Upgrade of Cambridge Audio system?

[dreading]

What's a good next step upgrade from my existing Cambridge Audio 640A V2/640C V2 set up with Monitor Audio Silver RS1 speakers? Apart from the CD I have two analogue inputs from a Logitech streaming system and cable for connecting an iPod. I might want to add a tuner someday, but won't be adding phono.

I really like the RS1s as when I bought them I spent ages trying out every pair of speakers the dealer had in store and they were the best speakers for me regardless of price - for me. I have the RS1s (on sand-filled Atacama stands) bi-wired with QED Silver Anniv XT bi-wire cables, which I could do with keeping to avoid cost of replacing and it's good quality cable.

So what would replace either the 640C CD player and/or the 640A amp and could I do that in two steps to lessen the impact of a single large investment in new kit?

Thanks

 

[batonwielder]

What would you like to improve in your system?

From what I see, your system could sound bright, but then that might be your preference. Replacing the QED speaker cables with something from Chord will add some warmth and dimensionality to the sound.

You seem quite set on changing the electronics. If you were to upgrade them, be prepared to spend at least twice as much for noticeable improvement. Arcam is a good match for Monitor Audio. Also, if you are just not into the sound, but would like to make a sideways move, there's NAD and Marantz.

Moving up to the bigger MA speakers such as the RX6's is also an option.

It's easy to find a satisfactory system within entry level these days. You just have to know exactly what kind of sound you want.

 

[chebby]

Bigger/better CA units like the 740 or 840 range. (Assuming you like the CA sound you have now.)

 

[John Duncan]

batonwielder:
What would you like to improvement in your system?

From what I see, your system could sound bright, but then that might be your preference. Replacing the QED speaker cables with something from Chord will add some warmth and dimensionality to the sound.

You seem quite set on changing the electronics. If you were to upgrade them, be prepared to spend at least twice as much for noticeable improvement. Arcam is a good match for Monitor Audio. Also, if you are just not into the sound, but would like to make a sideways move, there's NAD and Marantz.

Moving up to the bigger MA speakers such as the RX6's is also an option.

It's easy to find a satisfactory system within entry level these days. You just have to know exactly what kind of sound you want.

Agreed. Double the price of the electronics and you'd get a noticeable improvement. I do think, however, that the one thing that would change your sound is different (not even necessarily better) speakers. Stick a pair of Q Acoustic floorstanders on the end of them, for example, and you'd notice a big difference - whether you like that difference or not is another matter.

 

[dreading]

I think I do prefer a 'bright(er)' system.

To answer the question raised: the improvement I'm after is more detail, more transparency and just getting more out of the setup. I just feel that some parts of the sound are restricted and that there's more to be 'got at' with better kit, which I'm sure must be the case otherwise everyone would have a budget setup!

Spend twice as much on electronics - yep, accepted - but I can't afford to start again from scratch. The Arcam match tip is useful, thanks.

How would the Cyrus CD6SE and Cyrus 6XP amp fit with my MAs? Too bright? Better options?

Thank you for your responses - appreciated!