[quote user="nicks"]
Help! Having just managed to persuade my wife that we need a new hifi separates package, I am now floundering in the sea of possibilities! I don't even know where to begin? I would like to develop a quality system over time, but budget dictates a basic start point of cd player, amp and speakers. First question: which, if any, is the most important part of that trio? Is it better to spread the cash over all three equally, or should I spend more on a quality cd player for example? Second question: is all this possible with a limited budget of £500? Any help or advice anyone feels they can give, remembering I am a total novice, will be gratefully received.
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Definately possible with a budget of £500 but you'd have to get 2nd hand id say
Ebay is your friend!
It also depends on what music you listen too as well.
If it were me, i'd personally look at an Arcam Alpha 7 or 8 integrated amp along with an Arcam Alpha 6, 7, or 8 CD player (preferably with remote as this will control the amp as well) and either B&W 601 S2 or S3, 602 S2 or S3 speakers or Acoustic Energy AE 100 standmount speakers or, if you can get them a t a good enough price, the Acoustic Energy AE109 floorstanders (theyre superb speakers, will suit the Arcam amp/CD combo very well and you can usually get them for less than £100).
If youre going to look at standmount speakers id suggest either the Atacama Nexus 5 or 6 stands or the Atacama SE20 or SE24 speaker stands
As for cable maybe look at QED speakers cable and QED Quenex 1 or 2 interconnects.
With regards to Ebay, there are some very good bargains to be got, just make sure the seller knows what he's selling and that it's in mint condition!
NAD C320BEE amp and a NAD CD player may be worth looking at too.