System ugrade advice

[admin_exported]

I have more time to listen to my classical cd collection since I retired and would like to upgrade my current system to overcome some of it's shortcomings.

Marantz CD6000OSE CD player

Marantz PM6010ose integrated amp

Kef Q80 floorstanders

Sorry, but my knowledge of the correct terms is somewhat lacking, but I'll try to explain in layman's terms:

The problem I have is that whilst solo instruments stand out from the other instruments in the orchestra, a full orchestra tends to merge into a single overall sound ie. I can' t pick out the seperate sections say, woodwind, as I would be able to do in a live performance (is this 'articulation?). The whole experience with my setup seems to be slightly muted, although, because it's in stereo I can pick out obvious changes from one side of the orchestra to the other.

Maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree, but I assume it should be possible to hear each section individually, but obviously merged into one orchestral sound, if that makes sense? Otherwise there wouldn't be much point in having a seperate microphone for each section (for the perposes of recording) in the first place.

I don't have the correct terminology for all of this - perhaps somebody could describe the problem more accurately.

I'm thinking that the old Kef 80's might be to blame since they are 20 ish years old and never really went into proper production. They are pretty good at bringing out the bass in 80' and 90's pop music, but maybe lack the responsiveness to give me the sound experience that I'm looking for.

The downside, of course, is that sinceI am retired I don't have as much ready cash as I did, so I would be looking to spend instages - perhaps £500 now, and more later if it were necessary. I wouldn't mind good quality second-hand if I could find something a few years old that represented good value for money etc.

I think I've wittered on long enough. Perhaps you could offer some advice?

Thanks,

Les G

 

[Tibor]

The Kef speakers must be replaced with M. Short Mezzo 2 or Acoustic Energy Aegis Neo 1 for example, and you should ÿlisten audiophile recorded cd discs for better separation of instruments

 

[a91gti]

What speaker cable and cdp to amp cable (interconnect) are you using?

 

[Anonymous]

£500 is a good budget if you are looking at good old vintage/classic gear off ebay ... I was in a similar predicament a few weeks back and have managed to acquire a reasonable setup for fairly cheap (only paid £380 for mine, and that includes the speaker stands, the soundstage hifi rack, the interconnect and the speaker cable)

a typical example of what can be bought (based on recent ebay final prices)

A Pioneer SA 9500 amp (in mint condition-100 watt at 8 ohm) = £216

Celestion Ditton 44 speakers in good condition = £108

Marantz CD63 MKII K1 signature cd player (paid £130 for mine-mint and boxed with remote)

that works out ot approx £454 .... add a Silver high breed interconnect for £20 and the rest on 2nd hand speaker cable off ebay

you should have a pretty reasonable setup with the above, but is only an example and am sure there will be lots of advice from those who are familiar with vintage gear

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the speedy replies. The cables and interconnects are about middle of the road in terms of price (bought on advice from somebody at Richter Sounds who knew my budget at the time), I can't remember the names, I'm afraid.

I'll have a look on ebay, but what is the best way of identifying quality speakers etc. from a few years back - is there a source of information on older designs, like What Hi-Fi ratings?

Thanks again.

Les Greenwood

 

[Anonymous]

visit the forums and post questions stating that you may be interested in vintage speakers, aslo stating your budget ...

you will get a load of info from very experienced audiophiles who have owned them in the past, then use google to cross reference and ask more questions ...

trick is to be patient and carefull when buying(especially off ebay) .... always good to have a listen first and inspect before bidding (if it is closeby and you are able to)

Good luck and keep us informed!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks to all of you who have offered advice. I will let you know how I get on.

Les Greenwood