Upgrading from 80s and 90s equipment.

[shakespeare999]

I wonder if you can help me. I have a question concerning how much better an upgrade would be.

I have a Denon CD player DCD1420 (which is beginning not to read all my discs) and my amplifier is an A&R Cambridge A60 (Now ARCAM, my speakers are Celestion Ditton DL4 Series 2. Everything is now quite old (it was stored for some years) but works perfectly.

I am thinking of upgrading to use a NAS server (WD or La Cie) to store my music in Flac files and I know I´ll need a DAC to decode them. My question is (bearing in mind that my gear is old and maybe not so well-known as the models have been long superseded) what would the quality difference be if I were to get a Naim Unitiqute 2 to replace the Denon CD player (and amp)? Also would I then need new speakers to do it justice?

I know the answer could be to go and hear it in a HIFI dealer´s shop but I live in a place where there is very little available and I can´t really lug my present equipment into a HIFI dealers to do a side-by-side test! What I really wonder is: does all the hype about the latest equipment really stand up? Am I going to appreciate the difference?

I obviously have a budget so I am hoping for some advice from the forum.

Thanks for your replies in advance.

 

[MajorFubar]

Without disrespect to the A&R A60, you would expect a £1,100 new streamer to be able to show it a clean pair of heels, so I think that's a fairly safe bet. A solution such as the Naim will also make life much easier if the main purpose if your change is to move over to a server-based storage solution. Alternatively you could opt for something like a Sonos Connect and still keep your A60. The Naim will withstand a speaker-upgrade at a later time without becoming a weak link, but there's no reason why you can't enjoy the newfound convenience of having server-based music using your DL4s for the time being.

 

[shakespeare999]

Thanks for your thoughts MajorFubar.

It would certainly be easier and cheaper to keep my present Celestion DL4 speakers. I have been wondering about upgrading them and wonder how much better Kef LS50s would be? Would my present speakers be a big limiting factor to the Naim Unitiqute 2?

 

[plastic penguin]

Keep the speakers and buy either Major's solution or the new Marantz 610. It'll give you access to Airplay and a full on streaming options, all in one tidy box. I've heard the previous model 603 and it sounded pretty good for the money.

 

[MajorFubar]

MCR610 is a good system but I'd expect the Naim to better it. It's double the price.

 

[shakespeare999]

Thanks plastic penguin

I am also considering the Cambridge Audio Minx Xi which is at the same price point as the Marantz,. Not being able to hear the Unitique, Marantz or Minx together I admit that I will have to rely on reviews and forum opinions...

 

[the record spot]

If you can find one, my amp and an Apple TV. Excellent sound quality, great connectivity and a fine DAC. Originally £1000, you should get one for about £500. Would be very hard pressed to part with it.

 

[davedotco]

I wonder if you can help me. I have a question concerning how much better an upgrade would be.

I have a Denon CD player DCD1420 (which is beginning not to read all my discs) and my amplifier is an A&R Cambridge A60 (Now ARCAM, my speakers are Celestion Ditton DL4 Series 2. Everything is now quite old (it was stored for some years) but works perfectly.

I am thinking of upgrading to use a NAS server (WD or La Cie) to store my music in Flac files and I know I´ll need a DAC to decode them. My question is (bearing in mind that my gear is old and maybe not so well-known as the models have been long superseded) what would the quality difference be if I were to get a Naim Unitiqute 2 to replace the Denon CD player (and amp)? Also would I then need new speakers to do it justice?

I know the answer could be to go and hear it in a HIFI dealer´s shop but I live in a place where there is very little available and I can´t really lug my present equipment into a HIFI dealers to do a side-by-side test! What I really wonder is: does all the hype about the latest equipment really stand up? Am I going to appreciate the difference?

I obviously have a budget so I am hoping for some advice from the forum.

Thanks for your replies in advance.

Before you spend any money, I would strongly advise getting to hear one or two modern systems. Try something 'mass market' like the all in ones mentioned above and try and get to a Naim or a Linn dealer with their entry level systems.

One way or another it should tell you something quite interesting........

 

[alan harknett]

As above, get down to your local Hi Fi shop and listen for yourself. Take advice by all means but it's you that will have to live with the sound so you will have to decide.

 

[shakespeare999]

Hi. I heard the Kef LS50s and am impressed. They were new in the shop and hadn't been run-in. Still have't heard the Unitiqute 2. Can't find it anywhere.