andynz Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 Currently my turntable (Pro-ject 1.2 w/ an Ortofon OM10) runs through a Pro-ject Phono Box to a Bose Soundock. I have purchased an Ortofon 2M Blue. I am looking to upgrade my system and was hoping for some input on the following components that I am considering in my price range in terms of value for money, quality and suitability. My set up is in a small/medium sized room. Speakers: Q Acoustic 2010i Bookshelf Speaker (http://www.qacoustics.co.uk/2010i-stereo-speaker.htm) - USD $200 Q Acoustic 2020i Bookshelf Speaker (http://www.qacoustics.co.uk/2020i-stereo-speaker.htm) – USD $265 Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 Bookshelf Speaker – USD $250 Amplifiers: New PM5004 Marantz Integrated Amplifier – USD $330 New Cambridge Audio Topaz AM5 – USD $250 New NAD D 3020 Hybrid Digital Amplifier (http://nadelectronics.com/products/digital-music/D-3020-Hybrid-Digital-Amplifier) – USD $465 I have been trying to find a Cambridge/Azur Audio 351A - but being in New Zealand we aren't as spoiled for choice as the US and Europe and if in stock seem to be around USD $530 Second hand (serviced) NAD 3120 Audiophile Amplifier - USD $230 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjorn Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 Sounds like you can't go too wrong with any of those, but I haven't used or heard any of them so I can't speak from experience, just going on reputation. I guess that used NAD seems just a tad pricey compared to what you would get from any of those new units. Are you able to audition any of these items? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebilljim Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 I can't speak to the particular models, but I have an NAD integrated amplifier and it's been absolutely delightful as far as equipment goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brody Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 +1 NAD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allenh Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 You need to listen to it all to really get a good idea but purely on price the used Nad seems very expensive for what it is and the Cambridge Topaz seems good value for money. The Topaz is probably the weakest of the lot when it comes to output except for the used Nad but size isn't everything especially in a smaller room so if the Topaz is as nice sounding as it's bigger brothers then I think that's where my money would be going and then looking at some slightly better and possibly bigger speakers with the money saved on the amplifier. The 2 Q acoustics are nice sounding but just too small for anything other than near field monitor work and the Wharfedales are very good but there's better in the range to be had, what is the market in NZ like for Kefs? or even Cambridges own speakers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seafinch Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I have a PM5004 for my second system and it's been great. Performs well with my Cambridge Audio S30s. But I agree with everyone else, you can't go wrong with any of those amps really. As far as speakers go, I haven't heard those Wharfedales, but I'd steer clear of those Q Acoustics unless you're planning on running a sub too. I tried the 2020Is and was very disappointed. I really wanted to like them, but there was virtually no low end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andynz Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 Thanks for all the feedback, it really is very helpful. I should be able to try out most of the amplifier options above in stores. With the NAD D 3020, I wasn't sure if the Bluetooth functionality was gimmicky and would take away from the quality of the amp. I also found the Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10 for USD $320. I have also been looking on a local buy and sell website for amps and speakers to see what sort of second hand options I have, the draw back being a bit hit and miss on sound quality and condition. Speakers: (I've really only just started looking at speakers and I am happy to go with floor stand speakers also) I had a look for the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1's but can't seem to find any in New Zealand! I found some Diamond 220's for USD $355. Allen, there are a couple of places that sell KEF and Cambridge. In my price range, I found these: These guys seem to have a full range of Cambridge Audio speakers(prices in NZD$), but are an importer, no no guarantees I can actually get them. http://www.pqimports.co.nz/products/category/HIHSWWRY-speakers/page-1 These are in store: Cambridge Audio SX50 - USD $266 http://www.avworld.co.nz/shop/product/cambridge-audio-sx50/overview Cambridge Audio SX60 - USD $400 http://www.avworld.co.nz/shop/product/cambridge-audio-sx60/overview Cambridge Audio Aero 2 - USD $400 http://www.avworld.co.nz/shop/product/cambridge-audio-aero-2/overview Not a lot of KEF speakers, I found the Q100 - English Cherry but unless they were far superior, they are a little price for me at this stage at USD $465. Here are some online options, they are all auctions, so the price is a mystery but an advice on stuff to avoid, and stuff not to pay too much for would be great. Wharfedale 8.3 (Floor Standing) http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/home-audio/speakers-and-stands/floor-speakers/auction-1037826382.htm Mission 780se http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1036892363 Mission 780 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1034977955 Mordaunt-Short MS10 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1035840617 Mission 773 (Floor stand) http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/home-audio/speakers-and-stands/floor-speakers/auction-1036168128.htm NAD 8225 Book Shelf http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1035429906 Sorry for the wall of links, I really appreciate your thoughts though... and if anyone needs advice on yachts, sailboats or sailing then I would be glad to help Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney Crosley Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 I would steer clear of the D 3020. It appears to be a decent amp, but from most of what I've read, Bluetooth streaming isn't really the way to go, especially if you're looking to hold onto the amp for a while. You're also limited by the amount of analogue inputs, in case you want to use more than just your turntable. I have a NAD C326BEE and I've been very happy with it. Lots of inputs, good amount of power for Wharfedale 10.1s, and the headphone amp is decent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allenh Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Andrew The Mission 780se's or possibly the 773's will be the most lively of the lot, the Mordaunts will be refined, the Cambridges will be refined but a little less than the Mordaunts and I'd only really look at the Aero's, the Kef's will be the sweetest sounding but the price difference may make them a bridge too far, they are quite a bit different to all the others as they use a Tannoy style dual concentric driver system. The bigger Topaz is quite a bit more amp than the smaller one so worth thinking about. Like I said though you really do need to listen to this stuff as all my recommendations are based on my taste which may well be quite a bit different to yours, and if you do go and audition stuff make sure you take or listen to music you know very very well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andynz Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 Andrew The Mission 780se's or possibly the 773's will be the most lively of the lot, the Mordaunts will be refined, the Cambridges will be refined but a little less than the Mordaunts and I'd only really look at the Aero's, the Kef's will be the sweetest sounding but the price difference may make them a bridge too far, they are quite a bit different to all the others as they use a Tannoy style dual concentric driver system. The bigger Topaz is quite a bit more amp than the smaller one so worth thinking about. Like I said though you really do need to listen to this stuff as all my recommendations are based on my taste which may well be quite a bit different to yours, and if you do go and audition stuff make sure you take or listen to music you know very very well Thanks for your help. Time to get listening! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smwalsh6 Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 I recently bought a d 3020 and I love it. However, I'm using it for my small 2nd setup which its well suited for. Main rig? I wouldn't recommend. You'll be pigeonholed on what speakers you can run at 35 wpc. I definitely have always enjoyed the NAD "sound" though, from both new and old gear. Maybe that 3120 will be the ticket for you. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brody Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 NAD 326bee on ebay for <$400 right now. It's got balls for 50 wpc and a lot of i/o. And listen to some Dali zenzors if u can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andynz Posted February 25, 2016 Author Share Posted February 25, 2016 Has anyone heard the KEF Q1's before? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1038537865 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney Crosley Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 NAD 326bee on ebay for <$400 right now. It's got balls for 50 wpc and a lot of i/o. And listen to some Dali zenzors if u can. I got mine from Canuck Audio Mart last year for about $325 CDN (about $250 US at the time). Great and very capable amp. NAD is now a Canadian company (originated in the UK I believe). Take a look on Canuck Audio Mart, as they seem to always be popping up. With the lousy Canadian dollar, even shipping to anywhere would still be a good deal. andynz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andynz Posted February 25, 2016 Author Share Posted February 25, 2016 Thanks, I'll keep and eye out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andynz Posted February 26, 2016 Author Share Posted February 26, 2016 I won the auction for the Mission 780se speakers (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1036892363). They ended up being about USD $110, which I figured was a pretty good price to see whether I liked them, if not I can sell them on and try something else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allenh Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 I won the auction for the Mission 780se speakers (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1036892363). They ended up being about USD $110, which I figured was a pretty good price to see whether I liked them, if not I can sell them on and try something else. Good shout My instinct is you will like them very much. Get some decent stands to put them on and get hold of the Mission manual if you can as it's very good on positioning info. They like lively amplification so the Nad might be a little mellow with them but it would still certainly sound silky smooth. The ideal amp for them would be a Mission Cyrus 2 or maybe a Musical Fidelity B1, An Audiolab would also be good but maybe a tad on the bright side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andynz Posted February 28, 2016 Author Share Posted February 28, 2016 The ideal amp for them would be a Mission Cyrus 2 or maybe a Musical Fidelity B1, An Audiolab would also be good but maybe a tad on the bright side. Thanks! I've had a look and I can't find any of those down my way. Would the Cambridge Audio Azur 350A pair well with speakers/preamp/turntable combo? (I note there is no phono in on the amp - https://techsupport.cambridgeaudio.com/hc/en-us/articles/200567691-Azur-350A-Amplifier) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andynz Posted May 29, 2016 Author Share Posted May 29, 2016 I have finally got all the pieces and put them together! My upgraded system is now: - Project 1.2 (w/ Ortofon OM10) - Project Phono Box - Rotel RA-935BXII Intergrated Amplifier - Mission 780SE Bookshelf speakers - Belden interconnects and some pretty standard speaker cables I am really pleased with the results. I played a range of records. It sounds bright, crisp and clear, plenty of volume and no distortion at all when I turn it up. The only thing I would look to improve would be a little more bass, but with that said, it still has acceptable low end, and is very responsive - perhaps just missing some punch. I have an Ortofon 2M Blue which I will get fitted this week. I figured I would be able to better appreciate the new components doing the upgrade in stages. Thanks for all your help and suggestions. Result Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andynz Posted June 19, 2016 Author Share Posted June 19, 2016 (edited) I have upgraded my upgrade already. The lack of bass was bothering me, so I jumped on a fairly cheap pair of pretty much new KEF Q100's on @allenh's recommendation. I also purchased some steel Mission speaker stands with floor spikes. I am really pleased with the results. The KEF's are a big improvement on the Missions 780SE's and definitely give the punch that felt lacking before. Hopefully as the new 2M Blue runs in, there will be further improvement (there's only about 2 hours on it at present). Edited June 19, 2016 by andynz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.