Stuck with next move for system, please help!!!!!!!

[admin_exported]

Hi, I have decided to upgrade my system in my bedroom as it is getting a bit outdated, but I just don't know what to do. I currently have Soundstyle Z2s housing my Monitor Audio BR2s (which I LOVE), I also have an old Marantz PM4001 which I use for my XBOX 360, iPod touch, Sky HD and PC. I want to upgrade, probly spend around £400-500 max., but am not sure what to do. I was thinking about buying another Rotel RA-04 as I sold my old one which I still regret to this day. I was also thinking about getting some QED Silver Anniversary XT speaker cable or Chord Carnival Silver Screen because I think this will make a big difference to sound quality, just as it did when I used to use my QED SAXT before selling it. Finally, budget permitting, I was thinking about getting some B&W 685s, the only thing is that I am unsure if I would like these as much as my BR2s. Could somebody please give any advice, it would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance, darren.

 

[matthewpiano]

Here's my suggestions:

1. Keep the BR2s. The 685s are very good but not worth upgrading to unless you do something about the quality of files you play through your system.

2. Buy a 2nd hand Rotel RA-04 - a great match for the BR2s.

3. Buy some speaker cable. Either will do the job.

4. Buy a Beresford DAC, Musical Fidelity V-DAC, or DacMagic and start buying/ripping your music as lossless files. (Connect your computer to the USB input on any of those DACs and then connect the DAC to the Rotel.)

This package of changes will give you a great system and should be in budget.

 

[Anonymous]

Seconded about the Rotel - if you can't find an RA04, the RA02 which I use is pretty much the same and a fantastic amp.

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your quick reply, I am watching a Rotel RA-04 on ebay that is at £31.40 at the moment. I should be able to get it for under £200 because it hasn't got a box or instructions.

Edit: Sorry forgot to ask, would it be better to use an optic out or coax on my computer instead of USB? (can also use optic/coax from Sky HD and optic for XBOX 360)

 

[Anonymous]

I've got the same set up (Rotel RA-04 + MA BR2) and I'd say go for the Chord cable, either will do you fine, but I just found the Chord a bit nicer and easier on the ears. I use Chord Crimson and Carnival Silver Screen.

 

[idc]

Darren Henderson:

Edit: Sorry forgot to ask, would it be better to use an optic out or coax on my computer instead of USB? ...

The jury is still very much out on that one. Sounds like you could be in the position to try all three. If you can please post back if you notice a difference.

 

[Anonymous]

I will be sure to let you know if I manage to get hold of this system, hope I manage to get the Rotel from ebay because they seem pretty rare these days. I had trouble finding one last year but managed to got it for £200 from ebay. If not then I might stick with the current amp but get the DACMagic and a headphone amp for my Grado SR225s.

 

[Anonymous]

I got my RA-04 for £220, I really wanted it with the box since I'm at uni so a lot of moving about, ones in good nick with box and instructions seem to go at the top end of the £150-£180 mark, I saw them in a sale so I just bought it new for the extra few notes.

 

[Anonymous]

Chris, I was just wondering where you got yours from, I can't seem to find them in any shops. They all just say discontinued.

 

[Anonymous]

£219 at Sevenoaks in Bristol, it's a franchise, so I'm not sure if your local one will do the same. It was meant to be in a sale that lasted last Saturday, but I went in today to change my interconnect and the sale prices were still displayed. If you do manage to find one in a local store of yours, quote £219 as a price and hopefully they'll do the same or lower. For me the ease and security of it was well worth £20-40 over getting a second hand one from ebay.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi mate in my opinion and as someone who formerly had the BR2's also, purchase the AE Neo 3's they will blow the BR2's out of the water in every way. great depth of bass, terrific midrange. bigger more open spacious sound etc. I would definitely upgrade the amp, the Rotel is a good one, as is the NAD C352, and the CA 640 A V2 amp. I would also concur that a dac is the way to go, if you can't squeeze all 3 into your budget, pursue the second hand option for the dac also.