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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
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
I agree with pretty much everything Mike said. I can't comment on which will synergize better with the PrimaLuna, because I've never heard it. As far as using a brighter sounding CD player to liven up a warm amp, warmer CDP to smooth something out, etc., my experience has been that it doesn't always work out that way. On paper it seems like a good idea. It may actually work, but don't take for granted that it will. There's no subsititue for an in home audition, or at the very least an audition at a dealer's. I've found that when there's no synergy, the system isn't very satisfying and people look to make changes sooner than later. When there's synergy, the system performs better than the sum of the parts.

Rel makes awsome subs, and it'll most likely be very worthwhile. I'm more of a source first guy (not die-hard, but there's a lot of merit to it), so I'd get that straightened out before proceeding.

JR
willmi OP
24 posts
 
JR & Knownothing,

Thanks for your explanation and an excellent analogy for Naim and CA 840C / Simaudio sonic signature. Similarly do you mind giving analogy for a Rega Apollo CDP ?

I included Apollo, CA 840C and Naim CD5i as the options, because on Audiogon, the price difference between rega and Naim / CA 840C is couple of hundred bucks.

Mike
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,584 posts
 
The Apollo is a capable player, no question, and probably between the Naim and Cambridge in personality. My brief comparison of the Apollo with the other two would be that it is a less musical but more detailed Naim 5i, or a more dynamic but less polished Cambridge 840C. I don't care for the plastic face plate on the Apollo, but that is a rather minor detail.

Check out these links - quite a bit has already been written about the player.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?rdgtl&1168919031&read&3&4&

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1190997373
willmi OP
24 posts
 
Rumadian,

Can you please explain why you think Apollo will be flat in the system ?

Thanks
Mike
rumadian
152 posts
 
Hello Mike,

The Apollo is a fine CD player. I like its unique design, its transport mechanism, and the fact that it uses its own software.

However, its character is something I would summarize as being dark and flat. Although it is difficult to argue its ability to get ones foot tapping in the right system; it's dark persona combined with a relatively flat dynamic range and general lack of refinement won't serve your system well.

Despite their puny size, the Arro's are lively speakers that can convey copious levels of acoustic energy. I say, treat them to a linear source that will bring out the best in what your current crop of gear can do.

The Rega Apollo is good, no doubt, but in my opinion - its not where you should be looking.
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