2. misc-audio
  3. 1146226882

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 rar1

rar1's avatar
rar1
1,815 posts
 
For a $1000, I would go with a Music Hall MMF CD 25 CD player and pair it with either a NAD C320BEE integrated amp (fantastic synergy) or a Music Hall 25.2 integrated amp.

If you go with the Cambridge Audio CD player try an Outlaw RR2150 stereo receiver ($600 direct from Outlaw Audio ). I have the Outlaw paired with a Cambridge Audio 540 DVD player and NHT SB2 speakers and it is excellent sounding with CD's; DVD's' and FM. Outrageous sound for the money spent($1200 with speakers).

Regards, Rich
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,815 posts
 
After some experimenting with budget cables, I achieved excellent sound with
the NAD C320BEE using the following: Signal Cable Analysis One (basic) speaker
cables and Better Cables Blue Truth/Silver Serpent interconnects. I had
originally started with Radio Shack mega cables, but they deadened the sound. I
still prefer the Music Hall with the NAD, but the Cambridge Audio is an excellent
player (I have an Azur 540 DVD player paired with an Outlaw receiver) and
should pair off pretty well. Give the NAD a little time to break in and you will be
pleased.

Regards, Rich
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