Spec me a stereo setup (amp+cd player)

[Messiah Khan]

Hello,

After buying my KEF IQ9s earlier in the week, the audiophile bug has started to bite me. At the moment I've got everything hooked up to a Yamaha RXV 640 RDS AV receiver. The inputs are a Digital freeview box (Samsung I think) and a Yamaha DVD S540 DVD player. (Want to add a media pc to the mix at some point as well) The video output goes to a cheapish Samsung 29" CRT. Although im relatively happy with this setup, as always it can be improved on. The next part to be changed will be the TV. Although the IQ isn't bad, its too small (although the missus doesn't think so) and more importantly it severely lacks connectivity options. So im probably going to go for something like a 42"-50" Panasonic plasma.

The part to be improved on after that however is what I need help with. For AV processsing the Yamaha AV amp is maybe a bit long in the tooth, but will suffice for now (Im hoping to slowly add to the KEF IQ9s to make a 5.1 setup). Its the stereo system however that I want to improve on. Reading around, most people seem to agree that a dedicated stereo amp and CD player will produce a much better result than using an AV amp and a DVD player when playing music.

Although still someway down my shopping list id like to get some opinions and ideas on what my options are. If I was to look at a budget of around £1000 for a stereo amp and CD player, what could I get for my money? Based with not much knowledge, I've had a quick scout about and the Arcam options looks appealing. Would this be a sensible way to go? Id like a system that not only sounds good now, but would also give me room for expansion and a certain amount of future proofness. Is the P1 the only monoblock Arcam do, or do they have any cheaper options? Would it be worth considering (and is it even possible) a monoblock setup at this pricerange? What are the options of a monoblock setup?

Im sure I have many more questions, but that lot will do for now. And before anyone tells me, I realise I should (and probably will) go and have a demo of any setup before committing to buying it. At the moment im just trying to narrow my options a bit.

[dablk]

I would suggest mono blocking might be jumping in at the deep end....i wish i could though.

I have seen the new china made audiolab kit going for "much cheapeness " s/h. I would guess if you went seconds that might be options but even then £1000 might be a bit tight or require compromise on one of the components.

Example s/h ..two audiolab 8000m - £250-300 each, old school 8000a £100. Would leave you £350 for a cdp. I cant think of many cheaper mono block setups..perhaps rotel may do somthing.


Arcam kit is certainly very nice.

If the upgrade bug is your cup of tea then cyrus will let you tinker for years with stereo bridgable to mono power amps. version 6 to version 8 internal upgrades and external power supply options. again seconds will get you more.

Cyrus and arcam can be found at bargain deals when the range changes slightly.

I dont know what other manufacturers do bridgable cheap power amps.

Even still £1000 for a cdp and an intergrated amp will give you access to most manufactures and get you somthing very nice as well. Be brave and go s/h...then you'll be batting in much bigger leagues!