Next Upgrade to My Totem Arros Setup - Need Help



Hi,

I need your expert help in uprading my stereo set-up. I like my current set-up immensely, but also has the upgraditis to make it better by adding a CD Player and a Sub-Woofer to my system. But I can afford only 1 upgrade currently.

My System: Totem Arros, Primaluna Prologue 2, Signal Cable, old Sony DVD/CD Player.

My upgrade plan is to add a CD Player & Sub-Woofer.

CD Player Options: Rega Appollo, Naim CD5i, CA Azur 840C, Cairn fog V2 (not easily available), Simaudio Moon Equinox , Sony dvp-ns999es, any good tubed CDP (All Pre-Owned)

Sub-Woofer Options: REL Strata III, REL Storm III

So I need your help for the follwing questions:

1. Which change will make more positive impact on the sound system....CDP or Sub ? ( I will go with the second one few months down the lane ).

2. If CDP needs to be upgraded, what would you recommend between Naim, Rega, CA, Cairn Fog, sim and tubed cdps for my system (primaluna 2 and Arros) ? I like warm organic music with excellent vocals, instruments and strings with good BASS. Just want to remind again that I am using tube integrated (primaluna 2) for this same reason and planning to add REL Sub for the quality BASS.

3. Since I already have a tube integrated in the line, should I be looking for a CDP that delivers excellent PRAT and Bass like Nait CD5i / Simaudio (or) more warm presentation of Rega / CA (or) more warmer tubed cd players?

4. I read great reviews of 840C and it was being compared to Naim CD5i. I would like to know the system harmony of CA 840C with Primaluna 2 and Totem Arros for my listening preferences. Can you please comment ?

5. Since I would like to add more Quality BASS into the system by dialing-in REL, which of these CDPs make more sense ?

6. How does a modestly priced Sony dvp-ns999es (pre-owned) compete with the likes of Naim, Sim, Rega, etc ?

I will be eagerly awaiting your feedback for improving my 2 channel system. Thanking you all in advance

Mike
willmi

Showing 4 responses by willmi

Bdgregory,

Does SONY CDP/DVDp work with warm tubed integrateds like Primalula Prologue 2 ? I heard people saying SONYs sound cooler and may not work well if someone is looking for warm and sweet sounding mid-range and vocals.

Mike
Saki,

Can you let me know your system (CDP, Seakers, ICs, Spkr Wire) ?

I have not done any tube rolling yet. I would like to know more about your tube rolling experiments and observations. I was thinking of using Electroharmonix KT-88 and also some good EL-34s.

I do agree with the sub-woofers blending in a 2ch system...But several folks have done this successfully with REL subs for Arros system. So I am planning to do that as well.

Thanks
Mike
Bdgregory,

Thanks for clarifying my questions about sony CDPs. I have read the same about REL subs from many people.

I am surprised on a CDP forum, the only recommendation I got is Sony ES range. May be SONY ES range is that good and I was not completely unaware of them.

Saki: Can you please let me know your tube rolling experiments with Primaluna Prologue-2 ?

Thanks
Mike