you've had. The A-400 is a great amplifier and it is the A-400's vast performance potential which i feel you ultimately need to look at unlocking.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
Thanks for your input. Do you not rate the A18 then? I get the impression it is rather a good amp and that it is just waiting for some better speakers to unleash its full ability. Am I wrong?
And, as Igglebert asks, IF the A400 was a route to take, what speakers would you suggest? (I don't have an A400 at this point).
Also, can you suggest suitable speakers for the A18?
Thanks
Matt.
Hi Matt
I am sorry for the late reply however before i do completely forget i will quickly say again Pioneer's A-400 is by far the best component you've had. The A-400 is a great amplifier and it is the A-400's vast performance potential which i feel you ultimately need to look at unlocking.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
plastic penguin
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MUSICRAFT:
matthewpiano:Rick, Thanks for your input. Do you not rate the A18 then? I get the impression it is rather a good amp and that it is just waiting for some better speakers to unleash its full ability. Am I wrong? And, as Igglebert asks, IF the A400 was a route to take, what speakers would you suggest? (I don't have an A400 at this point). Also, can you suggest suitable speakers for the A18? Thanks Matt.
Hi Matt
I am sorry for the late reply however before i do completely forget i will quickly say again Pioneer's A-400 is by far the best component you've had. The A-400 is a great amplifier and it is the A-400's vast performance potential which i feel you ultimately need to look at unlocking.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
...with ATC SCM11 speakers no doubt...
matthewpiano:Rick, Thanks for your input. Do you not rate the A18 then? I get the impression it is rather a good amp and that it is just waiting for some better speakers to unleash its full ability. Am I wrong? And, as Igglebert asks, IF the A400 was a route to take, what speakers would you suggest? (I don't have an A400 at this point). Also, can you suggest suitable speakers for the A18? Thanks Matt.
Hi Matt
I am sorry for the late reply however before i do completely forget i will quickly say again Pioneer's A-400 is by far the best component you've had. The A-400 is a great amplifier and it is the A-400's vast performance potential which i feel you ultimately need to look at unlocking.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
...with ATC SCM11 speakers no doubt...
MUSICRAFT
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plastic penguin:MUSICRAFT:
matthewpiano:Rick, Thanks for your input. Do you not rate the A18 then? I get the impression it is rather a good amp and that it is just waiting for some better speakers to unleash its full ability. Am I wrong? And, as Igglebert asks, IF the A400 was a route to take, what speakers would you suggest? (I don't have an A400 at this point). Also, can you suggest suitable speakers for the A18? Thanks Matt.
Hi Matt
I am sorry for the late reply however before i do completely forget i will quickly say again Pioneer's A-400 is by far the best component you've had. The A-400 is a great amplifier and it is the A-400's vast performance potential which i feel you ultimately need to look at unlocking.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
...with ATC SCM11 speakers no doubt...
Hi plastic penguin
The A-400 and ATC passive monitors are not a suitable match.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
matthewpiano:Rick, Thanks for your input. Do you not rate the A18 then? I get the impression it is rather a good amp and that it is just waiting for some better speakers to unleash its full ability. Am I wrong? And, as Igglebert asks, IF the A400 was a route to take, what speakers would you suggest? (I don't have an A400 at this point). Also, can you suggest suitable speakers for the A18? Thanks Matt.
Hi Matt
I am sorry for the late reply however before i do completely forget i will quickly say again Pioneer's A-400 is by far the best component you've had. The A-400 is a great amplifier and it is the A-400's vast performance potential which i feel you ultimately need to look at unlocking.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
...with ATC SCM11 speakers no doubt...
Hi plastic penguin
The A-400 and ATC passive monitors are not a suitable match.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
- Nov 23, 2007
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The brakes are on temporarily. I've had a chat with a different dealer who isn't confident that responsibility lies with the speakers.
matthewpiano:The brakes are on temporarily. I've had a chat with a different dealer who isn't confident that responsibility lies with the speakers.
Hmmm, so we're talking either source or the amp? I have my doubts MP...I think those two would work very well together, assuming that the amp balances of what is often perceived as a brightness found in Cambridge gear. A brightness I recall not being prominent with the 650 series amp and CDP.
I wouldn't go down changing either of those - look for the speakers that make the best match and ditch the ideas of mucking about with the amp/source elements. You can always add a power amp in time to bolster that if you need to, but that's it. IMO of course.
Hmmm, so we're talking either source or the amp? I have my doubts MP...I think those two would work very well together, assuming that the amp balances of what is often perceived as a brightness found in Cambridge gear. A brightness I recall not being prominent with the 650 series amp and CDP.
I wouldn't go down changing either of those - look for the speakers that make the best match and ditch the ideas of mucking about with the amp/source elements. You can always add a power amp in time to bolster that if you need to, but that's it. IMO of course.
plastic penguin
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matthewpiano:The brakes are on temporarily. I've had a chat with a different dealer who isn't confident that responsibility lies with the speakers.
RS is right - that Arcam deserves so much better than the 686s. Moreover, the A18 will tame the Cambridge and is more system friendly than the aforementioned Pioneer.
RS is right - that Arcam deserves so much better than the 686s. Moreover, the A18 will tame the Cambridge and is more system friendly than the aforementioned Pioneer.
- Nov 23, 2007
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Oh, the A400 is out. I've been there before!!
I'm literally putting the brakes on and taking the opportunity to home audition some different things to see what works out the best. I'll let you know how it goes. The electronics may well end up staying with better speakers, but we'll have to see. No knee-jerk movements happening in any direction!!
I'm literally putting the brakes on and taking the opportunity to home audition some different things to see what works out the best. I'll let you know how it goes. The electronics may well end up staying with better speakers, but we'll have to see. No knee-jerk movements happening in any direction!!
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MUSICRAFT:
Hi Matt
Fair enough and i wish you well in your search for a suitable system.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
Rick
The A400 is something I would consider if I had any idea what to pair it with. Without any direction there I would just end up back where I was months ago. I appreciate your passion for the amp but I don't want to end up with another long search for suitable partnering gear.
Thanks
Matt.
Hi Matt
Fair enough and i wish you well in your search for a suitable system.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
Rick
The A400 is something I would consider if I had any idea what to pair it with. Without any direction there I would just end up back where I was months ago. I appreciate your passion for the amp but I don't want to end up with another long search for suitable partnering gear.
Thanks
Matt.
Matt, I think you'd be off your head to change either of the electronics at this point; madness. You've only had the A18 out the box for barely a fortnight, the CDP's excellent by all accounts, so yes, I hear what you're saying above about taking your time to "get it right", but this just sounds a bit like "here we go again". Seriously, ignore the comments about your new kit; get together with some good speakers in time and for now try and enjoy the music.
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