Amp & Speakers Upgrade

[1+9+8+7]

I'm currently running a Cambridge Audio Azur 650A amp and Cambridge Audio S70 floor standing speakers.

I'm looking to upgrade my setup; it's currently predominantly used for music - typically lossless format, vinyl and Spotify. However, I do also have it connected to the TV and is used as the sound system for the TV.

The new amp & speakers will be used for the same, I like my music so I'm looking for a setup that is predominantly focused in this space.

So far I've not really given it too much thought, I've been into various audio shops - I hear a lot of good things about Monitor Audio speakers, so considering going down that route, but really just looking for recommendations atm to consider.

The amp does have to have a number of inputs (steamer, turntable/ phono stage/ TV, CD).

I'm moving house so I'm also looking at a multiroom/ wireless system (again I've heard a lot of good things about Bluesound) so would likely be connecting something like the Bluesound Node 2i to the amp too.

Realistically, not looking to spend more than £1,500 for both.

 

[lucid]

I like the Monitor Audio Bronze range. I think they offer great performance for the money. My only reservation with the floorstanders is that they need care with room placement if you want to avoid them booming. This goes for all bass reflex speakers really, but MA has a little extra bass prominence, so they do like some space around them if they're to remain fairly neutral.

Others to consider: Fyne F302 (floorstander £400), Fyne F500 (standmounter £600), Q Acoustics 3070i (floorstander £600) plus offerings from Dali and others.

On the amp and DAC side I would be tempted to keep them separate. It will give greater flexibility to upgrade, but more importantly, you'll have a bigger choice of Hi-Fi amps to go at.

Top of my tree for audition would be the Rega Brio. It's a terrific amp, fast and plenty of rhythmic drive. It might not suit every speaker pairing though, so don't partner it with overly forward sppeakers.

DAC: CA DAC Magic Plus (£320)?

 

[Stu]

Consider second hand speakers... I got Monitor Audio Silver speakers second hand for a similar price to buying the bronze range new.

 

[sHo0sH]

Whilst this wasn't a question you asked - I recently got the Bluesound Node 2i and its an awesome piece of kit. The DAC inside it is plenty enough for my needs - I'm currently running it through an Arcam FMJ A39 with some Bowers & Wilkins CM9 speakers - minus the Bluesound which I got new the amp + speakers set me back £1500 (used) and for me it ticks all my boxes.

 

[ChrisD.]

Another vote for Monitor Audio Bronze, I had a set for a number of years and only upgraded to Gold due to an offer I couldn't refuse on a second hand set.