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Hi All:

About six months ago, I caught the audio bug from a friend and neighbour, at which point I decided to upgrade a few components. However, I'm on a budget and so my kit is fairly modest. The NAD integrated amp and tuner, the Kef Q5's and the Monster power bar, purchased last Fall, brought my system to what I feel is introductory-level hi-fi. In January, I added the van den Hul interconnects, which were a noticeable improvement.

The CD player is currently the weak link IMO. I've been thinking that the NAD C-541i would be the best way to go, given budget concerns, a number of good reviews and a top-place finish in a What Hi-Fi? comparison with units from Arcam, Rotel, Rega, Marantz, Sony and Roksan. There's also the Shanling CD-S100, which I believe may be the same machine as the Music Hall CD-25 (although I've asked for advice on this in a thread on the Digital page here at Audiogon).

Also, I'm really tempted to find out if the merits of bi-amping are for real, with the addition of the NAD C-270.

Finally, although I said the cd player may be the weak link, the speaker cable is also vying for that title. I'm interested in the van den Hul CS-122, a 12-gauge silver coated OFC cable with a layer of carbon fibre that I've heard good things about.

Advice and comments would be most welcome.

Thanks.
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Components Toggle details

    • NAD C-370
    120 wpc into 8 ohms
    • NAD C-270
    120 wpc
    • Kef Q5
    2.5 way floorstander
    • NAD C-541i
    24-bit D/A, HDCD
    • NAD C-420
    am/fm
    • van den Hull D102 MkIII
    silver coated OFC with carbon fibre layer
    • Monster Cable HTS-1000
    8 outlets, Clean Power v. 2
    • Monster Cable Standard
    12 gauge

Comments 8

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I found Bundee1's response interesting. I too have a pair of KEF Q5s. I have only had them for a month on my second system. I haven't really been impressed by them and was thinking of ditching them. The added burn in time, although admittedly not lengthy, wasn't adding much if anything to the sound. Unimpressive depth and rather thin on the high end. I had them bi-amped with matching Carver TFM-15s and bi-wired with Kimber Kable 4VS but still didn't like what I was hearing. Maybe my positioning needs improvement. I will try that first.

Thank you for your comments on my music system. The Sunfire does not have DAC capability. Maybe another purchase is in store for that system.

Like what you have done. Maybe try some similar things with my primary setup.

LM

canuxican