2. amps-preamps
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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
Post removed 
shersta
140 posts
 
You've got a good list of speakers there, but they each have a very different sound, with different strengths and weaknesses. So it's really key to audition before you buy. Paradigm and PSB also make some high value speakers. Have fun and bring a lot of music you love and know well with you when you audition--the field will narrow quickly.
ruleof72 OP
26 posts
 
Ok, its been a few weeks but here's an update.

We have found a house and will be closing/moving in by Dec 1st or so. The issue now is that the listening room is much bigger (22x25 or so) and is a "great room" with two-story vaulted ceiling. Our listening preferences have not changed, just the room. My question is will the short list of speakers still work or not and what about the 60wpc Cambridge integrated? What would be some suggested options keeping the same budget in mind ($1000-$1500)
ehart
215 posts
 
Hi Rule,

I think you will find all 60WPC integrateds meek in your new space. I did when I demoed them in a large living room.

The most bang for the buck on amplification will be to pair a high-quality pre-amp with a lower-quality but decent amp. You can always upgrade the amp later, but the pre-amp is the bigger factor.

The problem is budget. I would expect to pay $500+ for the preamp, and $300-$400 for the amp, even used/demo. If you stick with integrateds, the 100+ WPC integrateds are all out of your range as well.

If you really can't stretch your amplification budget, perhaps the best route is to go with Tobias' advice -- go with new speakers now, and live with the Cambridge until funds permit a more substantial upgrade to you amps.

Home demos of speakers will be important in your space. If the dealer is nice, try to borrow reasonably-priced electronics with more power than the Cambridge, so you can compare.

Best,

Eric
shersta
140 posts
 
Of the speakers on the short list, I think the vandies will not only have the best overall sound, but will also work best in your large room, especially if you're able to place them out in the room at least a couple of feet. I had 2ce's and ran them with a 50 wpc cambridge integrated for a while. Worked fine, though they did sound better when I moved to a 100wpc mccormack amp and tube pre. But in with your budget, you might be able to have it all. Used 2ce's go for around 400. That leaves 1000 for a more powerful integrated or used, older seperates. Congrats on the new space I bet jazz and vocals are going to sound killer, though rock may not have the punch or slam you'd want.
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