Have your say & ask the experts

I currently have the pre-TAG Audiolab 8000CD, 8000S integrated amp, 8000SX power amp, Cable Talk Concert 2.1 speaker cable (the thick green hosepipe lookalike) and bi-amped floorstanding Mission 753s (non-metal tweeters).  These were bought around 10 years ago and I still like what I am hearing.  I guess some would describe the system sound as fairly "neutral".

I am planning to put in a second system in my study which is about 10 x 12 ft (3m x 4m approx), and toying with the idea of getting Cyrus Pre VS2, 8 Power, and either Spendor or PMC speakers which have received very good reviews and should partner Cyrus well.

My first question is whether the Cyrus/Spendor or PMC would produce a "similar" sound to my Audiolab/Mission, perhaps a tad leaner/brighter?

Second question is whether I should be looking at floorstanding speakers like Spendor A5 or PMC GB1i, or their standmount siblings like the SA1 and DB1i/TB1i on stands respectively.

Third question (sorry!) is whether I should go with Cyrus' own interconnects and speakers cables or can I do better with other makes for similar (or less money?).  If so, any recommendations?

Your opinions will hopefully give me a steer as to whether I am barking up the wrong tree, and what other system combinations I should include for the auidtioning shortlist?  Many thanks for your help and time.

PS... Sorry forgot to add that I will be using iTunes/lossless -> wireless N router -> Airport Express -> DACMagic/optical out as the source.

I know that What Hi Fi recommends Cyrus's own cables with Cyrus's equipment, so I would probably suggest to 'keep it all within the family'. I would not suggest a cheaper alternative, as your system is a fine one, and will deserve at least this level of cables.

I am personally interested in the Spendor A6 loudspeakers, but I have no idea how it will sound powered by my NAD M25 multi-channel Power Amplifier. Here in Perth, Western Australia, there are no Spendor retailers, so the only way to listen to a pair is to fork out all that money to get it delivered to my home and if I am not happy with them, I can get a full refund of them (at my cost for freight).

With a room that size I would be looking at bookshelf speakers, the PMC DB1i and Spendor SA1s both being excellent examples. I would also consider a sub at some point too, boosting the bass to suit the room and acoustics.

Other than that, go and have a listen! It would be worth adding the Musical Fidelity A5.5, Primare I30 and Naim Nait XS to the amps list too.

With any of the aforementioned kit you're going to find a lot more detail and focus.

 

Hi igglebert - would the amps you suggested also produce a fairly "neutral" sound like my existing setup? Thanks!

IMO Cyrus and Spendor are one of the best 'marriages' in hifi; theyre like toast and jam; just seem to go so well together!


I'd be on the same tracks is igglebert and aim for the Spendor standmount speakers on some good Super Dreadnought stands; as for the Cyrus amp, if you can afford it then yes; go for the pre and power but again, IMO, for that size room, i'd say the 8v2 integrated would suffice.


Can be bought in most places for £599 as well!!!! Hell of a lot of amp for the money!

AKL:

 

Hi igglebert - would the amps you suggested also produce a fairly "neutral" sound like my existing setup? Thanks!

I haven't heard them all so can't comment. The I30 was nice, your classic iron fist in a velvet glove. The A5.5 has a built in USB DAC and is reputed to be an extremely good amp; £1600 RRP but knowing MF, it'll be half that in a few months! Best thing to do is try some kit and see what you think.

My SA1s are certainly pretty damn neutral and incredibly revealing. When I got the Quad rebuild done my jaw was on the floor most of the time for the amount of detail You're going to have a lot of fun...

Thank you guys for your time and valuable opinion. 

Dan1979 - I am glad I am looking in the right direction with Cyrus/Spendor. I did have a few brief minutes listening to a Cyrus/Spendor set-up (barged in on someone else's audition ) and it sounded very good. I understand the 8VS2 is a very good amp but I have been using bi-amping for 10 years so will probably stay on same course.  I did notice a drop in sound quality when my power amp went for servicing and I only had the integrated amp for a few weeks.  Plus there are bound to be good deals with the Cyrus Pre VS2 now that the Pre XP is on its way....

Igglebert - I notice you have the SA1, I understand that they are sealed boxes - the Spendor website says they can be placed close to a wall, is that your experience too?

Sorry to keep asking questions!

 

AKL:

Igglebert - I notice you have the SA1, I understand that they are sealed boxes - the Spendor website says they can be placed close to a wall, is that your experience too?

Sorry to keep asking questions!

Please ask away, but there's no guarantee I can give you a useful response!

A key reason for buying the SA1s was that they're infinite baffle. My previous MA RS1s used to boom an awful lot when placed across the room corner I've been allocated for hifi I went to Sevenoaks to listen to the Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signatures with a view to getting something small that would pair with a sub. Sevenoaks had just got the SA1s in and left them in the room for me to try.

I thought that the Proacs were too bright and lightweight for me (don't get me wrong, they're still very good indeed). The SA1s not only sounded more balanced and smoother but also weightier, despite only going down to 65Hz -6dB. They'll go close to a wall or out into the room with only subtle changes in the mid and low bass.

Give them a listen but you might not like them, they don't seem to be to everyone's taste. I absolutely love mine, superb speakers.

Igglebert, thank you for the insight and helpful steer!

I just auditioned the spendor A5 vs PMC GB1is - freaky. I have fallen in love with the PMCs, so much sound for the money. Very impressive speakers. The A5s seemed very good, but ordinary by comparison.

Thank you Roboc, the GB1i is definitely on my short list, I am hoping to demo them + the Spendor SA1 and A5 together in a listening room no much bigger than my study so I can gauge whether I should go with standmount or floorstander and hear the difference between them as I like a neutral sound.  Will have to wait until possibly next week for the demo. 

In the meantime, can you tell me what system you used to demo the A5 and GB1i?  And how big was the listening room?  Did you have any issues with booming bass if the speakers were close to the wall/corner? Many thanks!