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Advice on Budget System?

I'm currently running my music through a Toshiba DVD player and a low-end Marantz (5500) AV Receiver. But I've become convinced by these forums that I can put together a decent music system for less than $1000 (not including speakers), so I'm ready to take the plunge. I currently have a pair of VonSchweikert VR1s, and I plan to upgrade to VR2s next year. But first, I'd like to get some decent electronics.

I've pretty much settled on a Cambridge Audio CD player for the source (either 540C or 640c). For an integrated amp (I never listen to the radio), I'm looking at these choices right now:
Cambridge Audio Azur 640A
NAD C32
Music Hall A25

Any thoughts on these or other choices in the same price range? Will either give me a noticeable improvement over my current setup? Will they make these VR1s sing, and provide enough power for the full-range VR2s?

Am I at least asking the right questions? :-)
rhetoricman
bignerd100
515 posts
 
The VSA speakers are reasonably efficient. Power should not be a huge concern. Any of the above should be adequate. I like the NAD and the Musichall should be good too. The Cambridge amplifiers are a little bright with the VSA speakers. THe NAD makes a decent preamp if you wanted to upgrade to separates peicemeal.

The Cambridge CDP's are great. THey have just upgraded the DAC's on the players as well. Be sure to get a V2 player.

It looks like you are well on your way to a nice stereo.

Good luck!
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
An audio refinement complete may be just what you are looking for. About 50 watts per channel.

Another option you could look into are the Consanance line of integrateds. They make atleast one near your price range. I heard them on VS speakers and really liked it.
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,770 posts
 
For a $1000, I would go with a Music Hall MMF CD 25 CD player and pair it with either a NAD C320BEE integrated amp (fantastic synergy) or a Music Hall 25.2 integrated amp.

If you go with the Cambridge Audio CD player try an Outlaw RR2150 stereo receiver ($600 direct from Outlaw Audio ). I have the Outlaw paired with a Cambridge Audio 540 DVD player and NHT SB2 speakers and it is excellent sounding with CD's; DVD's' and FM. Outrageous sound for the money spent($1200 with speakers).

Regards, Rich
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jgiacalo
446 posts
 
I'm running a Rega Mira 3 - a 60 watt integrated - with my VR1s and the combination is magical; detailed, dynamic and rich-sounding, with excellent soundstaging and imaging. I get more than enough volume in a 10x13 room. But I suspect that a larger room would need a little more power.
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