2. amps-preamps
  3. 1158786315

Options to upgrade from Cambridge Integrated

I currently have a Camridge Audio 540A v2 integrated amp for our 2 channel setup. It is connected to some Altec bookshelf speakers. We will be moving to a new house soon and with some of the "freed up" equity I am looking at upgrading the speakers and possibly the amplifier. I don't have a huge budget but would like to have the upgrade be worthwhile. I am looking at Totem Arro, Vandersteen 2Ce's, B&W 603's etc. as possible speakers. The listening room will be mid sized and listening volume will be moderate. Classic Rock, Blues, Jazz are primary with a little Classical and Vocal as well. What are some possible options for a budget of $400-$600 (used/Audigon is fine)for the amplifier portion? My budget for speakers is $500-$1000. Source material is a Squeezebox and possibly audio in from TV, nothing else as we have a seperate home theatre setup already. Should I consider seperates or perhaps just a better integrated?
ruleof72
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,758 posts
 
An exceptional integrated in that price range is the Audio Refinement Complete. It's beautifully built and sounds absolutely wonderful. Here's the Soundstage review: http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/srajan01.htm
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I second the Audio Refinement Complete. I like it better than the NAD integrateds (and I like the NADs better than the Cambridge amps). Others to consider would be solid-state amps from Creek and Rega.

I would also consider inverting the priorities and spending a little more on the amp and less for the speakers. That might get you into tube amp territory. Audio Space (from Hong Kong) make very nice tube integrateds.

I would not consider electronic separates unless I were spending over $2K. There are just too many good integrateds in that range.
Post removed 
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
agree totally with Bob.....focus on speakers. the cambridge will drive most just fine.
More to discover