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Next Upgrade to My Totem Arros Setup - Need Help

Hi,

I need your expert help in upgrading my stereo set-up. I like my current set-up immensely.

My System: Totem Arros, Primaluna Prologue 2, Signal Cable, Hero Inter Connects, old Sony DVD/CD Player.

My upgrade plan is to add a CD Player & Sub-Woofer.

CD Player Options: Rega Appollo, Naim CD5i, CA Azur 840C, Cairn fog V2 (not easily available), Simaudio Moon Equinox , Sony dvp-ns999es, any good tubed CDP (All Pre-Owned)

Sub-Woofer Options: REL Strata III, REL Storm III

So I need your help for the following questions:

1. Which change will make more positive impact on the sound system....CDP or Sub ? ( I will go with the second upgrade few months down the lane ).

2. If CDP needs to be upgraded, what would you recommend between Naim, Rega, CA, Cairn Fog, sim and tubed cdps for my system (primaluna 2 and Arros) ? I like warm organic music with excellent vocals, instruments and strings with good BASS. Just want to remind again that I am using tube integrated (primaluna 2) for getting the warm preso and planning to add REL Sub for the quality BASS.

3. Since I already have a tube integrated in the line, should I be looking for a CDP that delivers excellent PRaT and Bass like Nait CD5i / Simaudio (or) more warm presentation of Rega (or) more warmer tubed cd players?

4. I read great reviews of 840C and it was being compared to Naim CD5i. I would like to know the system harmony of CA 840C with Primaluna 2 and Totem Arros for my music ?

5. Since I would like to add more Quality BASS (using REL), which of these CDPs make more sense ?

6. How does a modestly priced Sony dvp-ns999es (pre-owned) compete with the likes of Naim, Sim, Rega, etc ?

I will be eagerly awaiting your feedback for improving my 2 channel system. Thanking you all in advance

Mike
willmi

Showing 11 responses by willmi

willmi OP
24 posts
 
Ramadian,

Thanks for the recommendation. Can you please explain why you think Apollo will be flat in the system ? Is it bcoz Apollo is warm and little laid back and Primaluna is also warm and that makes them a bit flat ? Based on the same reason, isn't Naim supposed to kick it up with its speed, bass and timing and make it more lively and the Primaluna can soften the top end ?

Mike

PS: I have seen many people actually recommnd Naim CD5i / Nait5i combo for Arros. That combo should more tilted in the top end right ?
willmi OP
24 posts
 
Digsmithd,

Thanks for your feedback

Mike
willmi OP
24 posts
 
Rbstehno,

Thanks for your valuable suggestions. You seem to be saying ...dont use SONYs...and at the same time looks like you have a couple of SONY cd players like sony dvp9000. Do you recommend sony dvp9000 ???

Also, Classe CDP-10 seems to be over my budget. How would you describe classe's presentation and how does it rate compared to Naim CD5i, Rega Apollo and CA 840C ?

Thanks
Mike
willmi OP
24 posts
 
Any comments from owners of Naim CD5i, Rega Apollo, Cairn Fog and CA Azur 840C would be very helpful.

Thanks
Mike
willmi OP
24 posts
 
Lamcam,

Do you mind giving the details of your system ?

If you are using Naim CD5i, how is the bass and timing from CD5i ? I read somewhere saying that Naim CD5i does not have very good control of the bass and also top end may be tipped up. Can you wiegh in your observations ?

Thanks
Mike
willmi OP
24 posts
 
Hi,

Everyone seem to say Arros are difficult to drive...particularly for a tube amp. I took a chance and bought primaluna 2 and trust me....Primaluna drives Arros without any hint of strain for the levels i listen at and for my room ( 13x16x8 )...i am not using more than 25% of the volume on my amp. That itself completely envelopes my listening area with such warm organic pleasant music. For that matter I feel it has enough bass as well. But i surely do know that RELs will add so much to this musical presentation of Arros.

At this point there are votes for Naim CD5i (italic i) and CA 840C as well. Surprising that no one has recommended Appollo at all.

JR & Knownothing: Since I have a tube integrated amp which can make the sound warm and lush, do you recommend warmer sounding CDP or a little bit forwarding sounding CDP ? I was thinking a little bit forward sounding CDP may bring the balance. But I am not sure.

Mike
willmi OP
24 posts
 
JR & Knownothing,

Thanks for your explanation and an excellent analogy for Naim and CA 840C / Simaudio sonic signature. Similarly do you mind giving analogy for a Rega Apollo CDP ?

I included Apollo, CA 840C and Naim CD5i as the options, because on Audiogon, the price difference between rega and Naim / CA 840C is couple of hundred bucks.

Mike
willmi OP
24 posts
 
Rumadian,

Can you please explain why you think Apollo will be flat in the system ?

Thanks
Mike
willmi OP
24 posts
 
Rbstehno

Classe CDP-10 seems to be over my budget. How would you describe classe's presentation and how does it rate compared to Naim CD5i, Rega Apollo and SimAudio Equinox ?

Mike
willmi OP
24 posts
 
Lamcam,

Do you mind giving the details of your system ?

If you are using Naim CD5i, how is the bass and timing from CD5i ? I read somewhere saying that Naim CD5i does not have very good control of the bass and also top end may be tipped up. Can you wiegh in your observations ?

Thanks
Mike
willmi OP
24 posts
 
Any feedback please ?

Mike
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