Hi,
My system currently consists of:-
Garrard DD455 (TT)
Marantz CD-75 MkII
Marantz SD255 (Cass.)
Yamaha AVX-700
Realistic 'MACH TWO' (Fronts)
Tannoy Sixties (Rears)
Unknown Centre.

Obviosly this is a home-cinema rig, but I wish to make it more of a music rig. I inherited this system and would like to upgrade to a Naim system but cannot afford to go the whole hog at first. Does anyone have an opinion on any of this kit and any reconmendations as what to upgrade first.

Thanks.

________________________
mef100@ecs.soton.ac.uk
'The Farce is stong with this one'

Tarkin

Do I not remember you said you "didn't care" what your system sounded like??

OK - so if your serious... I see you are a computer science undergraduate. Right. You will be familiar with GIGO. Source first. As I know b****r all about TT's I'll head for the CD player. I'm sure one of the vinyl bretheren will be right behind me.

1) If you like the Naim sound, check out loot and dealer chains online 'specials' for a 2nd hand CD player. CD3, 3.5 - cheapest from about 400 quid upwards.

2) Check out some other gear. If you are just comparing your mates Naim gear Vs your Marantz - look further. Most of us hear think Naim kicks ass and all else is for the birds. Make sure you agree before spending beer tokens.

3) How is your gear stuck together - both supported and wires. A few pounds (say 30 quid per interconnect pair and maybe the same on 'speaker cable) can make a huge difference. You can get this stuff to try from a good dealer. Who can also dem other gear for you. Move the stuff about and make sure power cables and signal cable don't mix.

4) Have a beer or three before listening.

5) Play it LOUD. Additional rhythm can be found by neibooughs banging on the walls.

Although a newly reformed source first nazi - I have never heard of your 'speakers. Or anything like them. Ever. This is not a good sign. Try plugging in your mates with your system - or other peoples.

Longer term - graduate, get a job, replace everything.

Jonathan

The 2nd best bargain on the planet is a Naim 32-5 (100-200 pounds), third is 42-(should be less than that), fourth is a Snaps(100 pounds or less). Try to assemble these with a 110 or 140 via Loot or a shop for less than 300 pounds.

For source, you may be able to make it with the Marantz deck (not familiar with it at all). For a cheap upgrade, a Rotel or NAD might work, or a used Rega Planet. CD3s also seem to be quite cheap in the UK.

Your other option is to make lp your primary source, as a Rega P3 or tweaked used Thorens, or used Systemdeck, Heybrook, will wipe the floor with a budget cd player. LP12s can be had for 350 or 400 pounds, which is THE best bargain on the planet.

For speakers, stay with cheaper ones until all of the above is accomplished.

--Eri

Try this:

The Garrard was a disgusting plastic insult to vinyl unleashed onto the market when the original Garrard went bust and was bought by Brazilian assett stripers - BIN IT NOW!

Most of the Realistic speakers are almost as bad as the TT - so bin them too.

The Tannoys sound like the six-sided creations from the early 90's - not brilliant but capable so keep them as you main front speakers for now.

Scour the classifieds for the best Naim CD player you can afford and buy yourself a used Rega Planar 3 TT. Treat the deck to a Denon DL110 cartridge (£70).

A used Nait 2 or 3 would be my final recommendation.

This will make an excellent starter system.

If cash is really tight, substitute a Rega CD player and amp.
Don't worry about the cables too much at this level. Two lengths of cheap, unbranded 79 strand speaker cable (min 5m) will be ok, as will the supplied interconnect. You can always upgrade later.

Happy hunting

Rob.