If I were to take the plunge....

So, if I stagger the purchases, I might be able to spend a bit more. I had been thinking of a CD5 plus a PSU (Epona or s/h HiCap). Sources are of equal importance - I prefer vinyl, but it's sometimes difficult to find...

John

Seems to me you hesitate because you are "pretty happy with my multiMana'd Arcam amps".

I can assure you that Naim amplifiers are better than Arcam amplifiers - it simly not the same level.

Arie

Seems to me you hesitate because you are "pretty happy with my multiMana'd Arcam amps".

I can assure you that Naim amplifiers are better than Arcam amplifiers - it is simly not the same level.

Arie

Of course, when I upgraded the Arcam to the Nait 5, the improvement was at least as significant, so if you can live without all that power, maybe a CD5 and the used pre-power combos mentioned would be a good choice.

An exciting time for you!

I would personally go for a CD5, & the classic 32.5, Hicap, 250. The CD is about 1100 UKP( I think) , & on a good day you should be able to pick up the amps as a package for about 1100 UKP.
This would leave about 300 UKP for a black SNAIC & servicing the amps.

Later get a Hicap for the '5.

It would sound magical.

Bob.

I've landed a reasonably decent contract until the end of May, which should liberate funds to fund an upgrade to speakers and amps (CD will wait a while). I'm wondering about trying to get an s/h 82, possibly borrow your 250, and buy a s/h HiCap - maybe 1200ish for the pre and 'cap?.

A couple of questions now:

Phono boards for 82 - are these standard or an option, and if I get an 82 without these, where can I get them from and how much should I pay?

I'd like to keep the Arcam 10 DAVE integrated and the power amp for the AV, which has pre-outs for all 5.1/DTS stuff. How can I rearrange my existing system so that the Arcam does the rear and centre channels, but the 82 (or whatever Naim preamp I get) does the left and right channels (and for regular music listening does everything, leaving the 10 DAVE for just the AV side of things)???? Any thoughts?

Lastly, I've invested in decent interconnects, etc., so does someone produce a good quality adaptor to allow the use of my existing interconnects. What about speaker cable - I'm using DNM Reson and don't want to change.

John

You seem happy to stagger the migration away from the Arcams. In this case, I would blow your budget on a CDS Mk1 for around £2000 - £2200. Then, when funds allow, get the upgrade to CDS1.5 (nearly a CDS2). This will sort out your source.

Alternatively go for a CDX for around £1600 and a decent Naim amp with the extra £900, something like a 72/180 (if you're lucky). Steer clear of 42, 62 and 92 preamps if possible. They have much less resolution than your current amp so I believe you wouldn't be happy. If you could find a 102/140 for the £900, that would be better than a 72/180.

However, this depends a lot on your current speakers (which you don't list). If they're easy to drive, then the 140 would have no problems, but if not, then only consider 180 and better. Don't forget that if you consider a 250, you will have to have a separate power supply (e.g. hicap) to drive the preamp. My preference therefore is to spend as much as possible on the CD source since the amp/speaker combination is doing it for you.

Regards,
Frank.

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this depends a lot on your current speakers

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Well, I'm currently inbetween speakers - I am using the rears in my A/V system currently - entry level B&W 601S2s, which, although well-meaning, are a bit outclassed by the rest of the system (on Phase 5/6 Mana). So, I may postpone the 'leap' onto Naim until I get new speakers - I haven't decided in what order I'm going to do this...

John

point to consider - it may be worth holding off the speaker upgrades until you've got Naim amps.

This is not because of 'front end first' considerations, but simply so that you can ensure the best possible match with your chosen amplification.

Synergy!

cheers, Martin

you said:-

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Find a combo that works

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I would say that is the very definition of Synergy. Although you "disagree" with me it sounds like we're making exactly the same point.

Buy speakers that give that special magic with whatever amps he is going to end up with. Preferrably choose them together, even if the purchases are to be spread out.

cheers, Martin

P.S. Of course it is also implicit in your advice that Naim amps may not be right for John, and I agree 100% (BTW, I've not heard any recent Arcam amps).

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I've not heard any recent Arcam amps

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Hmmm... in all fairness, much of what Arcam makes is pretty mainstream and ordinary. The 10 amp has the potential, but basically doesn't really do it until Mana is introduced into the equation. At Phase 5, where I am now, it's a capable and powerful amp, dynamic, fluid yet with a delicacy of touch which I find appealing.

Nevertheless, I am considering a move to Naim amplification because I believe that I am reaching the limit of what my Arcam amps can do, and that perhaps they are holding back the turntable ever-so slightly. In conjunction with this, I find that the biggest criticism of the Arcam amplification is the way it portrays a lack of 'air' around close-miked acoustic instruments in a way that the Naim amps I have heard have achieved with ease.

In other areas, such as round-earth characteristics (imaging, resolution, dynamics) I would defend my Arcam amps to the ends of the earth, but I find that as my expectations rise with the addition of each Mana level, I find that the sound I desire and the sound the Arcam delivers represent two equally good, but distinct, paths, and that perhaps the time has come to re-assess the situation.

On the plus side, I believe that the Arcam 7 CD player has so much more potential (given Mana) that I see no immediate need to replace it. In fact, in truth, the only immediate replacement I forsee is the speakers, which are stand-ins at best.

I find the 10 series Arcam kit underrated, and believe it extremely capable, but sometimes even the Porsche owner wants a Bentley (or whatever)....

John