Hi-Fi bookshelf speakers and amplifier - upgrade

[wiffmaster]

I'm currently running a set of B&W 602s through an old Technics amplifier, which puts out around 80w. It sounds pretty good for the money spent, but it's upgrade time. Looking to upgrade both the amp and speakers, but being a student, budget is not as high as I'd like.

I was looking to get a Cambridge Audio Azur 840a as the amplifier, as they seem well respected on the likes of AVForums and garnered generally complimentary reviews. Seems they can be picked up used for around £350. Any thoughts or alternatives for around the same money?

As for speakers - I've no idea what to replace the B&W 602s with. Space constraints at Uni mean floorstanders are probably a no-go. So, can anyone recommend a set of bookshelves which will give me a performance boost for around £350?

Source is fine and doesn't need an upgrade.

So, £350 for a used integrated amplifier and £350 for some used bookshelf speakers - where would your cash go?

Cheers!

[Saintjsmythe]

Stick with B&W and look at the updated 685's Excellent speaker for the money and will make the most of a decent amp. You will need to try the Azur with the speakers- unknown combo for me. What works very well with B&W is Rotel. They do the RA05 which is in your price range new.
But, I would go 2nd hand and buy a cyrus 8vs2 from ebay, as its just been replaced and there are some bargains to be had. Its an excellent £800 amp so at around £350-400 you won't need to upgarde for years and years.

[Dracoro]

For £400 you can probably get some Quad 11L speakers.

That's how much I paid back in 2003 (IIRC) and they're still current and still brilliant - powered but Arcam amp (and CD) in my case.

Edited by Dracoro on Sunday 17th January 21:09

[wiffmaster]

Thanks for the advice chaps - off to browse eBay and the AVForum classifieds!

[10 Pence Short]

They're not bad speakers to start with. I'd upgrade the amp and go from there.

As has been mentioned, a secondhand Cyrus 8 integrated is a good place to start, plus you can upgrade that with a PSX-R and power amps etc. as you go on.

[CRACKIE]

10 Pence Short said:

They're not bad speakers to start with. I'd upgrade the amp and go from there.

As has been mentioned, a secondhand Cyrus 8 integrated is a good place to start, plus you can upgrade that with a PSX-R and power amps etc. as you go on.

+1

If the total budget is ~ £700 I'd keep the B&Ws. You'll be able to get hold of a S/H Sugden A21a amp for that price ; maybe even an AVI Lab series integrated.

Edited by CRACKIE on Monday 18th January 10:45