Speakers for Cambridge CXA60

[Stefan B]

Hi,

I'm considering auditioning the Cambridge CXA60 and I've been trying to find recommendations as to what speakers to pair with it. The review talks about careful pairing but unhelpfully fails to suggest what speakers to consider.

I I would be grateful if any CXA60 owners (or hifi shop assistants or anyone else with experience of the CXA60) could suggest a few pairing options.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[CnoEvil]

You don't mention room size or budget....but I'd look at Kef R Series/LS50; Sonus Faber Venere; Q Acoustic Concept; and Spendor A Series/Classic Series.

 

[Stefan B]

Thanks for that. My room is around 4m/2. Average size with laminate floors so not much to deaden the sound. I currently have Zensor 3's and I will probably audition then with the CXA60 against some speakers you suggest. However, I think the energetic Zensors and the forward CXA60 may not be the best match.

i wonder whether it would be the same with B&W685 s2's?

Budget would be about £500 but could be swayed depending on the audition (you know how it goes!!)

 

[CnoEvil]

You need to do everything you can to deaden the room, like using a rug in front of the speakers (if you don't already).

Personally, I haven't enjoyed the B&W speakers that I've heard...but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be on your list.

FWIW. My choice would be the Kef R100s, though the LS50s are worth the extra (IMO), depending how stretchable your budget is.

All the speakers I have listed should help mitigate the effect of a slightly forward amp in a reflective room - so demo as many as you can, with your shortlist demoed in situ.

 

[Stefan B]

Many thanks for your advice. Yes, already started to try to deaden the room. It's an old mill so it's like being in a church sometimes.

 

[thewinelake.]

Matching the room may be more important than matching the amp. A home audition sounds essential. From my recent listening in this price range, I would consider Monitor Audio (discounted bronze 6?) and Dali in addition to those mentioned, but choosing between floor standers and stand mounted could be key.

 

[TomSawyer]

Personally, I've never really understood standmount speakers - they rarely sound as good as the equivalent floorstanders, they tend to be a bit cheaper but not by the time you buy good quality stands, they take up the same space in the room given the footprint of the stand, and are much easier to knock over. Just my personal view.

So that said, my recommendation for an audition would be Q Accoustics 3050.

 

[Stefan B]

Thank you all for your help.

 

[Stefan B]

Just to update you all. I decided to take a different tact. In the end I couldn't see the point of spending money on a DAC in a amplifier as well as network streamer so I went for a Rega Brio R and a Cambridge CXN streamer. I stuck with my Dali Zensor 3's and also went for a Rega RP1 TT.

To say there's a difference from my previous set up of a Yamaha R-N602 networked receiver and the Dali's would be an understatement!! The Yamaha set up was completely devoid of excitement and sparkle, whereas now, the musicality is breathtaking. I'm finally happy!!

 

[CnoEvil]

*good*

 

[manicm]

Since you've chosen the Dalis already I would have suggested giving a look to the new Dynaudio Emit 10 reviewed today.

 

[Stefan B]

Thanks for that. A possible upgrade in the future.