I could certainly use some upgrade advice. My current system is below, I have included when I bought it and how much I paid as this has, rightly or wrongly, informed my thinking to date:
Rega RP 1 turntable (with original cartridge) 2011, £229
NAD C370 amp 2001, £405
Pro-ject The Phono Box preamp 2001, £40
Bluesound Node2 streamer 2017, £475
Monitor Audio Silver 8i speakers 2001, £610
Van Den Hul Snowtrack speaker cable (2x5m bi-wired) 2001, £100
Van Den Hul D102.3.8 interconnect 2001, £50
I don't want to replace the streamer and I don’t listen to vinyl enough to justify upgrading the turntable. I also have a CD player, tuner and tape machine and won’t be replacing them, but would like to be able to use them with a new amp. I like the sound but want to improve the soundstage, detail and low end.
I started out thinking I should spend about double what my current components cost to get a good improvement, so about £2000 for amp and speakers and maybe another £300 on cartridge upgrade, cables etc. I've no idea if I've got that right. I would prefer an amp with a phono stage and headphone output, and floorstanding speakers. I haven't really considered separate pre/power amps and imagine I would need to significantly up the budget for this.
I am talking to my local dealer but their stock is very limited. I have been looking at possible amps (Rega, Naim, Marantz, Roksan) and speakers (Wharfedale, Fyne, Acoustic Energy, B&W) but having been out of the hi fi market for some time, realise I need to better understand two things:
1. the price/quality relationship – if I was to spend £3000 rather than £2000, would that make a significant difference? Of course this is largely subjective but more informed views than mine will help.
2. I use hi fi in the traditional way I guess (and resisted streaming for some time). I don't plan to use the TV, bluetooth, USB devices etc with the hi fi so I'm thinking I'd be OK going for a purely analogue amp?
Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.
Rega RP 1 turntable (with original cartridge) 2011, £229
NAD C370 amp 2001, £405
Pro-ject The Phono Box preamp 2001, £40
Bluesound Node2 streamer 2017, £475
Monitor Audio Silver 8i speakers 2001, £610
Van Den Hul Snowtrack speaker cable (2x5m bi-wired) 2001, £100
Van Den Hul D102.3.8 interconnect 2001, £50
I don't want to replace the streamer and I don’t listen to vinyl enough to justify upgrading the turntable. I also have a CD player, tuner and tape machine and won’t be replacing them, but would like to be able to use them with a new amp. I like the sound but want to improve the soundstage, detail and low end.
I started out thinking I should spend about double what my current components cost to get a good improvement, so about £2000 for amp and speakers and maybe another £300 on cartridge upgrade, cables etc. I've no idea if I've got that right. I would prefer an amp with a phono stage and headphone output, and floorstanding speakers. I haven't really considered separate pre/power amps and imagine I would need to significantly up the budget for this.
I am talking to my local dealer but their stock is very limited. I have been looking at possible amps (Rega, Naim, Marantz, Roksan) and speakers (Wharfedale, Fyne, Acoustic Energy, B&W) but having been out of the hi fi market for some time, realise I need to better understand two things:
1. the price/quality relationship – if I was to spend £3000 rather than £2000, would that make a significant difference? Of course this is largely subjective but more informed views than mine will help.
2. I use hi fi in the traditional way I guess (and resisted streaming for some time). I don't plan to use the TV, bluetooth, USB devices etc with the hi fi so I'm thinking I'd be OK going for a purely analogue amp?
Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.