Amp suggestions
Discussion
Hi all,
I am looking for an amp which will deliver a nice improvement in sound over my current setup. Currently I have an old Audiolab 8000A integrated amp, paired up to Meridian 206B CD player and Linn Axis turntable. Speakers are Mission 752 floorstanders. Listen to alot of CD and vinyl but also amplify my laptop and tv using a headphone jack to rca adapter.
I am looking for something a bit more warm and powerful at low volumes, the Audiolab is a bit cold and clinical, and must have a phono stage. Will spend around 500 quid, new or second hand. The Roksan Kandy K2 and the Rega Brio R both look good at the moment, and are within budget new (almost!). I am worried the rest of my kit might not be up to scratch though...
Any ideas very welcome.
I am looking for an amp which will deliver a nice improvement in sound over my current setup. Currently I have an old Audiolab 8000A integrated amp, paired up to Meridian 206B CD player and Linn Axis turntable. Speakers are Mission 752 floorstanders. Listen to alot of CD and vinyl but also amplify my laptop and tv using a headphone jack to rca adapter.
I am looking for something a bit more warm and powerful at low volumes, the Audiolab is a bit cold and clinical, and must have a phono stage. Will spend around 500 quid, new or second hand. The Roksan Kandy K2 and the Rega Brio R both look good at the moment, and are within budget new (almost!). I am worried the rest of my kit might not be up to scratch though...
Any ideas very welcome.
Interesting, thank you!
There is a hifi shop 5 minutes from my door which has the Roksan Kandy, Rega Brio and NAD C356BEE for sale so could give them a test.
I am loyal to the old Audiolab though, I have has it for 8 years and I know the previous owner bought it in the very early 90s. Use it every day without fault. Is it maybe more cost effective to take it to a specialist to refresh, or even boost it with the 8000p power amp?
There is a hifi shop 5 minutes from my door which has the Roksan Kandy, Rega Brio and NAD C356BEE for sale so could give them a test.
I am loyal to the old Audiolab though, I have has it for 8 years and I know the previous owner bought it in the very early 90s. Use it every day without fault. Is it maybe more cost effective to take it to a specialist to refresh, or even boost it with the 8000p power amp?
Now I fancy the Rega Brio R and Rega DAC combo. Had a listen of the Brio in a shop and thought it was an impressive little amp. Not sure if the DAC is a worthwhile purchase, though it can be got now for about 300 pounds and would be a nice companion to the amp. Hopefully someone can offer advice:
I do listen to a lot of music on my laptop, streamed from internet radio (BBC iPlayer) and then casted to my TV via a Chromecast or on iTunes (320kbps MP3s), with the TV or laptop plugged directly into my existing amp via the headphone jack (w/RCA adapter). I was thinking I can hook up my TV via optical out and/or I can hook the laptop up via USB connection to the DAC. Will I see any improvement? I have doubts as the source material isnt high enough quality, most of the reviews talk about lossless files etc. However surely my ageing CD player will have a new lease of life using the Rega DAC?
I do listen to a lot of music on my laptop, streamed from internet radio (BBC iPlayer) and then casted to my TV via a Chromecast or on iTunes (320kbps MP3s), with the TV or laptop plugged directly into my existing amp via the headphone jack (w/RCA adapter). I was thinking I can hook up my TV via optical out and/or I can hook the laptop up via USB connection to the DAC. Will I see any improvement? I have doubts as the source material isnt high enough quality, most of the reviews talk about lossless files etc. However surely my ageing CD player will have a new lease of life using the Rega DAC?
In the end I bought an exposure 2010s2, for 650 Euro only a few months old. Pretty happy with that but hoping it goes well with my missions.
Next purchase will be a decent DAC. I spotted new meridian directors on ebay for 299. Not sure if this is overkill and Cambridge audio sac madic 100 will do, for 100 quid. Looking to boost my CD and internet sounds. Any opinions?
Next purchase will be a decent DAC. I spotted new meridian directors on ebay for 299. Not sure if this is overkill and Cambridge audio sac madic 100 will do, for 100 quid. Looking to boost my CD and internet sounds. Any opinions?
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