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

Showing 1 response by sfar

I would concur about the Audio Refinement Complete. It's exceptionally good for the money and better built than the others you listed. I've owned the Music Hall CD25 player and it was a wonderful piece of gear but don't have any experience with their amp.

I recently bought a used Creek 4330R for a friend's system and can highly recommend it or anything else from Creek, as well.

I did own a Cambridge Audio 540A integrated and while it sounded pretty good, it was not in the same class as either the Audio Refinement or the Creek. I would buy one of the latest Rotel integrateds before I would buy another Cambridge. All the ones you're considering and that have been suggested should work fine.