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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
willmi OP
24 posts
 
Rumadian,

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

Thanks
Mike
rumadian
152 posts
 
Hello Mike,

The Apollo is a fine CD player. I like its unique design, its transport mechanism, and the fact that it uses its own software.

However, its character is something I would summarize as being dark and flat. Although it is difficult to argue its ability to get ones foot tapping in the right system; it's dark persona combined with a relatively flat dynamic range and general lack of refinement won't serve your system well.

Despite their puny size, the Arro's are lively speakers that can convey copious levels of acoustic energy. I say, treat them to a linear source that will bring out the best in what your current crop of gear can do.

The Rega Apollo is good, no doubt, but in my opinion - its not where you should be looking.
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
rbstehno
1,431 posts
 
the naim and rega sounded pretty dull to me compared to the cdp-10. i like a warm sound but with detail. i did listen to the simaudio eclipse when looking at the classe unit and i liked the classe better. i like simaudio equipment but prefer classe. the cdp-10 comes with hdcd capability and i have quite a few of these discs (jazz). also, i have an external dac that cost more than the cdp-10 and i prefer the sound coming straight from the cdp-10. the dac is used for other digital audio sources. the best bet would be for you to audition the different players with your equipment in your room to see which 1 you prefer. i will go out on a limb here and suggest the philips 963sa unit over the naim and apollo, it is that good especially at the price you can get them for. 5 channels, upsampling, sacd, dvd, etc... check out the hifi+ review on it a couple years back. they put in a couple thousand $$$ worth of modifications to it and at the end, they said just to add new feet and a power cord. if you can't afford the cdp-10 now, get a philips for the interim until you can get what you want. then move the philips to another room.
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
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