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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
rumadian
152 posts
 
Willmi,

Since you will be adding a sub to get your bass needs, I'd go with the source that has the most neutral tonal character.

Believe it or not; Arcam CD players would likely yield better results with your current rig, than say the Apollo or Naim players. The Apollo will sound a bit flat in that system. The Naim by contrast will be a bit tilted in the top end. Arcam will be a great middle ground between the two on that rig. Unfortunately, I haven't yet heard the much talked about Cambridge piece.

I have nothing to add with your choice of sub. REL makes fantastic musical sub's that will have no problem matching the speed of the Arro. Totem's own STORM is also another good option.
willmi OP
24 posts
 
Ramadian,

Thanks for the recommendation. Can you please explain why you think Apollo will be flat in the system ? Is it bcoz Apollo is warm and little laid back and Primaluna is also warm and that makes them a bit flat ? Based on the same reason, isn't Naim supposed to kick it up with its speed, bass and timing and make it more lively and the Primaluna can soften the top end ?

Mike

PS: I have seen many people actually recommnd Naim CD5i / Nait5i combo for Arros. That combo should more tilted in the top end right ?
willmi OP
24 posts
 
Digsmithd,

Thanks for your feedback

Mike
upstateaudio's avatar
upstateaudio
249 posts
 
If price is an issue the Simaudio Equinox SE is on clearance at Music Direct for $1795. That is a great buy especially considering you are getting a full 10 year warranty on the electronics and 3 on the transport. Check it out on MusicDirect.com.
zenblaster
504 posts
 
A nice DAC with an older Sony CDP X77EX transport will bring you to the sound you are looking for. Nice warm top to bottom with an o p e n & a i r y soundstage. Addictive music ..re: no fatigue, just beautiful music. i am currently using a Krell Stealth dac to Sony CDP X77ES transport and the combo is magic. Everytime i try to go different cdp routes from the Sony I end up pissed that I did. Bottom line is that it is one of the most musical cdp's you can find. The dac adds the magic
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