A90 / CD192 Speaker options.

I have just purchased a A90 amp and upgraded my old CD73 to a 192. I currently own a pair of Monitor Audio Silver S1's (plus some pretty decent Kimber interconnects/speaker cables) but think it's time to update the speakers.

I have a fairly small room and do not feel that floorstanders would suit the space available. Does anyone have any ideas on a decent bookshelf speaker that would compliment the set-up? There are so many options (Dyna, ProAc, B&W, MA, Quad, PMC, Rega, Epos etc) that I'd like to narrow it down to a couple before I go for a tryout. I

'm pretty taken (looks/reviews/spec) by the ProAc Reference 8 Signature at the moment but haven't demo'd them yet.

Thanks.

[nbaudio]

Hi Primocarp,

I have a very similar setup to yourself. A90 and currently a cd73, however, my DAC192 upgrade should be arriving shortly and thus in a week or so will have a cd192.

My speakers are B&W 602S3's and I use a rel quake sub in a small room like yourself, and kimber 8PR speaker/nordost blue heaven IC. When I bought the 602's I was comparing them with the MA silver S1's and was torn between the two, but finally settled on the 602's as the treble seemed a bit more open and airy, and perhaps a bit more bass, but I liked the tone of the Monitor Audio's.

I'm not suggesting getting 602's as it sounds like you're stepping up in the speaker department, but perhaps check out the next level of B&W with the 705's. I like the arcam/B&W match.

Just a word of warning, perhaps stay away from too much laid back character in your new speakers (unless that's what you are seeking). I don't know what your findings are, but I find the A90/cd73 combo can be a tad polite with rock (have a post here on this subject) and am doing the cd192 upgrade hoping it will add a bit more kick and life to my CD's.

Can you comment on your cd73 to cd192 upgrade experience?

Thanks for the reply.

The CD 192 upgrade, although fairly expensive, is well worth it. I’ve only had it for about a week so it’s probably not reached optimum performance but I haven’t turned it off yet. I’ve been listening to pretty much my entire CD collection again. The clarity is superb, sounding much sweeter than the 73.

I know what you mean by the Arcam being a bit laid back. I had a Rotel RA 1062 before it, which wasn’t as good but it was slightly more dynamic (when paired with the CD73). Since I’ve had the upgrade though, the new system has blown the old setup out of the water.

I was looking at the B&Ws actually but I’m still fairly happy with the S1s. After speaking to the people at Sevenoaks, however, I’m pretty convinced that even the new RS1s would probably be a massive upgrade. I would rather use my budget though, I don’t want to think the speakers aren’t as good as the rest of the system. I’m not really looking forward to demoing dozens of speakers, I just bought the MAs after reading rave reviews at the time.

I'll definately put the 705s on the list; they look foxy too!!

MOD EDIT: I realise it was meant in jest, showing how much you like the look of the B&W speakers, which do look good, but please do not circumvent the swear filter

Sorry Boss.

[GW43]

[quote=Primocarp]After speaking to the people at Sevenoaks, however, I’m pretty convinced that even the new RS1s would probably be a massive upgrade.

I've got MA S1 via an A85, and I'm toying with the idea of a CD192, as I demo'd my Alpha 7SE against a CD73 and found no difference. However, I'd be surprised if the MA RS1 was that much different to the S1 - looks-wise it's different for sure, but the drivers look pretty similar. Looks more like a cosmetic make-over to me - cue flames!

I'd also looked at the ProAc Reference 8 Signature (superb looking speakers), but read in a review that they were happiest at mid to high volume, something that for me is not always possible (kids asleep!). ProAc Studio 110 look very good on paper - I must demo. However, every time I listen to my S1s I'm delighted with them.

[nbaudio]

Hi GW43, Primocarp,

Sounds like we are all doing similar hifi upgrades around the same time. I would say that if the S1's are doing fine then perhaps be sure to take your time getting the right upgrade as you may spend a bunch of money with only minimal, or worse, no improvement. As I said, I really like the S1's for what I heard.

I'm not sure if you have an aversion to sub's, but the rel Quake really raised the bar of the sound on my 602's. It allowed me to play music at a lower volume and have the full presentation (live in an apartment). It also seems to allow the top end to seem better balanced overall. It's small too. Definitely a music sub.

Thanks for the word on the cd192, really hoping it will arrive soon.

[Crustyloafer]

Hi Primocarp, you might want to take a look at the Acoustic Energy AE1 Mk3 I have in the classifieds at the moment.

For Sale: Acoustic Energy AE1 Mk3 Piano Gloss Black + Stands

[quote=GW43] I've got MA S1 via an A85, and I'm toying with the idea of a CD192, as I demo'd my Alpha 7SE against a CD73 and found no difference. However, I'd be surprised if the MA RS1 was that much different to the S1 - looks-wise it's different for sure, but the drivers look pretty similar. Looks more like a cosmetic make-over to me - cue flames!

The Sevenoaks guys reckoned they were a lot less boxy, had better bass extension and were a bit more dynamic. But to be frank, I agree with you and Nbaudio. The S1s are fine with the room-size and very fine with the set up.

I like the idea of a sub though. As with you - although I don't have any kids - I can't play the music too loudly but I would appreciate a fuller range of sound. I'll look into a few subs for the time being. I am finding that unless you start spending well over 1k, you have to make too many concessions with certain aspects of a speakers performance.

[quote=Crustyloafer]Hi Primocarp, you might want to take a look at the Acoustic Energy AE1 Mk3 I have in the classifieds at the moment.

Very nice speakers. Bit too pricey for me though and my Arcam would probably struggle to drive them (seeing as I don't have the P90... yet).

Thanks.

[GW43]

Originally Posted by nbaudio

Hi GW43, Primocarp,

Sounds like we are all doing similar hifi upgrades around the same time. I would say that if the S1's are doing fine then perhaps be sure to take your time getting the right upgrade as you may spend a bunch of money with only minimal, or worse, no improvement. As I said, I really like the S1's for what I heard.

I'm not sure if you have an aversion to sub's, but the rel Quake really raised the bar of the sound on my 602's. It allowed me to play music at a lower volume and have the full presentation (live in an apartment). It also seems to allow the top end to seem better balanced overall. It's small too. Definitely a music sub.

I'm very happy with my S1s, and your point about spending a whole load of money for minimal upgrade is the major concern. I use my amp and speakers every night for TV via Freeview and DVD, as well as CD. So, a speaker upgrade would give me the most value, as they are used with every front-end, whereas a new CD player would only be of benefit for playing CDs.

I've also been advised that to improve on the Alpha 7SE significantly would entail spending £800-£1000 i.e. CD192 territory, but that sort of money buys some very nice speakers, but how much better than the S1? I've also toyed with the idea of a DAC, and the Benchmark DAC1 has been getting a good press, as well as favourable comments here. But, unless I can get a demo I'm not spending around £800 - too big a risk to explain to SWMBO! However, having just used a lens cleaner in my CD player the top-end improvement has been very noticable - cheapo upgrade - so I'm even happier with my system.

Your point on the sub is an interesting one, and I might explore that further. The sub would need to be small, but to be honest, when playing DVDs particularly, I think the S1s go pretty low as it is. However, 2.1 might be the way to go - I need a friendly dealer to let me have a home demo!

[GW43]

Originally Posted by Primocarp

There are so many options (Dyna, ProAc, B&W, MA, Quad, PMC, Rega, Epos etc) that I'd like to narrow it down to a couple before I go for a tryout. I

Have you managed to demo anything yet? I'd be interested to hear your findings.

[GW43]

[quote=Primocarp;2454421]

Originally Posted by GW43

I've got MA S1 via an A85, and I'm toying with the idea of a CD192, as I demo'd my Alpha 7SE against a CD73 and found no difference. However, I'd be surprised if the MA RS1 was that much different to the S1 - looks-wise it's different for sure, but the drivers look pretty similar. Looks more like a cosmetic make-over to me - cue flames!

The Sevenoaks guys reckoned they were a lot less boxy, had better bass extension and were a bit more dynamic. But to be frank, I agree with you and Nbaudio. The S1s are fine with the room-size and very fine with the set up.

I like the idea of a sub though. As with you - although I don't have any kids - I can't play the music too loudly but I would appreciate a fuller range of sound. I'll look into a few subs for the time being. I am finding that unless you start spending well over 1k, you have to make too many concessions with certain aspects of a speakers performance.

Just to kick this to the top of the pile again - I eventually heard some MA GS10s, and thought they sounded fantastic, but was able to get a new pair of GR10s for £450 - much more detail, clout and control than the (excellent) S1s - marvellous!

Now then...new CD player...

[oceanrower]

Audiovector M1i Avantgarde (standmounts) or M3i Avantgarde (floorstanders) are "the worlds best speakermatch with Arcam-gear". Arcam designed their products by using these speakers. They are worldclass and their tweeter have been called "the worlds best tweeter" in their Arrete-edition.

You can get yours for only £2000.

Note: Audiovector are not so known i most countries. Do NOT let more well known brands marketing or customers prevent you from trying out Audiovector. Even Custylofer and other Arcam-sales people ought to go out and listen to Audiovector.

A lot of sound for your money!

[audio-mak]

I have an A90 which I'm using with a cd82t. I would strongly recommend listening to what PMC have to offer. I'm using their FB1's and it sounds stunning. Perhaps the DB1's would suit your budget. I previously had a pair of B&W 603s2 and prios to that Mission 782. The 782 were also a good match whereas the 603 IMO didn't gel as well.

[mpmct]

[quote=GW43;3462007]

Originally Posted by Primocarp

Just to kick this to the top of the pile again - I eventually heard some MA GS10s, and thought they sounded fantastic, but was able to get a new pair of GR10s for £450 - much more detail, clout and control than the (excellent) S1s - marvellous!

Second that, with a slight modification ...
I liked the new GS10s so much more than my RS1s
I didn't resist, not for very long. Much more detail,
more clout and control, absolutely.
And richer all-around, by a good margin.
IMHO.

[jorgandjean]

KEF XQ5 are excellent speakers and match the A90 perfectly.