Upgrade Path

[George Hincapie]

System as per sig. In terms of bang for buck, what to upgrade next? I do have plans to replace the CD63 with a Cambridge CXC (because I am such a Fretless Groupie) and am also considering adding a Brennan B2. Next step I think should be to replace the A40s with A80s.

Thoughts?

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

Regarding NVA the most cost effective, or that horrible expression "bang for buck" is LS5 to LS6. Then power amps.

[Quarknosis]

I was looking at the possibility of getting a Cambridge CXC as well but during my research I realised that the last couple of generations of Cambridge CD players also use the S3 servo that the CXC does so I am going to try one of those, with and without the Caiman mkii. It should be an interesting comparison.

As an alternative to the Brennan I would suggest the Cocktail/Nova Fidelity products. I have used the X30 and think sounds great. The X40 is supposed to be an improved standalone NAS/player/streaming type device without the internal amp that the X30 has. These do seem to be more expensive than the Brennan though and I can't comment on the SQ of the Brennan either as I haven't heard it.

What about upgrading the LS5s to LS6. I am considering upgrading my own speaker cables and trying to decide whether to go directly for LS6 or try the LS5 first. Could that be a better route than upgrading the amps? (Doc got his reply in before me)

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

Through to LS6 there are jumps in musical quality and amount no matter what level of nva equipment you use it with as you go up the range. TSCS (ex LS7) is a little different, at your level with A40's you will hardly hear much difference from LS6 but from A80/P90sa up to Statement amps the cable "finds" things in the music (and I don't only mean detail) that you hadn't a clue were there. Communication, and not just with you, but seeing it between the musicians, somehow the music just makes more sense.

[Fretless]

I have to say that the 'Jitterbugged' Pi / Hifiberry Digi+ now really trounces the Cambridge CXC on clarity and spaciousness. File-based audio gives an inherent stability to the data stream the best CD transports struggle to match.

I have never heard LS6 - but on matters NVA you can always trust the Doc to give the right advice. Should start to consider it myself (now that the pound is weakened, ha!).

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

C'mon you Europeans - Bargain time

[Sandman]

Think going up the range is irresistible and each step delivers more than you expect, having just moved from the A60 to the A80 Mk1 mono's I'm amazed at the size of the step this has delivered in what I'd say is in a 3D way if that makes sense. The presentation of favourite tracks is just lovely.

So be guided by the Doc, but any move will be a positive I'm sure.

[slinger]

That's what I love about the NVA ethic. Anyone else would have just tried to flog a pair of power amps, not recommended a speaker cable upgrade.

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

Don't tell us, tell those arsehole owners at TAS that they threw out the opportunity of the cream.

[George Hincapie]

Thanks guys.

I am going to start with my sources; I've had the CD63 for 25 years, so it is time for a replacement. Undecided on the Brennan or Cocktail, but will do some further research there.

Thanks for the cable recommendation Doc. I am going to go for the A80s any way, just a question of timing really.

Many Thanks.