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Amp upgrade recommendations please

1964meb

1964meb

pfm Member
Hi Fish

A colleague has just upgraded from an RP1 to a a new rega planar 3, a £200 marantz amp and Dali Zensor bookshelf speakers

They wish to upgrade - I think Second hand gives the best bang for buck


I have suggested jumping to the £1k-£1.5k level rather than to a Rega Brio.


I have heard a Roksan K3 and think it is excellent.


What are you learned thoughts please?


Many thanks


Mike
 
The Roksan house sound is a little bright, also I think the Dali Zenzor is where the budget should be spent, as these are probably the weak link in this system.

Getting a pair of second-hand standmounts will transform the system vs. changing the amp.

A pair of Amphion Argon 3S are £2k new, so could be had for £1k to £1.5k s/h, and would be a massive upgrade.
 
 
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My learned thought is that some idea of overall budget would be very useful if advice is to be meaningful. But I’d also say don’t underestimate the baby Rega amp. For £600 or so, you’ll get a belter, and leave more money for speakers. And I think the Amphions are a good shout. Or, perhaps, something like the Spendor A series, according to budget.
 
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A second-hand Elex-R could probably be picked up for the same price as a new Brio, and would make a nice pairing for the P3 (as would the Brio though).
 
Thanks Arkless. I think my friend who is just discovering hifi and has a few pennies has early onset upgraditis. Hence the need for informed comments and advice. m
 
There’s a lovely Onix integrated amplifier in the classifieds here atm, the company itself is poo but it’s been completely refurbished and comes with MM & MC cards I believe.
I think it’s a bargain, check with Jez regarding servicing for added peace of mind (I think Tony Brady @ Exposure would be helpful also if you ran into trouble going forward) but it should be good for the foreseeable. If it checks out the change will leave a lot of scope for better speakers s/h.
 
Pioneer A27, Sony 770ES, JVC AX Z1010TN would all be good and kick a Brio into the weeds. All would be overkill in your system though - try some better speakers first. Some Tannoy Eatons or, if space allows, Cheviots, are a way of life if you like the sound.
 
Would not touch those Shahinian Arcs on eBay at that price, they are worth £600 to £700 tops and even then that is most likely too much.
 
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