mlilliman
Established Member
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2005
- Messages
- 240
- Reaction score
- 18
- Points
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- Age
- 49
Hello,
I'm looking to upgrade my system in the New Year and hope to get a bit of advice on how best to make my next purchase. As you might guess from the title of this post, I've pre-empted that my amp maybe the one to make way but am reluctant to make changes for change sake.
My hifi comprises a Naim CD5i, Arcam A80 and pair of B&W CM1s. I've not skimped on ICs, speaker cable or stands, and am using Chord Chrysalis (DIN to 2RCA), QED SA bi-wire, and B&W's FS700 stands.
Having owned an all-Arcam setup driving a modest pair of KEF Q3s and later the B&W's, I realise I like a more livelier, slightly forward presentation. I auditioned the Naim CD5i alongside the Arcam CD192 and Rega Apollo, and for me it delivered a better all round sound with an extra touch of emotion to voices - this was partnered with the Arcam A80 amp.
I'd say the CM1s are slightly laidback with an enthusiastic bass presentation and sweet top end, but perhaps the Arcam is weighing things down a little causing an over emphasis on the bass for my liking. I've a real soft spot for the A80 and perhaps it's not a good match for the B&Ws.
If I was to upgrade the amp, apart from the obvious Nait 5i (which seems to divide opinion on the realism front), what other amps should I audition? Would bi-amping with a P80 tighten up the low end and deliver more grunt, or is that upgrade more worthwhile with a trickier speaker load? My budget is around £600.
Happy to answer any questions that may help direct the advice.
Mark
I'm looking to upgrade my system in the New Year and hope to get a bit of advice on how best to make my next purchase. As you might guess from the title of this post, I've pre-empted that my amp maybe the one to make way but am reluctant to make changes for change sake.
My hifi comprises a Naim CD5i, Arcam A80 and pair of B&W CM1s. I've not skimped on ICs, speaker cable or stands, and am using Chord Chrysalis (DIN to 2RCA), QED SA bi-wire, and B&W's FS700 stands.
Having owned an all-Arcam setup driving a modest pair of KEF Q3s and later the B&W's, I realise I like a more livelier, slightly forward presentation. I auditioned the Naim CD5i alongside the Arcam CD192 and Rega Apollo, and for me it delivered a better all round sound with an extra touch of emotion to voices - this was partnered with the Arcam A80 amp.
I'd say the CM1s are slightly laidback with an enthusiastic bass presentation and sweet top end, but perhaps the Arcam is weighing things down a little causing an over emphasis on the bass for my liking. I've a real soft spot for the A80 and perhaps it's not a good match for the B&Ws.
If I was to upgrade the amp, apart from the obvious Nait 5i (which seems to divide opinion on the realism front), what other amps should I audition? Would bi-amping with a P80 tighten up the low end and deliver more grunt, or is that upgrade more worthwhile with a trickier speaker load? My budget is around £600.
Happy to answer any questions that may help direct the advice.
Mark