Is this dumb?

devilkazuya · 16 Sep 2006 at 11:22

i am going to be spending a lot of money of a hi fi set up very soon. At the moment i am thinking of NOT going 2nd hand and just buying brand new. My choices are likely to be all rega equipment. Apollo cd player ((£500), Mira amp (£600), R3 floorstanding speakers (£500).

Is this a bad move? What would you suggest 2nd hand for £1600 worth of stuff?

Dr.EM · 16 Sep 2006 at 17:12

I'd consider the Rega Planet player second hand (though as I mentioned i'm not certain how long CDP transports last?). The money you save getting this instead means you might be able to grab a pair of B&W 703 second hand (they are listed on the bay right now). As for amplifiers to pair with them, i'd go second hand for this too. Arcam might be an option here?

BF-Bert · 16 Sep 2006 at 17:37

Not mad at all, if you want to buy new and buy from one manufacturer then go for it. You'll get a nice matched system with regard to looks and "in house" sound. Just listen to it and if your happy go for it. Added bonus of a warranty.

Everyone can't buy second hand all the time.

devilkazuya · 16 Sep 2006 at 18:20

i spent a few days auditioning equipment two weeks ago. The Rega stuff was my favourite and most detailed set up. I think i am the kind of man who just likes to have things brand new, and like the psychological peace of mind that nobody has ruined anything on my property. This is probably what i will end up doing, just costs a lot.

I think with the speakers, i really liked the rega r3's , and i don't see them on the bay whenever i search, and i like knowing the speaker isn't faulty in advance. For *** cd player, because i am hearing the laser breaks with time, i should probably go brand new for that too.

However, if i go second hand for anything, the amp is where it would be. Instead of the rega mira which is £600 new, would you recommend going for a higher end Naim amp for the same moeny, second hand. Which amp would you most recommend to try and acquire at that price second hand.

9designs2 · 16 Sep 2006 at 20:25

A guy at work, two desks away from me, had us all debating a similar budget for months, he did the dem's and found the new Rega Apollo to be best around for less than a grand, but preferred a Naim 5i amp, didn't like the Rega speakers and went for Totem Arro.
I'm due for a listen fairly soon now it's all run in....
It's all personal preference, but you might want to check out the set-up and see what you think.
Picking up stuff second hand when you know what you want is not a problem.... I normally pay cash and collect, that way you know the condition and it works.
Also check dealers for exdem stock, they will be clearing the shelves now ready for the new autumn stock and selling season.

devilkazuya · 17 Sep 2006 at 11:28

I have seen some people mention the Naim 5i amp before. Can some people elaborate on it. What are the qualities of this amp and what kind of price does it go for brand new and second hand ?