Upgrade system to match my B&W 685s speakers.

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I recently got my hands on a pair of B&W 685s speakers. My system at present now comprises of a 30 year old NAD 3240 PE amp ( now beginning to creak a bit) and Marantz CD 6005. With so much choice out there at the moment I'm getting a little confused as to which way to go along the upgrade path in terms of bringing the best out of my speakers. I feel I should start with the amp ( top end budget around £500). Next year I would want to upgrade the CD player on a similar budget.

I listen mostly to indie rock and Americana folky stuff although generally I have a broad taste in music including old blues and a lit of sixties psychedelia.

Thanks in advance

 

[Al ears]

I recently got my hands on a pair of B&W 685s speakers. My system at present now comprises of a 30 year old NAD 3240 PE amp ( now beginning to creak a bit) and Marantz CD 6005. With so much choice out there at the moment I'm getting a little confused as to which way to go along the upgrade path in terms of bringing the best out of my speakers. I feel I should start with the amp ( top end budget around £500). Next year I would want to upgrade the CD player on a similar budget.

I listen mostly to indie rock and Americana folky stuff although generally I have a broad taste in music including old blues and a lit of sixties psychedelia.

Thanks in advance

As always I would recommend getting out and auditioning whatever you can. Make sure it has all the facilities you might need in the future, if CD is going to be your only source there are plenty in your price range, including Marantz, that will do your speakers justice.

 

[muljao]

As you said, so many choices, and you need to listen.

I'll just add a friend of mine picked up a Denon 720AE amplifier recently, and for the price, wow

 

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I forgot to add that I play vinyl as well through a Project turntable.

 

[Al ears]

As you said, so many choices, and you need to listen.

I'll just add a friend of mine picked up a Denon 720AE amplifier recently, and for the price, wow

The Denon is indeed a very good buy.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_10207193806016600]

Thanks guys and gals. I'll add the Denon to my ever expanding list. Any views on Arcam A19.

 

[NS496]

Rotel amps are said to go very well with the B&W's.

definately put one on your shortlist, although 685 probably not that hard to drive vs some other B&W speakers.

 

[gasolin]

rotel or marantz amp,mabye a nad C356BEE if you still like the nad sound

 

[rainsoothe]

Thanks guys and gals. I'll add the Denon to my ever expanding list. Any views on Arcam A19.

Hi. Yes, it's a must on any audition list in that budget. My favourite from what I auditioned. You could also give Rotel a try, I have only (briefly) heard the RA1570 from the latest offerings and it's not bad, but doesn't compare to Arcam.

Marantz PM8005 is also worth auditioning.

 

[matthewpiano]

The first time I heard a Denon PMA720ae was with some 685s and the combination (with the matching Denon CD player) sounded superb. Rotel are usually a nice match with B&W as well, so perhaps one of their integrateds could be worth an audition.

As for your CD player, I'd stick with what you've got. You aren't going to gain anything by spending £500 on another one. The Marantz you have is excellent.