First 'upgrade' for a v.long time...
Hi,
For the first time in a decade (round numbers) I'm looking to purchase some hi fi equipment, and the landscape has changed, rather. For the last 10 years or so I've been living with a Linn Classik and a set of Ruark Prologue One floor standing speakers. Before circumstances dictated I moved to a one-box solution I'd been pretty happy with a Cambridge CD3 / Musical Fidelity B200 combination driving some Mission speakers. The only item I have kept from that separates system is a (somewhat vintage) Michell Focus turntable which has been stored unused since then.
I now have the chance to buy some kit and I wouldn't mind some input on the following options.
1. Cyrus 6vs2 amplifier and CD 6s CD player, possible keeping my existing Ruarks or changing them for..?
2. The Roksan Kandy amp and CD.
3. Picking up a second hand LK 100 or similar and using it to upgrade my existing system.
4. Other suggestions?
My overall budget is around £2k although I don't feel the need to spend up to that if it's not necessary. In all cases I'll need that budget to include a wall-mounted turntable shelf, speaker cable and so on. I'd need an outboard phono stage for at least some of my options and, if I were to use the Michell turntable, probably a damn good service and a modest cartridge.
I really enjoyed the sound of my old Musical Fidelity amplifier, but their products seem to be pretty pricey these days and out of my reach, sadly. I intend to go and listen to at least the Cyrus and Roksan options...but is there anything else I should consider?
Lastly, what sort of improvement on my existing CD audio reproduction could I expect if I were to spend £2k wisely?
Thanks!
Thanks, Andrew. Would you be able to explain briefly why you'd prefer those options of the Cyrus / Roksan products? Just for my interest / information.
Is there anything else you would recommend for consideration?
If I retain the Classik, I would need an external phono amp. In the first instance at least, I wouldn't need to go overboard on this item. Which products are worth a look at in this area?
Thanks again.
hello,yes lk 100,keep the ruarks,great speakers,cambridge 640p phono stage get the michell sorted,you might need a new arm so a rega should do,goldring 1042 cartridge.that should leave you plenty for the shelf and any cables you may need or you could consider naim 5i series and still get your tt in fine fettle.good luck,gregory.
Camdridge Audio 640P would do very nicely.
Great, all sounds good to me.
I'll give some newer stuff a listen just to satisfy myself but I think I'll go with the LK 100 and so on.
Thanks for the input.
Purely a personal preference for the MF player and amp.
For a budget phono stage, look no further than the Cambridge Audio Azur 640P





IMHO I'd either go for option 3, or consider the Musical Fidelity X-RAY V8 and XT-100, which will suit your budget well at £799 and £899 respectively.
Consulting Editor, What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision/whathifi.com Audio Editor, Gramophone