Avantgarde UNO or TAD CR-1 or Accuphase?



I am thinking for some time now to upgrade my system bBut since I am not 100% sure which way to go, I thought it would be a good idea to start this thread and ask your opinions.

My system consists of Accuphase electronics (E-550 class A integrated, DP-500 cd player and the DG-38 voicing equalizer) and a pair of Focal Micro Be speakers complemented with a REL Stentor 3 subwoofer. I have a dedicated study/music room and I have spent a lot of time to maximize the performance of this system in this room, e.g. speaker placement, bass management and acoustic treatments to eliminate any echoes at my listening position. For more details about my system (e.g. cables, mains, etc.) and room layout see below the link to my virtual system:

My Virtual System

These are my current options:

Option 1:
Since I am very happy with my speakers (MicroBe + Rel) and at the same time I am very found of Accuphase electronics, my first impulse is to move to an Accuphase pre-power combo, i.e. a C-2810 preamplifier and an A-45 (or A-60) class A power amp. This way I will keep the synery between Accuphase and Focal that I like so much, and do get a significant upgrade. If I play my cards right this will cost me 14-15k euros (for demo units that come with warranty) which is within my budget. The only negative thing I can see about this move is that it will inevitably lead to further upgrades like better speakers (e.g. Focal Diablo or Raidho C1.1) and/or a top Accuphase cd player (e.g. DP-700).

Option2:
Buy a pair of Avantgarde UNO speakers and keep my current electronics (maybe still keep my current speakers and switch from one pair to the other as mood strikes). I know my current electronics synergies very well with the UNOs as about two years ago I had a wonderful audition of the UNOs driven by Accuphase electronics that were very similar to main. This route is a few good thousands euros cheaper than option one. However, there is a chance that my room is too small for the UNOs. My room is 3.6 x 4.7 meters, i.e. 11.8 x 15.4 feeds, and I will be able to see at 2.9 meters, i.e. 9.5 feet, from the UNOs (see the scheme with the Avantgarde speakers on my system page - the last photo.)

Option 3:
Buy a pair of 2nd hand TAD CR-1 speakers. I have heard the TAD Evolution speakers this year at the Munich show and liked them very very much. The CR-1 are supposed to be much better than the Evolutions and also to synergies very well with Accuphase. This third option is a few good grands above my budget. Moreover, I have a few other concerns: 1) Will my E-550 integrated (30 class A watts in 8 ohms and doubling down till 2 ohms) be able to drive these speakers appropriately?, 2) What if the CR-1s will be too large for my room?, and 3) Paying so much money (a bit more than 20k euros) for a 2nd hand speaker with no warranty make me a bit uncomfortable.

Since I am in no hurry, I will take my time (i.e. try to get home auditions with the UNOs and the Accuphase pre-power combo) before taking a final decision. Of course, I do not expect to get a definitive answer for you guys (no two persons have the same ears, taste, preferences and listening habits), however, any thoughts and shared experience on the above components will be greatly appreciated.

I thank you in advance!
Paul
nvp

Showing 1 response by linkster

I think your room is too small for the TAD. If you like the Focal sound, you will be very happy with the Diablo Utopia.