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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
 
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
hieule5
115 posts
 
Mike,

I have listened to a Cambridge Audio 640 (amplifier/cd player) combo with a pair of Arro in a local Totem dealer. The bass is tight and clean. The midrange is quite revealing. Pretty good for a system that cost less than $2.5K (Arro speakers included)

# 1, I recommend to go with a quality solid state CDP first. Then save money for a decent sub like REL or TOTEM STORM.

# 2, Naim CD player is recommended to me by Vince at TOTEM and I just pass on the courtesy.

# 3, I think you want more bass, so see my answer on your # 2.

# 4, only you know the answer.

# 5, You have a tube amp which is already warm. Why need another tube CDP? The bass produced will not be that good as a good solid state CDP like the Naim/Rega.

# 6, I suggest Denon if you want a Japanese brand. Otherwise, my choice would be NAD, Rega, and NAIM (low fi budget, mid fi budget, and hi fi budget in that order)

The sub should be your last issue. I am a TOTEM/NAD guy myself and I own a pair of REL and a pair of TOTEM STORM.

Hope that helps.

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