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  3. 160716-102314

$1500 to spend...

Current system:
Marantz SA-KI Ruby CD/DAC
Rega Brio-R
Wharfedale Diamond 10.7

Hi all, I’m looking to upgrade my system with $1500 burning a hole in my pocket and wondering what others think. After a lot of research I’ve come to 2 options:

1) Purchase new speakers: Wharfedale EVO 4.3

or

2) Purchase used integrated: Rega Elicit-R or Yamaha A-S2100

I love the sound of my system and my speakers but I’ve recently moved to new home with a smaller listening room and my Diamonds sound slightly boomy/thudy in the bass. The new room is 12’D and ~10’W. A wall on the left and an open space to the living room on the left. Which option do you think better solves for my issue and also provides a significant upgrade for the money?

Cheers and TIA
leemaze
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,905 posts
 
It’s a good amp.  50 w/ch should do well up to moderate volume. 
dayglow
1,759 posts
 
IMO upgrade your amplifier. Your source Marantz KI Ruby is the strongest link in your system(smart) Upgrade to a Marantz Ruby amp or a PM 11S2/3 both amps are a major improvement over the Rega. Adding new speakers could prove to be at best a sideways move since your Brio-R might be pushed beyond its capabilities. Also consider placing a Symposium Segue platform($200ea) under each speaker this will tighten and clean up the bass. With the addition of my Marantz amp suggestions you will be able(when ready)to upgrade with a wide variety of speakers.
leemaze OP
329 posts
 
@dayglow Thanks for this - as I've continued to mull this decision, this is the same idea i keep coming back to!  I listened to some Ohm Walsh speakers yesterday, they sounded great, but I didn't a feeling that I needed them.  Regarding the Marantz integrateds, I've considered them before but get the vibe that they are somewhat 'lazy' sounding, not propulsive or engaging.  Would you agree or disagree with this assessment and are there other integrateds you might recommend?
dayglow
1,759 posts
 
Yes the Marantz has a refined/relaxed sound. I'm most familiar with the PM-11S2, Heard a demo(about 8 years ago) with a Paradigm Signature 8 and could not believe the quality of the midrange and the overall liquidity. A wide variety of music was demoed and it was not lacking in bass maybe the large Paradigms had the perfect synergy? Had I not already recently purchased a Valve Audio Predator I would have purchased that amp. The newer 11S3 is claimed to have a better power supply so it might have more grunt/bite, I would avoid the 11S1 due to age. Krell is another(180 degree)different option the 400ix and the 300il would give you all the power and bass you would need but not as refined(liquid) as the Marantz. Avoid the Chinese made Krell S series amps known to have QC problems. If you asked which amp I would choose it would be between the Marantz PM 11S3 or Krell 400ix the condition and price would be the deciding factor both are great amps!

















mesch
3,414 posts
 
Once one identifies the sonic experience one is looking(hearing) for it is the combination of speaker and amplifier that will provide it.
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