TheHenster
Novice Member
Hi guys,
I have recently made my first serious investment in the audio universe to start building a proper system. After a fair bit of reading reviews, auditioning and scouting around various audio shops, with my given budget, I finally decided on the Tannoy revolution XT8F's powered by the Rega elicit r. On the amplification side, the naim nait xs2 and Roksan K3 were close contenders but I personally preferred the more transparent sound of the Rega and feel it is a better amplifier. The closest contender speaker wise were the Fyne audio f502's which are undoubtedly and excellent speaker, but the Tannoys sounded notably better to me on the elicit r. There was a presence, clarity and depth with the Tannoys which I just didn't feel with the 502's. Speaker cabling is chord clearway with audioquest golden gate RCA connection for CD player. Anyway, this is now the chosen amp and speaker combo which I am very pleased with.
I focused on using my budget for amp and speakers as I have been able to use my Marantz Cd67 special edition for spinning discs. It's a very good CD player especially considering it is 20 or so years old and cost a packet in it's day. This still does show. Has always been noted for being a reasonably neutral and clear player but does have a tendency to lack a bit off overall bass and punch which I am certainly feeling. The transparency and clarity of the system is exposing the signature and character of the 67se. With some heavy rock or bass heavy tracks etc at higher volume levels, yes, the bass is capable of lifting plaster from walls, but is lacking with quite a few recordings at lower to mid volumes. It's getting me by shall we say.. I mostly auditioned the elicit with the Saturn r player which was absolutely outstanding and lacked nothing I'm my opinion, but budget will not currently accommodate a £1700 spinner!
So... I'm looking for some experienced advice on a great CD player to join this system. Have considered the Marantz CD6006 which is currently an option and won't involve the wife removing my testicles. It may fix the issue, but again I'm worried that a £300 spinner just isn't going to really let the system shine, certainly not as it did with the Saturn. Think I want to go with a used player and get more bang for my bucks. Could maybe stretch to a transport and dac. Looking to spend a few hundred, possibly up to a grand. Have been looking at Naim, Cyrus and Meridian as possible options but am open to anything really. What players can you guys recommend and why? Now that I have the system, I obviously can't just keep buying players to solely audition them on this setup! Has anyone here upgraded from the 67se with some light they can shine on this?
I absolutely love the forward and engaging sound of the Tannoys with the lively but well balanced and controlled Rega. Timing, texture, clarity and warmth is superb. This amp really is making the speakers deliver now that everything is starting to run in properly. Even being fed with the Marantz a poor quality recording is instantly exposed, just as a good one will sound fabulous. Im hearing new things in tracks that I havent heard in 30 years. I definitely tend to prefer a forward and more engaging sound, not a fan of laid back or 'well behaved sound. It is by no means detail I am lacking here, quite the opposite, just some punch and grunt.
Appreciate any time you may have to steer me in a better direction and give some ideas!
I have recently made my first serious investment in the audio universe to start building a proper system. After a fair bit of reading reviews, auditioning and scouting around various audio shops, with my given budget, I finally decided on the Tannoy revolution XT8F's powered by the Rega elicit r. On the amplification side, the naim nait xs2 and Roksan K3 were close contenders but I personally preferred the more transparent sound of the Rega and feel it is a better amplifier. The closest contender speaker wise were the Fyne audio f502's which are undoubtedly and excellent speaker, but the Tannoys sounded notably better to me on the elicit r. There was a presence, clarity and depth with the Tannoys which I just didn't feel with the 502's. Speaker cabling is chord clearway with audioquest golden gate RCA connection for CD player. Anyway, this is now the chosen amp and speaker combo which I am very pleased with.
I focused on using my budget for amp and speakers as I have been able to use my Marantz Cd67 special edition for spinning discs. It's a very good CD player especially considering it is 20 or so years old and cost a packet in it's day. This still does show. Has always been noted for being a reasonably neutral and clear player but does have a tendency to lack a bit off overall bass and punch which I am certainly feeling. The transparency and clarity of the system is exposing the signature and character of the 67se. With some heavy rock or bass heavy tracks etc at higher volume levels, yes, the bass is capable of lifting plaster from walls, but is lacking with quite a few recordings at lower to mid volumes. It's getting me by shall we say.. I mostly auditioned the elicit with the Saturn r player which was absolutely outstanding and lacked nothing I'm my opinion, but budget will not currently accommodate a £1700 spinner!
So... I'm looking for some experienced advice on a great CD player to join this system. Have considered the Marantz CD6006 which is currently an option and won't involve the wife removing my testicles. It may fix the issue, but again I'm worried that a £300 spinner just isn't going to really let the system shine, certainly not as it did with the Saturn. Think I want to go with a used player and get more bang for my bucks. Could maybe stretch to a transport and dac. Looking to spend a few hundred, possibly up to a grand. Have been looking at Naim, Cyrus and Meridian as possible options but am open to anything really. What players can you guys recommend and why? Now that I have the system, I obviously can't just keep buying players to solely audition them on this setup! Has anyone here upgraded from the 67se with some light they can shine on this?
I absolutely love the forward and engaging sound of the Tannoys with the lively but well balanced and controlled Rega. Timing, texture, clarity and warmth is superb. This amp really is making the speakers deliver now that everything is starting to run in properly. Even being fed with the Marantz a poor quality recording is instantly exposed, just as a good one will sound fabulous. Im hearing new things in tracks that I havent heard in 30 years. I definitely tend to prefer a forward and more engaging sound, not a fan of laid back or 'well behaved sound. It is by no means detail I am lacking here, quite the opposite, just some punch and grunt.
Appreciate any time you may have to steer me in a better direction and give some ideas!
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