Upgrades

[bellyshere]

Hi folks.

I have a Marantz pm6005 amp and concept 20 speakers. I can't really afford to upgrade both so what would be a good upgrade? Budget £700. That's about $1000 to you American folks.

 

[The_Lhc]

Could you describe what you think is missing from your existing setup?

 

[Frank Harvey]

I'll await the reply to the above question, but I'd be looking at a better amplifier to get more out of the Concept 20s. Drive a good quality speaker better and it'll give you much more.

 

[drummerman]

New Cyrus One coming up ...

 

[bellyshere]

More depth. It sounds muddy at times. It's difficult to say. I've heard other systems and they just sound better with more punch.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100004211376004]

I've heard the concept 20's respond well to good quality amplification and if your source is good enough that's where my cash would go.not sure of the pricing on the cyrus 1 but that's a good shout along with amps from arcam,Creek,roksan etc and don't be afraid to dip your toe into the used market,good quality amps can last for years if treated well...just a case of doing some homework and reading as many real world reviews as possible.

 

[bellyshere]

http://www.cyrusaudio.com/products/one-series/cyrus-one

That looks shiny!!!

 

[drummerman]

Nice innit?

You could also pick up a 6a at a good price.

Cyrus = clarity & drive (imho)

 

[MajorFubar]

The best advice I can give to you if you're tempted by a new amp or even just a new-to-you used amp, make sure it delivers the improvements you expect before commiting your money. Or to put it another way, check you can return it if it doesn't give you the sonic benefits you are expecting. Six or seven hundred sheets is a lot of money to drop on something you're not satisfied with but you're stuck with. Which is why we have hifi dealers.

 

[Al ears]

What is your source?

To my mind if you need more depth it's the speakers that need changing not the amp. Good though they may be there is only so much you can get from a small box whatever they are driven by.

 

[bellyshere]

Various sources. Project debut turntable through an angle audio preamp. Computer through emu1616 soundcard and Pioneer sacd/cd player. I'm going to pootle down to superfi and try a few with the concept 20s.

 

[Al ears]

Various sources. Project debut turntable through an angle audio preamp. Computer through emu1616 soundcard and Pioneer sacd/cd player. I'm going to pootle down to superfi and try a few with the concept 20s.

Just curious, do you find that phono preamp better than the inbuilt phono stage of the PM or do you use a moving coil cartridge?

 

[rainsoothe]

Hi. Give Arcam A19 or A29 and Marantz PM8005 a go. Naim Nait 5si is also worth a listen, but not sure how it would parnter with the Concepts.

OH, and, if you can stretch budget, Croft Phono Integrated should be exactly what you're looking for. Great phono stage as well.

 

[bellyshere]

Various sources. Project debut turntable through an angle audio preamp. Computer through emu1616 soundcard and Pioneer sacd/cd player. I'm going to pootle down to superfi and try a few with the concept 20s.

Just curious, do you find that phono preamp better than the inbuilt phono stage of the PM or do you use a moving coil cartridge?

I find the angle audio preamp miles better than the built in one.

 

[Al ears]

Various sources. Project debut turntable through an angle audio preamp. Computer through emu1616 soundcard and Pioneer sacd/cd player. I'm going to pootle down to superfi and try a few with the concept 20s.

Just curious, do you find that phono preamp better than the inbuilt phono stage of the PM or do you use a moving coil cartridge?

I find the angle audio preamp miles better than the built in one.

Thanks. Just wondered as it is a new one to me. Do you feel it's the amp that is lacking drive or the speakers not giving you what you want?

 

[Electro]

If you want to try something a little out of the ordinary that is an absolute bargain at £289 then have a look at this Poppulse T180 integrated amp .

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pop-Pulse-T180-Class-T-Dual-Tripath-TA2022-UK-Stock-/301937053573?hash=item464cd9cf85:gs8AAOSwqu9VAI7Y

Features:-
• Uses Tripath TA2022 Class T technology for audiophile quality sound

• Two TA2022 IC’s, each running in bridged configuration, one for each channel.
• Up to 90% efficient. Hardly generates any heat!
• Speaker protection delay - No start-up pop!
• Audio grade parts used throughout including an Alps motorised volume pot and premium branded audio grade capacitors.
• Powered directly from the mains via its oversized internal toroidal transformer.
• Volume control / Preamp can be bypassed via internal switches (for use with a separate pre-amplifier)
• Balanced XLR Input
• Over-current protection
• Thermal protection
• Uses Audiophile parts and components
• Housed in a top quality brushed aluminium case with a very classy, thick aluminium front facia plate. Provides excellent shielding from electronic interference.

• European CE Marked.
Specifications:

Power output per channel:

Maximum figures:

Stereo 2 x 120W/8Ω (0.1% THD + N)

Stereo 2 x 180W/4Ω (0.1% THD + N)

Power "Audiophile":

Stereo 2x90W/8Ω (0.015% THD + N)

Stereo 2x140W/4Ω (0.015% THD + N)

Total harmonic distortion: 0.05% (1 KHz)

Frequency response: 15-80 KHz (-1db)

Signal noise ratio: 92dB

Sensitivity line input: 280mV

Efficiency: Up to 90%

Power supply: AC 230V (±10%) 50/60 Hz

Size: 320W x 301D x 84H mm (actual measurement of our demo unit)

Weight: 8kg

Then add one of these Furutech Dac/ mm&mc phono stage / headphone amp at £ 395 to the Poppulse integrated for an unbeatable combination. ( imo )

http://www.futureshop.co.uk/furutech-gt40-alpha-usb-dac-new-p-10237.html?osCsid=eop1qfvvcg7qc9p6loiak7ud74#.Vy4Owr7g_DY

The Poppulse is an absolute bargain , I used to own it's smaller brother the T150 and have since sold it to a friend to power his PMC DB1i's .

The Poppulse replaced a Cyrus pre/ power amp / psxr combo and in both our opinions sounds far better and seems to have far less distortion and a more realistic sound that the Cyrus.

 

[BigH]

Various sources. Project debut turntable through an angle audio preamp. Computer through emu1616 soundcard and Pioneer sacd/cd player. I'm going to pootle down to superfi and try a few with the concept 20s.

Just curious, do you find that phono preamp better than the inbuilt phono stage of the PM or do you use a moving coil cartridge?

I find the angle audio preamp miles better than the built in one.

Never heard of them, yet I see they are made near me. Will haveto look into those more.

 

[bellyshere]

I do feel it's the amp not driving the speakers enough. However, I know nothing. I got my angle audio off EBay for half the money.

 

[BigH]

If you want more power for rock I would consider Roksan Kandy K2, not sure if you can get them new still, there were a few about for about £450 a while ago. I agree the Marantz is not very powerful so with the wrong speakers it will struggle. Not heard it but the Abrahamsen gets some good reviews from users, they have 1 at £600. Or the Marantz 8005 amp is about £580.

The Q Concepts are not very sensitive.

Best thing to do is go to a dealer and try them with more powerful amps, see if that is the answer.

 

[matthewpiano]

Some muddiness is a PM6005 pitfall, and it has been a budget Marantz pitfall for years.

Visit a good dealer and ask them to pick an amp to show you what your Concept 20s can really do. Then take it from there.