New set up for digital music, amp advice

Hello! I can share my deep, personal experience with you, sir.I went to audition some bookshelf speakers in a small shop, that is very close to what a small room is, nothing was isolated.I have auditioned Mordaunt Short Aviano 2, KEF Q100, some expensive Quadral Argentum 330, JBL ES 30, Tannoy Revolution DC6.Compared to Boston Acoustics A26, all mentioned speakers were nothing short of a joke.When I have read this forum, somebody suggested that the smaller model, A25, is even better in detail and midrange.Boy, was he right...Connected both and compared both models...The A25 has much tighter bass that did not veil or smidge the other part of the sound, and even when playing a bloody 128kbps mp3, it retrieved amazing detail - I finally know that this unknown instrument in the song is actually a harmonica!I have never heard such neutral, open, alive and musical speakers in my life.The B & W are not musical at all.Boomy, bassy, hard to drive...I`d avoid them like the plague.The rDac has a hefty, heavy sound, it is far from neutrla.I connected Arcam rPac to the A25, and I was more than overwhelmed.Take your time and audition the BA A25 - you have to see ( hear ) it to believe it.Marantz PM6004 is a joke, I compared it with a second-hand HK6550, that was much cheaper, and the difference is night and day, even the shop sellers were shocked.Try to find this amp, it easily outclasses even the Roksan Kandy K2 in terms of sound.You do not need to spend much money in your case.

And here I thought CDs were digital

I think I will now insist that the proper term is dematerialization

Finally. A well balanced, subtle and non-exaggerated view ...

regards

I have just heard the B&W CM1s which I believe to be uprated 685s, they look good but for me not that engaging or musical although better than the Rega RS1s and were boomy with anything like double bass and probably too bass heavy. You really must demo speakers before buying. As for amp MArantz 6004 I hear is a bit ligtweight for its rating. If I were I you I would probably keep your amp. or look around for an Arcam 9 or 10, I really don't think the amp will make that much difference. I would also consider some active speakers, that have amps and dacs inside them, the AVIs are about £1,250 which seems to be less than you currently plan to spend. 

What's with the AVI recommendation? He wants an amp at £500 or less!

NAD is a good option - fine sound, good price, complete with remote. The 326BEE would be my pick.

Only the RA-10 doesn't have a remote. The RA-11 does and ticks all the boxes. No need for another DAC.

At the risk of being labeled a 'Rotel Fan Boy' why not look at the RA-11; can be got for just under £500 or perhaps less, has a good onboard DAC...AND a remote?  And I think that it sounds sweet at the price (but then again I would...wouldn't I )

Though if tempted then do audition...of course, to make sure that it will 'do the job', etc.

Then of course there's the new Exposure. Looking good.

regards

Do you know that? I don't see why not.

BTW you do know if you get rid of your CD collection you can't keep any rips you've made of the CDs, right?

He is: " I am looking at getting a Sonos Connect & Bridge, B&W 685 speakers, a DAC (either dac magic or rDac), but am struggling on an amplifier to go with them."

This is what he actually said, mate:

" I am looking at getting a Sonos Connect & Bridge, B&W 685 speakers, a DAC (either dac magic or rDac), but am struggling on an amplifier to go with them.  Budget is around £500 but ideally less.  The amp must have a remote which rules out the Rotel, I have seen low price Arcam a18 amp in richer sounds but not read good reviews, Im not sure the Marantz PM6004 will be up to the job....advice please!"

I took that to mean he wants help choosing an amp. Anyway, NAD would be my pick. You could also try the Pioneer A series which aren't half bad, or the Rega Brio which is a bit over the budget but a fine amp worthy of a lot better speakers.

Yup, indeed...from what I have read of the few reviews I can find.  WOnder when there will be more reviews of the new 1010?

Well I would not buy the B&W 685 for a start. He has to demo lots of different gear and best to try at home as well. Why does he want the 685s, has he heard them and if so with what? DEMO and as I suggest try the ADMs as well if possible.

The Arcam is a fine choice - don't always rely purley on the reviews - have a listen to it, especially if it is on offer, I'm sure you will enjoy it. I'd agree with you about the Marantz -  to my ears, it didn't sound particularly special. In fact, my old NAD 302 sounded more punchy and detailed!

Happy listening!

Thanks for the advice and some quality rows and arguments!!! Some interesting points, i have not demoed any gear yet other than using a friends Sonos system and was very impressed with the usuabilty & sound quality through a budget system.  The 685 choice was based on being really pleased with my old B&Ws, all my kit has been sold so keeping any of it is not an option. rPac looks cheaper than rDac and if it sounds better... The NAD and Rotel RA11 I havent considered, but looks like I was right about the Marantz based on the comments so far. Will look up the details of suggestions so far, anyone have any other advice? looking to purchase in next few weeks, only downside is demoing is near impossible due to lack of quality retailers within a reasonable distance so may have to go based on opinion/reviews (not my ideal choice, may make a long trip if possible before buying if I can wait that long!)