Hi-Fi upgrade options (amps)

[pstruck]

What would you do?

Used or ex-display older model (Roksan Caspian M1) pre/power amp combo, or newer model (Roksan Caspian M2) integrated amp? Both options come in at about the same in terms of £'s.

I'm not looking for thoughts on my choice of brand, etc, just which option you would go for and why.

[900T-R]

Haven't heard either, but normally the more expensive, older ex-dem equipment makes a better choice. The cynic in me says products are being updated to stay on the radar of the comi... er, magazines more than for any real improvement. Ex-dem equipment tends to come at discounts of 20-50%, where the new generation of the cheaper product may have improved by a few percent (if that).

If there are night-and-day improvements it's only because the original product wasn't quite right in the first place - and given that the equipment of your choice is well-respected either way, I very much doubt that this would be the case with the pre/power combo.

Edited by 900T-R on Monday 11th July 10:13

[TonyRPH]

^^^^^ What he said.

EX Demo units are always a better value option, and usually pretty much the same design internally, with perhaps a few minor changes (otherwise known as 'improvements').

What do your ears tell you? Are you able to listen to both units?