I think I'm going to try to swing a Rega Elys 2 when I have some extra money. I don't have any issues with the Ortofon but it rides really low to the record and on some heavier records it can bottom out occasionally so I have to back the counterweight off.
And thanks, Isis has been my favorite band for the last 7 years or so. I actually have 4 Isis posters but they aren't all visible here. I'm trying to cover all my walls with posters and album covers, as well as some collages of pictures I've shot at shows. When it's done I'll put some pictures more focused on the artwork up.
still very much enjoying my setup. only things I've changed are my stands to Focals (rebadged Target MR series), added a Rega RP1 which is a great sounding table for the price, and about 200 CDs and 30 records to my collection this year. Eventually I may build a new system around the Wharfedale Opus 2 series and Marantz Ref. electronics, but overall I have no complaints with my current setup.
Nice system. I have Wharfedale's from the EVO 2 series as well and they are surprisingly good for their price. Glad you are enjoying your Marantz upgrade.
System edited: Added a couple overview photos as promised. Also invested some time into proper setup using the Wilson Audio Setup Procedure....Sounds excellent. I have done it before but have always "cheated"...this time it was done properly and was well worth it.
Thanks for the replies. I was actually looking at the 315bee last year, but was told the 325/326 would be a better choice. I ended up spending the money I had saved for that and took a chance on the Wharfedale speakers which I had always been curious about to see how they were against my old speakers, Cambridge Soundworks M80s. The thing is that I think the M80s are a bit harder to drive than the Evos, so with the basic surround receiver I don't think it's a fair comparison. The Evos sound great, the M80s sound like they struggle. So essentially what I think I did was find a speaker that was better suited for a not so great amplifier (there's no doubt in my mind that the Evo is better than the M80s in a lot of ways, I just think they're easier to drive which is giving them an advantage). I'm fairly confident that a mid level integrated amp will make a difference, but I will be demoing stuff before I spend any money on it. The models I have in mind right now are the C326bee, Cambridge Azur 550A, Marantz PM5003, and as I said the Peachtree Decco is intriguing but a bit higher priced than the others.
All that said, I can definitely get "into" an album with my system as it is right now. As you said Ekobesky, the Onkyo isn't bad by any means, especially in direct mode which doesn't sound bad at all. I just feel this is the weakest link and I'm not getting the most out of either of my sets of speakers with it. But who knows, maybe I'll try one of those integrateds and it won't make any difference at all.
Again, thanks the for the comments...I will be posting an overview pic of the system when I get a chance. -Freddie
i am currently using the 5003 with a 315bee nad inter. , the amp is extremely nice. it should drive your monitor nicely and has great detail and punch when turned up some.....it has plenty of inputs and i like the small mini input on the from for a ipod,player, i use it for my little hand help grundig fm player..it is just handy....you can see my system on the budget site....dwhitt
No reason you shouldn't be happy -- it's a nice little system. But be careful with your money when it comes time to upgrade to an integrated amp. Onkyo's surround receivers are some of the best around. I have no experience with your particular model, but some surround receivers I've heard recently came close in performance of the kind of low to mid-priced integrated amps you're looking at.
