Let the buying commence.

[Fatbloke]

Been browsing for a short while, after she who must be obeyed decided we needed a better sound system (her words) :doh:

So, looking for something that will keep her happy I've started with speakers that will 'match the woodwork' :eek: I'll start with speakers, then amp - then we can use the blu ray for cds and wire the laptop in for the rest, for now.

So I bought these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151621704288?_trksid=p2057872.m2748.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Pics will come, once I actually have these in my possession. I'm hoping that these will sound as good as the KEFs I've heard in cars, otherwise I may have a problem. :scratch:

[struth]

Did swimbo want a better sound system or a a better looking sound system:eyebrows:

[Roy S]

Don't forget to ask for the biwire links when you pick them up :)

[Fatbloke]

Swimbo wanted louder :lol: she made the mistake of saying better where she meant more volume. :doh: So she'll get better than the boomy old thing and it'll go louder as it'll be cleaner.

Spending what she considers a lot on speakers is easier when she likes what she sees.

I'll see if I can get plugs and links. I never know my luck. :cool:

[Fatbloke]

I've been reading lots about these. As I expected from Kef there's lots of good things said about these but it seems they need to be run from either one monster on 2 good amps. The midbass can drop to 2Ohms which might do some amps some damage, plus they'll need some strong controlling power.

I intend to bung the rear ports, which should give more control to the bass but they can, apparently get boomy quickly.

So, if you're following this, should I have 2 amps and if so 2 equal ones to run vertically or more power for the midbass?

Budget won't stretch above 300 and I prefer a clean but smooth sound.

[struth]

Probably a valve amp would be the best option but as thats not on re budget then A big integrated. A Big Sony would be good. 100watt jobby should handle the speakers no bother.

Been watching this (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sony-TA-FB930R-QS-Range-Phono-Stage-Vintage-Integrated-Stereo-Amplifier-Remote-/261805182209?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cf4ce0d01)

[jandl100]

Amps - clean but smooth. You could do far worse than invest in something like a Topping TP60 - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOPPING-TP-60-2-80W-TA-2022-Class-T-Amp-Tripath-Stero-HiFi-Amplifier-Adapter-/191122263857?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c7fc64f31

Excellent clarity and control, top end is smooth - a bit too smooth for me, but may be just what you are after for a clean but unfatiguing sound.

For a somewhat more upfront and explicit presentation, an Amptastic Mini-1 would do a fine job, imo. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Amptastic-Mini-1-Hi-Fi-Amplifier-Tripath-T-amp-TA2020-Mini-T-BEST-IN-CLASS-/181695723470?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a4de8b7ce
-- single input on that, so you'd need a switch box or pre-amp of some sort if you have more than 1 source.

:)

[Macca]

Check out the XTZ amp being sold in the classifieds. That will drive those KEFs easy as it delivers plenty of current. It's at a giveaway price too.

[MikeMusic]

Oblique but true

Get the mains sorted first
Check earth and put in unswitched sockets

You will be able to bear it a lot louder

[Fatbloke]

Loud really isn't an option most of the time as there's a Tai Masseuse downstairs (you can't make it up:eyebrows: ).

Some long awaited pics:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/fatbloke_photos/20150408_231909_zpsrskbohmo.jpg

Not bad for less than £40

And the speakers:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/fatbloke_photos/20150408_231933_zps6jyjq4u2.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/fatbloke_photos/20150408_231954_zpsvictyeuh.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/fatbloke_photos/20150408_232031_zpstixtu4bl.jpg

If it wasn't for little fingers those covers would be history.

[Fatbloke]

I'm happy with the sound from the KEFs and the amp will do for now, however, the current source is a Sony BDP-S370 blu ray player. I need to start looking at improving the source. This means, initially I need a cd player that can provide detailed music that entertains. Budget will be around £200 but could expand slightly for something spectacular.

What's good?

[DSJR]

We had some Q7's on dem and I thought them very good. They LOVED being bi-amped though and we used the Rotel 970 integrated and matching power amp (please forgive my memory, I can't remember the exact models). If you were to stay with Arcam, ignore the Alpha 8 and 9 and go for the 10 with power amp at least (they do come up occasionally)..

[andrasszamek]

the marantz 6000 KI is a great CD player, my dad has one for quite a while now.

up for sale for free here.

http://rover.ebay.ch/rover/1/5222-53480-19255-0/1?mtid=824&ipn=psmain&kwid=902099&customid=21251578&kw=lg&icep_item=221742306106&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.ch%2Fitm%2F221742306106 %3Fclk_rvr_id%3D813850509144%26rmvSB%3Dtrue&icep_vectorid=229536&icep_ff3=2&campid=5337478673&pub=5575084939&cguid=edfbc70d13d0a5608762d122f40069ae

[Fatbloke]

I've heard mixed things about the CD63 SE KI but haven't looked at the 6000, I'll have a look. How would you say it stack up against, say, a Rega? I've been looking at this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/381219910148?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[andrasszamek]

i have not heard the rega unfortunately. i have left CDs behind quite a few years ago, never looked back. i do know that the 6000 KI sounds nice enough that my dad didnt change it in ten years since he has it, he did change everything else around it. if that helps. :)

[southall-1998]

I always did like the distinctive appearance from those KEF Q7's...Especially the ''racetrack'' shaped driver.

But never heard a pair sadly!

S.

[Fatbloke]

From the limited time I've spent with them, running of the Arcam and Sony Blu Ray as a source, they are very nice. The top end has detail and potential for more, the mid range has everything I'd expect and the bass is good enough that I don't even think about a sub.

However, the grills are awful, you might as well use a bath towel. The difference between on and off is night and day. I am not getting the levels of staging I'd expect nor quite the little details I was used to from the car setup. I think that's not necessarily down to the speakers but a better source and amp might bring some changes.

[Fatbloke]

All you guys suggesting a stable platter Pioneer were spot on. I've plugged in the one Vinylspinner sold and the difference is night and day. Given the Don't blu ray is rated by What Hifi for music reproduction the detail, stage and musicality have all jumped to a whole new level. Much closer to my expectations.

Happy bunny today....