Goldenchris
Standard Member
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2009
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 2
- Age
- 44
Hello!
I have had my current setup for around 20 years (monogomy at its finest) - B&W 601 S2 & Rotel Ra-01 amp.
I have always quite liked the sound and therefore seen no reason to change it.
Most of my music these days is streamed and I tend to use my Samsung smart TV as the receiver (would an external DAC help matters?)
But I have the means these days to upgrade and hopefully improve the aesthetics in process.
I just purchased a pair of Q Acoustics Q active 200 speakers for £1500, thinking new technology and individual amps per driver would boost my listening pleasure. In short, they didn't. They didn't sound bad per se - just no real improvement. And £1500 is a lot to pay for a fresh look.
So I have come to the conclusion that I need to go next level...
Now, I have a preference for front ported speakers, and have decided to upgrade to a pair of B&W 685 s2's which will upgrade the look and hopefully a slight improvement on sound. But I imagine they will sound broadly similar to what I have already.
But I believe that the amplifier is possibly the component needed to accomplish this?
I know Rotel & B&W are good bed fellows - so have been looking at some of the newer/ higher end amps and i'm thinking the sub £1000 versions. Something like the A14 perhaps?
But my head is being turned by the Hegel H95, or possibly the H120.
What are you opinions of the Hegel with B&W speakers - do they pair well?
And would the A14 add much more noticeable performance to the trusty (if dusty) Ra-01 workhorse that has served me well over the years and should I really be looking at a Hegel (or comparable upgrade amp) that would future proof a speaker upgrade when time comes around?
My concern is buying a Rotel amp for B&W speakers might be great when I have B&W's, but might disappoint if I change speaker manufacturers?
Finally, in terms of room size/ placements - I live in an apartment (neighbours upstairs & downstairs) in a 4.5m x 4.5m room.
So low end power is ideal as I don't want to make too many enemies in my building...
All thoughts opinions on other equipment pairings warmly received!
Thanks for reading!
C.
I have had my current setup for around 20 years (monogomy at its finest) - B&W 601 S2 & Rotel Ra-01 amp.
I have always quite liked the sound and therefore seen no reason to change it.
Most of my music these days is streamed and I tend to use my Samsung smart TV as the receiver (would an external DAC help matters?)
But I have the means these days to upgrade and hopefully improve the aesthetics in process.
I just purchased a pair of Q Acoustics Q active 200 speakers for £1500, thinking new technology and individual amps per driver would boost my listening pleasure. In short, they didn't. They didn't sound bad per se - just no real improvement. And £1500 is a lot to pay for a fresh look.
So I have come to the conclusion that I need to go next level...
Now, I have a preference for front ported speakers, and have decided to upgrade to a pair of B&W 685 s2's which will upgrade the look and hopefully a slight improvement on sound. But I imagine they will sound broadly similar to what I have already.
But I believe that the amplifier is possibly the component needed to accomplish this?
I know Rotel & B&W are good bed fellows - so have been looking at some of the newer/ higher end amps and i'm thinking the sub £1000 versions. Something like the A14 perhaps?
But my head is being turned by the Hegel H95, or possibly the H120.
What are you opinions of the Hegel with B&W speakers - do they pair well?
And would the A14 add much more noticeable performance to the trusty (if dusty) Ra-01 workhorse that has served me well over the years and should I really be looking at a Hegel (or comparable upgrade amp) that would future proof a speaker upgrade when time comes around?
My concern is buying a Rotel amp for B&W speakers might be great when I have B&W's, but might disappoint if I change speaker manufacturers?
Finally, in terms of room size/ placements - I live in an apartment (neighbours upstairs & downstairs) in a 4.5m x 4.5m room.
So low end power is ideal as I don't want to make too many enemies in my building...
All thoughts opinions on other equipment pairings warmly received!
Thanks for reading!
C.