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Next Upgrade to My Totem Arros Setup - Need Help


Hi,

I need your expert help in uprading my stereo set-up. I like my current set-up immensely, but also has the upgraditis to make it better by adding a CD Player and a Sub-Woofer to my system. But I can afford only 1 upgrade currently.

My System: Totem Arros, Primaluna Prologue 2, Signal Cable, 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 follwing questions:

1. Which change will make more positive impact on the sound system....CDP or Sub ? ( I will go with the second one 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 this same reason 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 / CA (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 listening preferences. Can you please comment ?

5. Since I would like to add more Quality BASS into the system by dialing-in 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
bdgregory
1,714 posts
 
The sub , that I tried to use , was a Velodyne DD series .
. . . no slouch of a sub, and I certainly didn't mean to imply by my statement that you tried a "cheap sub".

I guess the proverbial "YMMV" disclaimer applies to sub integration in a 2 channel system.
saki70
907 posts
 
Bdgregory ;
No offense taken...just wanted to offer up my personnal experience with a particular product . I don't put much stock in across-the-board statements ! There are just too many variables involved . "YMMV"
audiobroke's avatar
audiobroke
51 posts
 
The Totem Storm sub is pretty killer, and would integrate perfectly. I'd check it out. It's got a powered 8", and two 8" radiators.
jpod
59 posts
 
Audiobroke,
Im thinking of getting Arros and a Storm sub. Looking for integration and musicality and not too concerned about really low freq response.

Just wonder if you have any detailed thoughts on the Totem Storm and any comparisons to make to other subs.
audiobroke's avatar
audiobroke
51 posts
 
Totem storm is very powerfull, and musical. It plays deep too, even if you don't need it. Another option is the Dreamcatcher sub. It's a 6.5" driver with a 200 watt amp, and is very quick. It will fill in the bottom end musically without shaking the room. If I had Arros, I wouldn't even look at another brand.
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