2. speakers
  3. 153641-120753

Itching for better sound

Pretty happy with sound through my Sennheiser HD700s listening through headphone amp to classical CDs on Marantz CD6006...but too much headphone listening makes my ears buzz, so I want to start listening more through speakers.

Could set up either the Marantz or a NAD 516bee cd player, connected with RCA to an old Denon AVR1404 receiver to speakers.  My PSB speakers are fair.  What I want to know is how much will a pair of Kef LS50s improve my sound?  Is my $800cdn (used) better spent on something else--other speakers or another component?
shostakovich
leemaze
330 posts
 
I recommend a Yamaha A-S801 integrated amplifier. If you don't need the Video features of your AVR this will make your PSB speakers sound brand new and will pair well with any other new speakers you bring in.

I addition you can try the built-in DAC on the A-S801 via optical/coax from your Marantz - you might prefer that clean Sabre sound. Two upgrades in one!


leemaze
330 posts
 
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamas801sl/yamaha-a-s801-2-ch-x-100-watts-integrated-amplifier-w/built-in-dac-silver/1.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAmNbwBRBOEiwAqcwwpdXRGGUlWgbE62jciQ0wXP1VU5fK62vc_d7Pvuo72Pp5jM-Nqh3XpBoClscQAvD_BwE
soix
9,456 posts
 
Yeah, the AVR has to go.  There’s a nice Rogue Audio Sphinx V2 at US Audio Mart for $850 that would really help your PSBs sing and is good enough to not be out of place even with a significant future speaker upgrade if/when that happens.  Best of luck. 
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 
+1 to @soix

Rogue Audio makes nice products at decent price.

I have nice collections of headphones including Stax 009s, Raal Sr1a and HD800s.

But headphone can not beat speakers in dynamic illusion although Sr1a get close to speaker.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
+ for the Rogue

i own a pair of Cornwall’s, they would not be my first choice for The Ressurection, but they also would not be the last....

btw I caught a Cleveland Symphony performance where they used a large leather clad sheet of plywood and a sledge for emphasis !!!! 
Have fun, get out to dealers and listen, enjoy the music
More to discover