My current system consists of the Audiolab 8200CD player feeding the Audiolab 8200 Q/P pre/power amps. I have KEF Q500 speakers and the KEF Q400b sub-woofer and a Squeezebox Touch. The components match well and I like the punchy, open interesting sound. I listen to a wide variety of music from The Who to Feist via Jackson Browne. The room is medium sized and well furnished but with wooden floors.
I now have the urge to upgrade with two aims in mind – to improve the clarity and heighten/broaden the soundstage, and to reduce the slightly “over-digital” sound. My dilemma is where to start. I can probably only afford one upgrade this year and think I have two options :
(a) Attack the front end – I like the warmer, more analogue sound of the Rega Saturn CD player, but haven’t been able to hear it with the Audiolab/KEF set-up yet.
(b) Upgrade the Speakers which I feel at the weak link – I like the sound of the ProAc Studio 140’s, PMC GB1i’s and the KEF R500’s, but need to hear them with the Audiolab kit.
My budget would be about £1,200 plus what I can get from the components I upgrade. Would appreciate any views on my logic and on the items I have short-listed so far. Thanks
I now have the urge to upgrade with two aims in mind – to improve the clarity and heighten/broaden the soundstage, and to reduce the slightly “over-digital” sound. My dilemma is where to start. I can probably only afford one upgrade this year and think I have two options :
(a) Attack the front end – I like the warmer, more analogue sound of the Rega Saturn CD player, but haven’t been able to hear it with the Audiolab/KEF set-up yet.
(b) Upgrade the Speakers which I feel at the weak link – I like the sound of the ProAc Studio 140’s, PMC GB1i’s and the KEF R500’s, but need to hear them with the Audiolab kit.
My budget would be about £1,200 plus what I can get from the components I upgrade. Would appreciate any views on my logic and on the items I have short-listed so far. Thanks