Rega - More open sound needed

 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 16
Registered: Feb-08
Hi guys

Not been on here for a while, since you all helped me choose my current system. Very grateful for the help.

Ok, current system is

Cursa3 Maia3
Apollo CD Player
Totem Sttafs
Naim nac5 speaker cable
Chord Chorus interconnects

I have ben listening my system for the last 9 months or so and been loving it. I know want to move it on a stage and get the last 5% out of it.

I am finding the sound a little closed in at times and unemotional/ lively i.e. gladiator battle track. I have spoken to a few local hifi shops and they suggest chaging the Sttafs to a speak that is more open and easier to drive. The suggestion is that the Sttafs are a little closed in their presentation and a bit slow. I could also go for the r5s or r7s but not sure if thats a backwards move??? I must say the Sttafs are nice and I like the blance of the sound although the bass can dominate a bit and be ponderous at times. Its almost like I want the same spaker but more open an lively with a bigger soundstage and more controlled bass.

Other options that spring to mind are to change the source for the Saturn, or 2xExons? This would also improve things but may still leave me with the closed in sound from the Totems.

Any advice would be appreciated before I start on the long winter demoing session!!

Cheers
 

Gold Member
Username: Frank_abela

Berkshire UK

Post Number: 3286
Registered: Sep-04
Hi Shari,

Difficult one this!

All the suggestions you mention make sense. Improving the source with a Saturn (or competitor) should make a big difference in pace and timing. Replacing the Sttafs with something else (Hawks come to mind actually) will change the sound dramatically since the speakers are the ultimate voice (if not the control).

I must admit to not being a big Sttaf fan so I can see where the dealers are coming from. However, if you improved the speakers, I am concerned you may just end up revealing the shortcomings on the source front because of the relatively back-heavy system you would have built.

I would not expect Exxons to make a dramatic improvement to the system.

I'm more inclined to improve the front end actually. Generally speaking you've been loving the system as it is. This says that you like the voice of the Sttafs. Some extra grip, control and pace is in order and the best place to effect that is in the source department. Consider the Saturn, Naim CD5X and Bryston BCD-1 as the most likely candidates in this system.

Leftfield suggestion. Get a dealer to lend you some Chord Anthem2. You could be surprised...
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 2049
Registered: Jun-07
I don't seem to have a problem with my Apollo sounding closed in at all. Wierd. This is just me of course, and any of the sources Frank mentioned would definitely be an improvement either way.

I have never heard the Sttafs personally, but could the boomy sound be caused by the room? I am guessing you have played with speaker placement, and room dampening already?
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 1646
Registered: Feb-07
"...Sttafs to a speak that is more open and easier to drive..."

Hmmmm, your Rega gear has more than enough oomph to drive the Sttafs. As for them being slow or ponderous, how close to the wall and/or corners are they?

Mine are about 3 feet from the back wall and are neutral and responsive.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 18
Registered: Feb-08
Hi guys and thanks for the comments.

I should probably add at this point that there is nothing wrong with the system I have and I am being very hyper critical in my comments regarding the system.

Most people would be more than happy with the sound as am I, but just want to get that last 5 or so percent out of the components.

The Sttafs are placed about 2ft from the rear wall and 3ft from the sides. This is about the most I can get away with without the Mrs doing her nut.

I suppose what I am asking, on reflection, is given the components I have what change, if any, would need to be made to get them all t work at their maximum potential.

My view on this is that its either the source or the speakers at this point, but I it may be nothing.

All the best
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 2051
Registered: Jun-07
What kind of music are you listening to. Any decent system will reveal how closed in and compressed most hard rock/metal albums are. I am sure this is not the case, but just throwing it out there.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 19
Registered: Feb-08
I listen to all sorts. Dance sounds great and well recorded rock. Its the classical I have most problems with. Some of it is quite dramatic and you don't get that sense from it. Recording quality varies of course but the Gladiator soundtrack especially seems to get half there but not quite.

As Frank says, maybe changing the source will improve things
 

Gold Member
Username: Frank_abela

Berkshire UK

Post Number: 3290
Registered: Sep-04
Shari,

That's interesting. Classical is probably Rega's weakest music genre. Rega's presentation is relatively small, very well contained and cohesive but still relatively small. By its nature, classical music has a big presentation (unless you're talking chamber orchestras which should sound great on the Rega), expansive with dramatic scale. This isn't the kind of thing that comes naturally to the Rega presentation. It is a strength of the Totem speakers however, which have the ability to project scale from small boxes.

I must say I'm not sure what I'd do in this situation. Most of what you play is great with one genre being let down. You could increase the scale and drama by changing the CD player (that's the weakest link in the chain anyway). You could go to the Saturn which does add to the drama and scale on top of the good things of the Apollo, while remaining a Rega in fundamental presentation, bthere are others (mentioned earlier) which may give you a slightly different presentation that suits all the genres you wish to play.

Incidentally, what kind of rack do you have your system on? This does make a difference...
 

Silver Member
Username: Lamcam

Orange County, CA USA

Post Number: 140
Registered: Nov-07
If you like the sound but want to get a little more, my thinking that changing the cables might get what you are looking for. You can try Analysis Plus, Van den hul, Kimber,...If you don't like them, you can resell them on AG.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 20
Registered: Feb-08
Hi Frank

I have the system on an Apollo glass rack with wood legs. The equipment is then on granite slabs with rubber feet.

Speakers are on granite slabs also as the spikes have a hard time getting into the carpet.

It is interesting what you say about classical being Rega's weak point as I did not know that. Its reassuring in a way as it puts things into perspective and reassures me that I am not mad.

Changing from Chameleon Silver Plus to the Chorus made a huge difference, so it could be using the Anthem2 for the apollo makes that jump again. Its definately alot better with the Chorus but the temptation is to turn the screw one more turn to make all the genres strong. That or change the whole kit!!!! (oh no....not again!!)
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 21
Registered: Feb-08
Ioc

Yep, I like the sound of the Chord cables so could go one notch up gain and see what happens. IMO nothing is going to beat the Naim nac5 speaker cable with the Rega
 

Gold Member
Username: Frank_abela

Berkshire UK

Post Number: 3293
Registered: Sep-04
Do you have original or current Chorus? Original Chorus was a twisted pair underneath an external sheath, and quite flexible. Current Chorus is very different. It has none of the twists and underneath it's a microwave transmission cable, very stiff (can't really bend it easily).

The earlier cable had a lot of weight and clarity but could be a touch slow. The weight really helped the Rega give a bit more drama and scale which is why it worked so well. The later cable is leaner but allows through more resolution. I'm not 100% convinced that going to Anthem 2 (which also uses microwave cable) is necessarily the right solution here. I think you should try a few different CD players first if possible.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 2053
Registered: Jun-07
If you want open,smooth,detailed, and dramatic in a CDP. Have a listen to the Bryston CDP. It is still the best I have heard. Expensive though. But hey, if you want that extra 5 percent you got to do what you got to do.lol. As far as keeping the synergy I would guess NAIM would be another good choice.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 22
Registered: Feb-08
I have the older Chorus as I have used it through all my systems and its really come up trumps everytime.

Yep, I think new CD player could be on the cards. The Mrs won't even know I have changed it......maybe!!!! LOL!
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 192
Registered: Aug-04
I can tell you that a tube pre amp such as the Vincent SA-T1 or PrimaLuna ProLogue Three Preamplifier; will warm up the sound and make it more emotionally involving.

I have both the Rega Apollo and Saturn, with the Butler TDB 2250, in that system. I use Cobalt Cables (interconnects and speaker wire) as well as Cobalt power chords.

But that's in my system and my Wharfedale Opus 2 speakers may be the wild card that pulls it all together, there.

Don't know how that would work with your gear combo and cables. But it may be worth auditioning a tube pre amp in your system. See if a dealer will let you take one home or if you have a friend who can lend you one.

The new production Mullard 12AX7 tubes are pretty nice and sweet. May help your system.

Just my two cents.
 

Silver Member
Username: Magfan

USA

Post Number: 359
Registered: Oct-07
Have you given some thought to treating or otherwise changing the listening space?
Nothing drastic or that would cause the wife to go nuts.
The kind of 5% change you are seeking can easily be found in small room improvements.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 23
Registered: Feb-08
Going to have a try with the room at the weekend. Probably try and pull the speakers out a we bit more.

Thanks for the suggestion
 

Bronze Member
Username: Smwick

B.C Canada

Post Number: 49
Registered: Dec-07
Shari, have you tried mass loading your Sttaf's? I put about 8lbs of silica sand in each one of my Sttaf's as well as setting them on marble tiles with out the spikes. Made a difference for me.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 24
Registered: Feb-08
Hi Steve

Yes mine are mass loaded, but could try some more sand. They are on granite slabs but not tried without the spike.

I will have a go

Cheers
 

New member
Username: The_mofo

Post Number: 1
Registered: Oct-08
Consider changing your speakers if money is not an object.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 1653
Registered: Feb-07
Will Smith? Welcome! I loved I am Legend. Hancock I heard wasn't very good, though.

Just kidding.

Why consider changing her speakers?
 

Bronze Member
Username: Smwick

B.C Canada

Post Number: 50
Registered: Dec-07
Shari, after I took out the spikes I replaced them with little rubber bumpers because of the metal insert left behind. I didn't want them vibrating on the marble tiles. In my room with this speaker set up, the Totems sound very detailed and open with good bass. Also, I haven't received my Mira 3 yet so I'm still driving every thing with the HK AVR 445. I can't wait to replace the HK with the Mira 3.
 

Gold Member
Username: Frank_abela

Berkshire UK

Post Number: 3297
Registered: Sep-04
Two options there actually. Either decouple using ruibber feet or couple strongly using blutac. YMMV
 

New member
Username: The_mofo

Post Number: 3
Registered: Oct-08
Simple. Front end is outstanding. Totems suck IMO.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Smwick

B.C Canada

Post Number: 51
Registered: Dec-07
Will, why do Totem's "suck"? Maybe a little harsh choice of words don't you think.
 

Silver Member
Username: Soundgame

Richmond Hill Toronto ..., Ontario Canada

Post Number: 252
Registered: Jun-08
Yeah, Will, share your thoughts. Can you substantiate it.

I've been looking into a pair of speakers for my 2ch and heard the Sttafs. With the right power they sound very good in my opinion. Is your opinion based on the fact that they can at some times be finicky with placement and setup?
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 1655
Registered: Feb-07
We're going to need a bit more elucidation than just "they suck". Why do you think they suck?
 

Silver Member
Username: Soundgame

Richmond Hill Toronto ..., Ontario Canada

Post Number: 253
Registered: Jun-08
Nice word David. I had to look that one up in the dictionary just to be sure.

Will, you'z gots some splanin to do.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 1656
Registered: Feb-07
LOL... I'm a dork. I used to read the dictionary for fun.
 

Gold Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 7963
Registered: Feb-05
Me too David...you ain't alone...
 

Gold Member
Username: Stu_pitt

Irvington, New York USA

Post Number: 3079
Registered: May-05
"If a word in the dictonary was misspelled, how would we know?"

-Steven Wright
 

Gold Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 7964
Registered: Feb-05
?
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 11039
Registered: Dec-04
Things that make you go...hmmm....
 

Silver Member
Username: Jaw

Post Number: 221
Registered: Mar-06
reciever.

how do you spell orderve?
 

Gold Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 7966
Registered: Feb-05
Isn't there a horse in that...?
 

Bronze Member
Username: Dudywoxer

ScunthorpeUK

Post Number: 69
Registered: Mar-06
I would have a word with a dealer and try and get a pair of exon on home dem. They are not just a beefed up maia. It could be that the extra authority and power they have it what is needed to push the speakers into behaving as you want. I was surprised at they change when I moved to Exon.

If that does not work, then its look at speakers, some will push out more scale and drama than the totem's. Just keep in mind that you may get that sense of drama and space of classical stuff and find that Jazz has lost some of its edge, and vocal presentation/presence have gone down a tad.

All Hi-Fi has compromises, the trick is finding the one that meets your needs.

Have a listen to some Neats and spendors hung on the end of Rega boxes. Two very different sounds emerge.
 

New member
Username: The_mofo

Post Number: 4
Registered: Oct-08
Totems generally suffer from an under developed bass response and a cloudy midrange. High end is soft but sweet. Is that sufficient elucidation? As a self-proclaimed "goldenear" I would have thought you had figured that out for yourself.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 25
Registered: Feb-08
So what would you recommend in terms of speakers seeing as you know so much??
 

Bronze Member
Username: Smwick

B.C Canada

Post Number: 52
Registered: Dec-07
Will, have you ever hear a Totem speaker? Because when I hear you say Totems have under developed bass and cloudy midrange, it leads me to believe you have no idea what you are talking about and have never heard a Totem speaker. Or maybe that "golden ear" isn't so golden.

Shari, do your self a favor and don't ask Will for any more advice.
 

Gold Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 7992
Registered: Feb-05
I agree with Steve relative to Totem.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 26
Registered: Feb-08
Hi Steve

I was being ironic as my Totems bass is just about right and the mid band is very good and treble is fantastic.

Now the Chord Chorus have had time to bed in, the system sound a hell of alot better. Its just the classical music that is not as good as the other genres, but then its all relative.

Like I said at the beginning its the last 5% I want and I think I have found at least a couple with the change in interconnects and will probably find the remainder with a CD player change.

I thank all those that have given me positive advice and its always great to get good advice from fellow hifi lovers
 

New member
Username: The_mofo

Post Number: 5
Registered: Oct-08
To each his/her own. If you like your Totems, it shouldn't matter what anyone in this forum thinks. I have heard every model and I don't like them. Maybe acceptable for classical but definitely not for jazz. You guys can scream and call names all you want. I have noticed that is your modus operandi when you disagree with a post. Won't make me like Totems any more.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 27
Registered: Feb-08
Hi Will

I understand your view and you are right everyone has their own taste, but to dismiss a product without offering any alternative suggestions is not very positive.

Its not a competition and people come on here for positive advise, not just to have their kit rubbished.

So being positive.......what would your other options be, or are you just going to be provocative for the sake of it?
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 1670
Registered: Feb-07
"You guys can scream and call names all you want."

Who's screaming and calling names?

It's obvious you don't like Totems Will. What would you recommend instead?
 

Bronze Member
Username: Smwick

B.C Canada

Post Number: 53
Registered: Dec-07
I also understand we all have our own likes and dislikes about a product, but to say Totem speakers have under developed bass is a factual statement. The fact is Totems develop a lot of bass, whether you like that or not, that is your prerogative. So Will, with comments like that, you lack credibility on this forum.
 

Gold Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 7995
Registered: Feb-05
So Dale why don't you like Totem speakers? You do know that the guy who is behind Totem is a jazz lover and designs with jazz in mind right?

Doesn't matter though we all have preferences. I like Rega speakers and Frank does not...I like Totem's and you do not...I don't like Focal's and a lot of people do...it's all relative to each of our frame's of reference I suppose.
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 195
Registered: Aug-04
Will, He Is Legend

 

Silver Member
Username: Funkmeister

Post Number: 103
Registered: Nov-07
I agree with Will.
 

Gold Member
Username: Stu_pitt

Irvington, New York USA

Post Number: 3083
Registered: May-05
Agreeing with yourself again. Very nice.
 

New member
Username: The_mofo

Post Number: 6
Registered: Oct-08
Like I said, Totems bass output is limited. Obviously you guys like that. Some people like Bose. But they suck also.
 

Silver Member
Username: Soundgame

Richmond Hill Toronto ..., Ontario Canada

Post Number: 265
Registered: Jun-08
Will, if you have any knowledge about audio then you know that Totem and Bose are not comparables. If on the other hand you are a bass junkie then I agree that some of the Totem models may not be to your liking but that would not be all. There are always sacrifices and the Totems seem to do what they are designed to do well - that they suck - well maybe that might be in your opinion but what are you comparing them to, is the question?
 

Bronze Member
Username: Smwick

B.C Canada

Post Number: 54
Registered: Dec-07
Totem Sttaf frequency response: <39Hz to 22kHz. Yeah real limited. When I heard these speakers in the store they had maybe half the bass extention that they have in my house. Proper placement and environment are important. Had a friend from work over the other night and he wanted to know where the sub was hiding. He was amazed at the bass extension.

"Like I said, Totems bass output is limited. Obviously you guys like that. Some people like Bose. But they suck also."

Will, there is another comment which lacks credibility. I think what's "obvious" is that you have no idea what what hell you are talking about. Take your BS else where.}
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 2065
Registered: Jun-07
Is that Wiley stirring up trouble again?
 

Gold Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 8004
Registered: Feb-05
Dale (Will and Jimmy are Dale Wiley as was his original name here) it sounds like you've never heard properly setup Totem speakers. Give it a try and you will find the bass response more than adequate.
 

New member
Username: The_mofo

Post Number: 7
Registered: Oct-08
"Totem Sttaf frequency response: <39Hz to 22kHz" Steve
Proves my point in that low range is 39 not 20. Further, that depending on set up, bass extension sucks.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Smwick

B.C Canada

Post Number: 56
Registered: Dec-07
"proves my point that low range is 39 not 20"

????

I give up. I'm done with this clown.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 28
Registered: Feb-08
Come on Will be positive, you know you want to!!
 

New member
Username: The_mofo

Post Number: 8
Registered: Oct-08
"proves my point that low range is 39 not 20"

????

I give up. I'm done with this clown." Steve

Guess Steve doesn't realize that 20-20,000 is the theoretical limit of human hearing and speakers are frequently judged on how close they come to that limit. And he calls me a clown? Looks like the joke is on him.
 

Silver Member
Username: Funkmeister

Post Number: 105
Registered: Nov-07
Come on give the guy a break. He's from Canada. They hear differently up there.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 29
Registered: Feb-08
Will, we are still waiting for a suitable alternative!?
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 1674
Registered: Feb-07
So far Will has said that this sucks and that sucks, but has not offered any sort of suitable alternative.

Will, your negativity is not helping Shari and it's certainly not helping your credibility.

So what gives? What speakers do you like?
 

New member
Username: The_mofo

Post Number: 9
Registered: Oct-08
As you have pointed out, I have no credibility so why would I waste your time with recommendations. My advice is simple: audition and then decide.
 

Silver Member
Username: Soundgame

Richmond Hill Toronto ..., Ontario Canada

Post Number: 266
Registered: Jun-08
Will Smith - you're giving us Canadians a bad name. Will must be one of the rare one's that lives in igloos and needs sub-sonic bass to hear through his frozen ears.
Seriously Will - name some speakers that are reasonably affordable like the Sttafs that provide an anechoic 20 - 20,000 freq. response?
 

Silver Member
Username: Funkmeister

Post Number: 106
Registered: Nov-07
Way to go Will. Makes perfect sense. That's why these guys find it difficult to comprehend.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 1675
Registered: Feb-07
"As you have pointed out, I have no credibility so why would I waste your time..."

Good point.

However, this hasn't stopped you from telling us all what "sucks".
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 30
Registered: Feb-08
It does make perfect sense yes, ands I do and will audition until I find the right combination that I like, but its good to have tried and tested opinions.

I am not sure Will actually knows what he likes so lets close this thread and do something more useful
 

Bronze Member
Username: Smwick

B.C Canada

Post Number: 57
Registered: Dec-07
I understand the 20Hz to 20kHz, but we are talking a small speaker with one 5.5" driver delivering as low as 39Hz. This speaker will deliver better bass response than a lot of larger speakers with multiple drivers. I don't expect a speaker without a subwoofer in it to extend to the 20Hz range. I can't believe I'm responding again.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 2067
Registered: Jun-07
Wiley's opinion sucks. HIS CDP sucks. His speakers suck. His amp sucks. His hearing sucks.

Wiley, you remind me of an over hyper 15 year old that just posts to get a rise out of people. You suck dumb dumb. You still didn't tell us what speakers you have??? Doesn't matter, your system sucks.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 2068
Registered: Jun-07
I had a 200 dollar crap sub from BestCrap years back that claimed it went down to 22hz range, and it was terrible. Slow, sloppy, non-realistic sound. Kinda like the words that come out of Wiley's mouth.
 

New member
Username: The_mofo

Post Number: 10
Registered: Oct-08
"However, this hasn't stopped you from telling us all what "sucks"'. Mitchell
For once, you are right. This moment should be recorded for posterity since it is unlikey to recur.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 1676
Registered: Feb-07
You're one funny guy, Smith.

At least I have guts enough to use my real name.
 

Bronze Member
Username: The_mofo

Post Number: 11
Registered: Oct-08
I'm sorry. IQ's must have taken a precipitous drop in this thread. Who is Wiley? Sounds like my kind of guy.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 1677
Registered: Feb-07
Don't be sorry. Just go away.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 31
Registered: Feb-08
OK to bring this thread back to reality....

This week (hopefully) going to demo some kit. I am going to keep the cursa/maia and demo

Rega R5 and R7 (not sure if R5 will be going backwards??)

ProAc Studio 140

Rega Saturn

I will try all the combo's including my speakers and see what sounds best. My new local dealer likes the ProAcs with the Rega, but there is a cheap pair of R7s going as well. Mind you may dominate the room a bit as its 6mx4m so not sure if they would be too big.

Now Will you can tell me all these "suck"!
 

Bronze Member
Username: The_mofo

Post Number: 12
Registered: Oct-08
"Don't be sorry. Just go away." Mitchell

NO CAN DO. TOO MUCH FUN. MUST ENLIGHTEN THE MASSES AND PROTECT FROM THE BULLSHEEIT.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 11055
Registered: Dec-04
Ignore Wiley guys. He gets bored and comes around now and then, he goes away when ignored.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Smwick

B.C Canada

Post Number: 58
Registered: Dec-07
Shari, looking forward to hearing your review of the R5 & R7 compared to Sttaf's. Also, comparing the Saturn to the Apollo should be fun.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 2069
Registered: Jun-07
I agree with Steve. Sounds like fun. Can't wait to hear your thoughts. I don't think the R5's would be taking a step back. Although I have not heard the Staffs, the R5's are a damn good speaker.
 

Gold Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 8005
Registered: Feb-05
The R5's are just different than the Totem's...it's a lateral move. The R7's are IMO a big step up. I just put my R5's back in the main system this weekend am blown away...like falling in love again. Tweaked the placement and they are just great for my needs...I really like Rega speakers but they really come from a different place than the the Totem's.

BTW I also had ProAc Studio series speakers...like them as well. Of the ones you've listed the R7's are my fav...happy listening and look forward to your impressions.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 32
Registered: Feb-08
Yes it should be interesting!!

The issue for me is whether the R7 will work in a 6mx4m room (I am down the long wall) and whether it will give me the fast, open, big and detailed sound I am after. IMHO the kit at the moment is not any of these things.

In the past I had the Cyrus 7 kit with pre, 2x power amps and PMC FB1s and that was a great sound, so trying to get somewhere near that.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 11059
Registered: Dec-04
Ummm...Shari, this is really a different kettle of fish as compared to your thread title, isn't it?

Just wondering.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 33
Registered: Feb-08
Indeed

I have been listening to the system critically over the last few days and wondering why I am not satisfied!!

I like the music clean crisp with scale and emotion, so maybe the Rega is not the kit for me?
 

Silver Member
Username: Hawkbilly

Nova Scotia Canada

Post Number: 367
Registered: Jul-07
"IQ's must have taken a precipitous drop in this thread."

What a giveaway.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 2071
Registered: Jun-07
I personally find the Rega gear Crisp and with toe tapping emotion, but in a small scale. Its a very packaged sound. It is not a 'big' sound Shari, which sounds like is your problem. The PMC speakers you had, now that's a big sound stage. Huge in fact.
 

Gold Member
Username: Stu_pitt

Irvington, New York USA

Post Number: 3084
Registered: May-05
Shari,

Take a look at Audio Physic speakers. They may be exactly what you're looking for. I was looking into PMCs and Totems when I came across Audio Physic. They're not a heavily advertised or reviewed speaker. When they're reviewed, they're highly praised. I think they're a lot more readily available in Europe (being German made) than they are here.
 

Gold Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 8008
Registered: Feb-05
Good suggestion Stu.
 

Gold Member
Username: Frank_abela

Berkshire UK

Post Number: 3309
Registered: Sep-04
The Apollo Cursa Maia will never give you the same sense of scale of your previous Cyrus kit. Of course, the Cyrus could never rock and roll like the Regas do, so that's the compromise...

You <i>can</i> get more scale from the Rega of course, but then you may lose some of that coherence and drive that you bought it for in the first place.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 34
Registered: Feb-08
Hi guys

Just thought I would update you on progress. After alot of thought and demoing, I have completely moved away from Rega as it just wasn't moving me in the way I wanted. In the end I picked up the following

Cyrus cd8x, psx-r, prevs2, 2x smartpowers.

I did couple origonally with PMC FB1+'s but have just changed to ProAc D15s which give me the scale and smoothness that I want without loosing the excitement and subtlety. At the moment the sytem runs on Chord Chorus and Rumor 4, but my Kimber 8TC and Crystal Cu arrive tomorrow which I am hoping will improve things even further.

I must say, its a major move away from Rega, but this system sound great.

Thanks for all the advice
 

Gold Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 8312
Registered: Feb-05
Sounds like you made a nice move for your taste. Congrats and enjoy!
 

Bronze Member
Username: The_mofo

Post Number: 22
Registered: Oct-08
I can understand that. Regas are greatly overrated.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 2124
Registered: Jun-07
They are absolutely NOT overrated. Rega make fantastic gear. The sound is a required taste just like every other brand in the Hi Fi industry. Cyrus also make very nice stuff. Congratulations on the new purchases Shari.
 

Silver Member
Username: Smwick

B.C Canada

Post Number: 112
Registered: Dec-07
Why are you people even acknowledging Will?????
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 11217
Registered: Dec-04
Hi Shari, I am not familiar with Cyrus at all, but I do like to hear from a happy listener. Well done!
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 1766
Registered: Feb-07
"Why are you people even acknowledging Will?????"

Because besides all the drivel he espouses on this forum he's actually a pretty good actor. Just watched "iRobot" the other day (in Blu-ray) and he was actually pretty good.

Keep up the good work Will. We're all fans.
 

Silver Member
Username: Smwick

B.C Canada

Post Number: 113
Registered: Dec-07
David, lol I have to agree.

Shari, congrats on the new system. Please give an update after you have spent some time with it.
 

Bronze Member
Username: The_mofo

Post Number: 23
Registered: Oct-08
"The sound is a required taste" Nick K

What an idiot.
 

Gold Member
Username: Frank_abela

Berkshire UK

Post Number: 3429
Registered: Sep-04
Shari, that is a major move away from the Rega indeed! I'm sure the coffers are empty at the moment but if you get the opportunity, the CD8x can be upgraded to the CD8SE (I hope you got the CD8x for a reasonable discount as that is now discontinued). The SE is a major update from Cyrus which greatly enhances the player's timing and pace so you could get a bit of that Rega excitement back by going down that route.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 35
Registered: Feb-08
Hi Frank

Yes got the CD8x for a very good price. I will upgrade eventually but Cyrus have just put their prices up for the upgrade to £588 which is a bit of a rich for me at the moment.

I am enjoying the Cyrus with the Proac D15s at the moment as they make the sound far more musical and less clinical. Just received the Kimber speaker cable in the post today, so its busy "burning in" at the moment (if you believe in that). Not sure about the Kimber interconnects though. They don't seem much different to my Chord Chorus. May send them back and go for some Missing Link cables instead as they supposed to be good.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 11220
Registered: Dec-04
Shari, I will be interestd to see how your cabling goes.
It seems to me that such a new kit should have a chance to grow on you and run through your collection before making choices like that.
But to each lad his own.

Listen to some music and ignore the cables, my friend.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Shari

Knebworth, Hertfordshire UK

Post Number: 36
Registered: Feb-08
Hi Nuck

You are right about getting used to the system.

I know Cyrus kit pretty well and know the sound I want, which I think I basically have. I needed new speaker cable as my Rumour is looking quite aold a tatty now and apparently the Kimber 8TC is a fairly neutral cable and suits Cyrus quite well. I have pretty good interconnects in the Chorus but thought I would try the Kimber ones. You get a 60 day trial period so its pretty risk free.
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