Suggestions on what to change to pair up with my B&W 603S3 speakers

[admin_exported]

Hi,

Since moving house I no longer have the space for a surround setup so I'd like to downgrade the channels but upgrade the quality of my system. I've got a great pair of B&W 603 S3 floorstanders that I want to keep. I'm currently still using my Denon Av2802 surround amp which was great for movies, and a Pioneer PDR609 CD recorder with these but this is going to have to change as I'm not satisified with the sound quality and don't find it loud or engaging enough.

I would like to minimise the number of boxes if possible, so I've been looking at a stereo receiver as I like to listen to radio, but choice is limited - there's the NAD C720, or the new Marantz 5023. I would then couple this with a new CD player - maybe the marantz 5003, or a rotel? Which component will make the biggest difference to my system?

Budget is aound £750, and even though I've started looking I'm wide open to suggestions. If the Arcam solo was within budget that would be my ideal purchase, but until then separates will have to do.

I listen to a wide range of music, funk,jazz,classical.

Thanks!

 

[Tony_R]

You don't give any indication of room size - however, I used to have a pair of B&W 603 S3's and I found them to be a tad bass heavy, in a 4m x 5m room. So if your room is a similar size or smaller, I would look for partnering kit that is perhaps a little light on the bass side.

I did also try the port bungs etc. to no avail - the bass was simply overpowering.

I don't have any recommendations for bass light kit - but I'm sure somebody who does, will step in where I left off..

 

[Anonymous]

thanks, my room size is about 5.5m*4m, so about the same.