Strangely balanced system. Help choosing upgrade path.

[admin_exported]

I have for home:

• Speakers: Linn Komponent 110
• Amplifier: Marantz PM7001
• CD player: Cyrus CD 8 x
• Cables: 4x 2m Chord Carnival Silver Screen Speaker Cable with QED Airloc 4mm Banana Plug

For uni:

• Speakers: Tannoy Mercury F1 Custom
• Amplifier: Marantz PM7001
• CD player: Cyrus CD 8 x
• Cables: 2x 2m Chord Carnival Silver Screen Speaker Cable with QED Airloc 4mm Banana Plug

To explain the two setups, I have the Tannoys so I can take the system to and from Uni and leave my Bi-wired Linns behind.

I have not had a chance to listen to the Tannoys with the setup but I thought I'd mention them, my birthday is in November and I need help choosing between upgrading the Amp or getting a Sub Woofer. Although the spectrum from the Linn Komponent 110 is awesome I feel that it lacks the most defenition at the longer wavelengths/lower frequencys, I do physics so please excuse me in the fact that I don't know which terms are used in the hi-fi comunity (if someone could just tell me what to use as part of their post I'd appreciate it).

Would I gain more from getting a dedicated sub-woofer or upgrading the Amp, which is the lowest spec (bar the tannoys) component in the system. Or as an amateur Hi-Fi ist, is there another upgrade path I have missed?

Thanks lots,

Charles

 

[the record spot]

Q Acoustics 1050i floorstanders - they'll go very well with your amp, won't be short of power, very dynamic speakers and widely available for less than £300 off their original £370.

Failing that, Mission 752 off Ebay, another winner, fabulous detail, soundstage but good bass with the right kit. Very realistic, and not bloomy either. Mesh dome tweeter means there's no harshness and paper bass cones to boot. Brilliant box at £550 on release and easy to get for less than £100 now in good nick.

 

[Anonymous]

So you would say the weakest part of my system is actually the Linn speakers that I got for £500 at the time and can usually be found at about £750?

Real shame if this is the case, I could always sell them though.

 

[the record spot]

Nearer £900 I think for the 110s, but you wanted better bass and the slim nature of the cabinet won't give you that in all likelihood.

The alternatives were aimed at giving you as big a sound, but with better bass. Retaining the 110s and buying a sub is an alternative, although I personally don't favour the use of a sub in a well-balanced stereo set-up. Others on here will disagree I know!

Equally, if you like them, don't and work round their limitations. If that means a sub, then it's another option.

 

[Anonymous]

When I auditiond the 110 speakers I fell in love with how clear the sound was compared to the others.

The other speakers usualy being quite boomy with the Marantz PM7001s, the Cyrus can be taken out of the equation as it's pretty much as nutral and fast as you can get. Working arround the "limitations" would be preferable, but I would like the subwoofer to be musically inclined rather than for movies and games. I do use my speakers for all three though.

How much would I need to spend on a subwoofer for it not to degrade the overall sound quality and is there one that you would recommend for my needs?

 

[the record spot]

I'm not subwoofer expert (some would say I'm no expert on anything, but that's a different thread entirely), however, if I was going to splash the cash on one, I'd be looking at the REL range, which don't grab too many headlines these days, but they were there when no one else made them and I suspect they still will be when subs go out of fashion again.

REL Strata and Quake were two good ones from memory. See also the B&W BV1 I think it is - it's about £900 but extremely well rated.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Floorstanders? Subwoofer? Is Chazn2 planning to get Pickfords to move him to and from uni at the beginning/end of each term?

Yes, the Tannoys will be fine.

 

[the record spot]

I suppose the other benefit would be they'll not be as expensive to replace when they get trashed at the obligatory house party...!

 

[Anonymous]

Lol, Linns are staying at home and I'm an hours drive away.

I chose to live on campus because I'd miss so much during the first year if I didn't.

 

[Anonymous]

I've narrowed it down to three subs, basically using What Hi-Fi's opinion on each.

1) Tannoy TS-10 (£269.00)

These seem like a good option as they will match the tannoy speakers and are a nice price.

2) B&W ASW610 (£434.44)

Good review and the current recommended sub £500 choice.

3) Quad Lite 2 (£582.35)

Best in my price range, not sure if the extra cost would justify getting it as I'm sure I'd have to put money towards it if I wanted it as a birthday presant.

How much do these differ in quality?

Edit: Say I get the B&W ASW610, should I use the pre-out from the amp or run everything through the sub? I've never set up a system with a subwoofer before so any explanation as to what extra cables and such I will need would be soooo helpfull as I've had trouble finding any information. Only just found out about the pre-out thing... ah well, everyone was new to this once apon a time. 🙂

 

[Anonymous]

What is the policy on bumping threads your waiting an answer to?

 

[Messiah]

I would use the Pre-Out on the amp and a cable like THIS to connect it to the sub.

 

[Anonymous]

I can actually get that cable for £24.85 for 3 meters which seems a steal. If anyone has any first hand opinion about how much better the subs get the higher the price you go I'm still looking for that input. 😀

(This is not officially my fave forum ever!)