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Recommendation: great floorstander & amp $3K ea

Here's my current setup:

Integrated: Creek 5350se
Loudspeakers: Totem Arro
Analog: Roksan Radius 5
CD Player/Digital: Rotel RCD-1072
Digital: Apple Air Tunes

Here's what I would like to do:

Create two systems around a new integrated amplifier and new loudspeakers. The constants are the Creek 5350se and the Totem Arros, but they can be broken up--i.e. the Creek can be moved to power different loudspeakers with the new integrated powering the Totem Arros.

I have to admit that my source is typically: 60% Apple Lossless streamed; 30 % vinyl; and 10% CD. I would prefer to upgrade source kit later (I recognize that the Rotel and Airtunes might not be ideal quality levels), but I would presume the Roksan Radius 5 is nothing to scoff at.

My musical tastes run the gamut, with the following breakdown: jazz/vocal 30%; adult rock/pop 30%; classic rock 15%; classical 15%; blues/folk 10%. With my wife, I will listen to alot of Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Harry Connick, Keb Mo, Mumford & Sons, Of Monsters & Men, Motown, and pop. Alone I will listen to a bunch of the previous but more weight on jazz, classic rock, blues, and artier offerings--Tom Waits, Pascal Rogue, etc.

My main dislikes in a system are harshness, clipping, poor imaging, flubby bass (I don't need a ton of bass, but hope to have what I get add to the sound, not detract).

What I am considering:

I was considering some of the following:

--Maybe going into a used tube amp--e.g. Cary or something.
--Maybe going Simaudio Moon integrated.
--Maybe going Luxman L505u (used) as integrated.
--Maybe going Krell 300i as integrated.
--Maybe going Focal Electra 1027 s.
--Maybe moving into other Totem loudspeakers.

I know that so much is subjective in all of this and I am not a real audiophile. I was looking for folks to steer me into recommendations.

So this is your opportunity to be OPINIONATED! I simply do not have the time to audition a ton. I can make an educated purchase and hope for the best. If it doesn't work to my liking there is always trade in or selling kit on audiogon so I'm not too worried.

Please offer me your suggestions and recommendations. I'm pretty open on moving the above kit that I have around and I'm open to making additional purchases over time--buying another turntable or a DAC or whatever.

Thanks to all in advance for your time, knowledge and helping the community on audiogon!

--Jamey
jbhiller
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,352 posts
 
I own two of the integrated brands you're considering, a Cary SLI-80 F1 and a Simaudio Moon I-5 LE. I'm completely happy with both, I haven't been tempted by anything else in a long time and that's a testament to how much I like them since I've owned a lot of other gear over the last few years.

I use both with a pair of Devore Fidelity Super 8's and, as with the integrateds, those are the speakers I've settled on for awhile after having gone through several Proac models, Merlin TSMs and a pair of Thiels.

The piece of equipment I think ties the whole system together well is a Simaudio 300D DAC. It does a good job with every source, even music streamed from MOG or Apple Lossless files streamed through an Airport Express.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
464 posts
 
@ Sfar

That is great information. I like that you feel so strongly about both your Cary and the Simaudio. I'm going to research the Devore loudspeakers you finally settled on. The Proac models were on my shortlist so I think your experience could be of benefit. I will definitely check out that DAC as well.

Thank you very much.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Jbhiller,

Reading your post, I can't help but think you may have some type of issue with your system. I've owned both the Rotel and the 5350 an have used them both together. When you state issues like harshness, clipping, poor imaging and flubby bass, I can only say that they didn't sound like that in my system. I'm not too familiar with your speakers but I would be surprised if they were at fault, as well. As a matter of fact, I was so impressed with the 1072, I put it next to my old Wadia 850 ($5000) and thought it was a toss up. I loved the Creek also. I would recommend or buy either one of those components again without a second thought.

This all leads me to ask; are you sure that there is nothing wrong with your current system? Since you only listen to CD 10% of the time, maybe you should go through your system again and make sure that there's nothing wrong. The one thing that stands out, to me, is using your computer as a source. I know a lot of people are getting great results with PC audio but its still pretty new. Maybe there's an issue with it. I hate to see people accidentally get rid of good components. I've made the mistake several times myself.
thankful
181 posts
 
For speakers I suggest considering the Von Schweikert VR-22's. They are an absolute bargain at their price point and would work well with the integrated you choose.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
464 posts
 
@ZD542,

I think that I could have been clearer. I do not have any issue with the Creek or Rotel--I was just stating my main dislikes in "a system" so folks could give recommendations.

The Creek 5350se is fantastic. I wish it had a little more power for the thirsty Totmes (87db sensitivity). I have not compared by A-B the Rotel 1072 CD to much else, but I can say that it is a very nice unit. The DAC must be decent.
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