Options to upgrade from Cambridge Integrated


I currently have a Camridge Audio 540A v2 integrated amp for our 2 channel setup. It is connected to some Altec bookshelf speakers. We will be moving to a new house soon and with some of the "freed up" equity I am looking at upgrading the speakers and possibly the amplifier. I don't have a huge budget but would like to have the upgrade be worthwhile. I am looking at Totem Arro, Vandersteen 2Ce's, B&W 603's etc. as possible speakers. The listening room will be mid sized and listening volume will be moderate. Classic Rock, Blues, Jazz are primary with a little Classical and Vocal as well. What are some possible options for a budget of $400-$600 (used/Audigon is fine)for the amplifier portion? My budget for speakers is $500-$1000. Source material is a Squeezebox and possibly audio in from TV, nothing else as we have a seperate home theatre setup already. Should I consider seperates or perhaps just a better integrated?
ruleof72

Showing 3 responses by ruleof72

OK Tobias, you have introduced another speaker into the mix. Now I'm going to have to listen to them, darn :)
Where can I get to listen to the Triangles. Any chance there is a dealer in the Atlanta area?

I will start listening within the next week or so. I agree that the size of the room will be better served with higher efficiency speakers, especially if I want to stay in my budget, at least for now. Post any other suggested ideas and I'll update everyone on my progress.
Thanks for all of the feedback. It has been very useful in helping me prioritize based on my budget/needs. I think, based on my budget, that I should focus on upgrading the speakers 1st then the amp. I have added the Monitor Audio Silver RS6 and Revel concerta F12 to my list of candidates. Now all I need to do is spend some time listening to them to narrow the field. Any other speakers I should consider in the same price range?

I won't make the final decision until we are in the new house which should be by the end of the year. After I have decided on the speakers I can look at the amp side of the system.
Ok, its been a few weeks but here's an update.

We have found a house and will be closing/moving in by Dec 1st or so. The issue now is that the listening room is much bigger (22x25 or so) and is a "great room" with two-story vaulted ceiling. Our listening preferences have not changed, just the room. My question is will the short list of speakers still work or not and what about the 60wpc Cambridge integrated? What would be some suggested options keeping the same budget in mind ($1000-$1500)