System upgrade; is it worth it?

[admin_exported]

Currently I have a Marantz Melody Media (M-CR603) with some black B&W 684's but I'm seriously considering getting back into a separates system

I'm tempted to go down the route of a Rega Brio R and the Marantz NA7004 as all my music is on my Mac and iTunes etc so I still need AirPlay functionality as I've hardly any CD's any more.

Has anyone heard the Rega Brio R in comparison to the Marantz 603? Any thoughts?

For me the 603 sounds fantastic but I've a hankering to get back to using some Acoustic Energy AE509 speakers I've got in the loft still and then I'd sell on the Bowers speakers and the CR603 system...

Would I be wasting my time; too much of a sideways step and not a true upgrade or will the Rega give me better options etc...?

 

[Sizzers]

For me the 603 sounds fantastic but I've a hankering to get back to using some Acoustic Energy AE509 speakers I've got in the loft

So why don't you just hook them up and see how they sound?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi

Its not a case of the speakers sound etc... It's whether I'm going to get more from the Brio R and Marantz NA7004 set up over the CR603

 

[Anonymous]

Hi

Its not a case of the speakers sound etc... It's whether I'm going to get more from the Brio R and Marantz NA7004 set up over the CR603

 

[Sizzers]

Well the way your post is worded is that you wish to sell your current set-up because you want to listen to your AE's.

I also have the 603 (an expensive blind buy) but as my source of choice is CD-only I can't offer an opinion as to how the 603 used as an amplifier-only might compare against the Brio.

 

[amcluesent]

Can we assume all your CDs are ripped to Apple Lossless format?

If so, I can see an upgrade would be worthwhile, given either sets of speakers are likely to expose the wee 603.

TBH I'd look at a genuine jump up in capability, but value for money. Maybe a 2nd hand Linn Majik DS-I?

 

[Anonymous]

At nearly 60wpc I haven't found the CR603 wanting; in fact it's seriously impressed me!

Initially had Dali Lektor 2's then B&W 685's and now the 684's. The 603 drove the smallers speakers superbly and now manage the 684's easily. They sound fantastic and can go loud with no issues!

I also heard them with my Uncles Kef R300's and they sounded amazing

All music is in the highest bitrate (lossless etc...)

May also consider a DAC also

 

[Anonymous]

At nearly 60wpc I haven't found the CR603 wanting; in fact it's seriously impressed me!

Initially had Dali Lektor 2's then B&W 685's and now the 684's. The 603 drove the smallers speakers superbly and now manage the 684's easily. They sound fantastic and can go loud with no issues!

I also heard them with my Uncles Kef R300's and they sounded amazing

All music is in the highest bitrate (lossless etc...)

May also consider a DAC also

 

[Sizzers]

At nearly 60wpc I haven't found the CR603 wanting; in fact it's seriously impressed me!

Initially had Dali Lektor 2's then B&W 685's and now the 684's. The 603 drove the smallers speakers superbly and now manage the 684's easily. They sound fantastic and can go loud with no issues!

I also heard them with my Uncles Kef R300's and they sounded amazing

All music is in the highest bitrate (lossless etc...) May also consider a DAC also

Sorry, and I'm not having a go, but if the sound is as good to your ears as you describe why are you looking to change if you're happy with what you've got? *confused*

 

[Anonymous]

It's fine 🙂

Im fickle but also may put the CR603 in my study with some speakers for a home-office system

 

[SteveR750]

Probably not as much of a jump forward to warrant all that hassle perhaps?

Save your money until you can make a bigger jump. Or just go wildly into debt whilst you still have a job / credit / and to hell with next week!