Improve Bryston B100-SST and Totem Model 1 Sig


Hi,

I need advises to improve my 6 months old system: Bryston B100-SST, Totem Model One signature, Shanling CDS-100MkII, Kimber cable 8TC, Audioquest King cobra.

The sound is good but only with good recording Cds (Diana Krall, Patricia Barber or recent Steely Dan) but most of times dry and cold with bad CDs (70s).

Should I:

1. Change my Bryston for something warmer and more emotional, if so, which are your recommendations.(Plinius, Unico…)
2. Change my CD player for a let’s say Rega Appolo for a warmer sound.
3. 1 and 2.

I’ve listened a combo at my friend’s home: CJ CAV50, Totem Model One signature, Rega Planet. It’s incredible, hard to believe a 45wpc can make the Totems sings like heaven, unfortunally, the CAV50 are discontinued and I can’t afford higher CJ models.

My budget for a new amp: 2500$ US

I’ve tried Moon I-3 and Totem Arro (my old speakers) at store in Montreal and feel the sound a bit bright, salesman said because the Arro were not broken. Also have tried Totem Model one signature with Rega Cursa/Maia and Marantz CDP (don’t remember the model) at another store; the sound is very, very good, wonder if the combo Rega Cursa/Maia can beat my B100-SST ?

My room: 18X16
Music listened: Pop, Rock, Jazz , Blues, no classic.

Thanks
Ricki
ricki
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I just compared the older Bryston B-60 against the Ayre AX-7. The Ayre sounded less dry, more liquid and "denser." Still neutral, not golden colored like some of the CJ stuff I heard a long while back. Maybe the Ayre would work for you. I think these go for around $2k used on Audiogon.
do as I did: buy your Conrad Johnson CAV 50 used off Audiogon. It turned out to be an almost new unit and I have been happy ever since.

Oddly enough, I have the same system as your friend. The reason for the system sounding so good is that the Totem Model 1 signature loves tube amplification, especially Conrad Johnson. I am not sure why but the fact remains that it is a match made in heaven.
marc,

any idea how much a used CAV 50 should be available for, if there is one ? thanks.