What to buy £1500 tops

[admin_exported]

I need to update my amp and speakers, I'm a vinyl lover and use a 1970's Thorens 125 turntable.

Any suggestions appreciated

 

[Frank Harvey]

Are you looking at modern equipment or looking at the used market to keep in line with what you have?

 

[Anonymous]

I am looking at a Cambridge Azur 840A amp (£800) or NVA A80 preamp and poweramp (£900). Would you recommend one of these or something else.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Sorry, I'm not familiar with either of them. As far as £800/900 amplifiers go, I'd be looking at the Naim Nait 5i, which we feel, and many of our customers who have listened to it and others in comparison, is one of the best amps under £1k. If you'd like something in an older styling, try the Yamaha AS1000, though I wouldn't expect this to worry the Nait too much.

 

[Anonymous]

A big thanks for your help I will review. One more question I've just seen a S/H Roksan Caspian Integrated Amp still boxed for £750 http://www.gumtree.com/london/29/37202229.html.

would you recommend?

 

[Craig M.]

i reckon that's a bit pricey for s/h. good amp though. you could probably get a used primare i30 for not much more.

 

[Anonymous]

Not been able to find a S/H Primare i30 for £1000 or under can you recommend any sources.

 

[Craig M.]

ebay. you might have to wait a little while but they do pop up fairly regularly.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Frank, I'm going for the Naim ( great reviews everwhere). Now for the speakers, what would you suggest to match up with the Naim ATC SCMII?

 

[Frank Harvey]

I'm not familiar with that particular model, but it looks like a predecessor to the SCM11 or 19. Should be good, but hard to say without first hand experience of them.

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry should be SCM11, but I have just noticed that you need a 100watts amp to drive them, does this mean that the Niam being 50 watts power output won't be able to power them?

 

[Anonymous]

Just saw a barely used naim Nait 5i mk2 for cheap on AppleVoodooFORUMs (like puzzles? - sorry can't post the name)classifieds site.

 

[Frank Harvey]

jezjez:Sorry should be SCM11, but I have just noticed that you need a 100watts amp to drive them, does this mean that the Niam being 50 watts power output won't be able to power them?The Nait 5i will drive them, but ideally they'll need something more meaty to get the best out of them or drive them to high volumes. If you listen at moderate levels, the Nait 5i will be fine with them.