Advice on Budget System?


I'm currently running my music through a Toshiba DVD player and a low-end Marantz (5500) AV Receiver. But I've become convinced by these forums that I can put together a decent music system for less than $1000 (not including speakers), so I'm ready to take the plunge. I currently have a pair of VonSchweikert VR1s, and I plan to upgrade to VR2s next year. But first, I'd like to get some decent electronics.

I've pretty much settled on a Cambridge Audio CD player for the source (either 540C or 640c). For an integrated amp (I never listen to the radio), I'm looking at these choices right now:
Cambridge Audio Azur 640A
NAD C32
Music Hall A25

Any thoughts on these or other choices in the same price range? Will either give me a noticeable improvement over my current setup? Will they make these VR1s sing, and provide enough power for the full-range VR2s?

Am I at least asking the right questions? :-)
rhetoricman

Showing 2 responses by bignerd100

The Complete is much more powerful than the 320BEE.
Regardless of stated output the Complete is very beefy.
The NAD is very good though and I think it will work well for you.

Good luck!
The VSA speakers are reasonably efficient. Power should not be a huge concern. Any of the above should be adequate. I like the NAD and the Musichall should be good too. The Cambridge amplifiers are a little bright with the VSA speakers. THe NAD makes a decent preamp if you wanted to upgrade to separates peicemeal.

The Cambridge CDP's are great. THey have just upgraded the DAC's on the players as well. Be sure to get a V2 player.

It looks like you are well on your way to a nice stereo.

Good luck!