I would consider buying an older Rotel Int. amp and an older RCD-855 CDP. Both could be bought for under $300 used. Or go w/ a newer Rotel RCD-975 CDP or a CAL Icon MK II/DX-2. Under $500. Any of these combinations should sound exc. w/your Paradigms. (I'm enjoying my Paradigm Phantom V4's w/all Rotel equipment. Exc. value and great build quality.) Good Luck! Bill
Considering Cambridge Audio Amp/CD - Need Advice
Ok, I'm a brand new audiophile, or perhaps I should say I've been a wannabee audiophile for many years.
I just got a used pair of Paradigm 11se Mk II for $150. I know these are a bit older, but next to my previous Infinity RS-5B (which I'll have to sell now - anyone know what they're worth?), these are a huge improvement.
I've done a LOT of research and decided that all I need now are an integrated amp and a cd player. My budget is around $1,000 and from all my research, it seems my best bet is a Cambridge Audio 640A v.2 integrated amp and Cambridge Audio 640C v.2. The 640A is only 75 watts per channel, but supposedly 100 watts for 4 ohms, which is what my Paradigms are. Even though my Paradigms go up to 160 watts, with the size of the room I have, I'll never need anything close to that, so I figure that amp will suffice just fine.
So anyway, does this seem a good use of my money for a good entry level amp/cd player? Can anyone think of a better system for the money? Obviously I'll have to get a good conneting cable and speaker wire too.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Brand new to Audiogon.
I just got a used pair of Paradigm 11se Mk II for $150. I know these are a bit older, but next to my previous Infinity RS-5B (which I'll have to sell now - anyone know what they're worth?), these are a huge improvement.
I've done a LOT of research and decided that all I need now are an integrated amp and a cd player. My budget is around $1,000 and from all my research, it seems my best bet is a Cambridge Audio 640A v.2 integrated amp and Cambridge Audio 640C v.2. The 640A is only 75 watts per channel, but supposedly 100 watts for 4 ohms, which is what my Paradigms are. Even though my Paradigms go up to 160 watts, with the size of the room I have, I'll never need anything close to that, so I figure that amp will suffice just fine.
So anyway, does this seem a good use of my money for a good entry level amp/cd player? Can anyone think of a better system for the money? Obviously I'll have to get a good conneting cable and speaker wire too.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Brand new to Audiogon.