How to upgrade my stereo system?

[visquare]

Greetings!
In ancient time (1990-92), as a student and a post-doc in USA, I had assembled a stereo system consisting of:

1. Audio Lab 8000A integrated amplifier
2. Sansui CD Player CD X301i
3. Nakamichi Cassette deck CR1A
4. Infinity Bookshelf speakers (Kappa).

I would like to upgrade this system over a period of an year or so. I need advise on:

1. Which component to upgrade first? My own inclination it to upgrade my intergrated amplifier: Audio Lab 8000, first.
2. What should I substitute it with - my budget is 25,000Rupees.

I live in New Delhi and listen mostly to Jazz and Western/Indian classical but more than occasionally listening to pop and rock.

Thanks
VV

 

[Anil kumar]

Hi, Audiolab 8000A Integrated Amplifier has earned an international reputation for it's exceptional sound quality, good design. this is a dedicated 2 channel amp. There is a good demand for 2 channel amps. May be you can upgrade on speakers, buy a good floor stander for improved performance. My friend uses Hafler amp bought in 1989 pours out exceptional sound.

Anil

Greetings!
In ancient time (1990-92), as a student and a post-doc in USA, I had assembled a stereo system consisting of:

1. Audio Lab 8000A integrated amplifier
2. Sansui CD Player CD X301i
3. Nakamichi Cassette deck CR1A
4. Infinity Bookshelf speakers (Kappa).

I would like to upgrade this system over a period of an year or so. I need advise on:

1. Which component to upgrade first? My own inclination it to upgrade my intergrated amplifier: Audio Lab 8000, first.
2. What should I substitute it with - my budget is 25,000Rupees.

I live in New Delhi and listen mostly to Jazz and Western/Indian classical but more than occasionally listening to pop and rock.

Thanks
VV

 

[VivekMansata]

Hi VV,

if you are buying speakers you can consider:

wharfedale diamonds 9.5
JBL e 60
quad 22l
sonodyne sonus 2106

these speakers are available between 25 to 30 k per pair.

Happy listening

 

[unleash_me]

VV...its a crime to dump the AudioLab. 8000A is a gem of an amp.

You can upgrade the Speakers followed desperately by the CDP.

Speakers: MA BR5 or Diamond 9.5
CD Player: Marantz CD6002 or CA 640c V2

All the best.

 

[Absolute Phase]

VV,

Dont dump your Audiolab amp, its a gem, give it a proper service and have all the connectors cleaned.

The biggest difference will always and always has been the source, hence spend your money on a better CD Player. This will make the maximum difference to your system, later attack the speakers and cables.

 

[visquare]

Thanks very much for the advise.

I will upgrade my CD player, unfortunately New Delhi is not the best place for buying audio equipments. Have not been able to listen to CA or marnatz CD player.
VV

 

[particleman]

Wow, sounds like you're a prime candidate for SACD given your listening tastes. You should audition the Marantz SA-4001 player. Price should be in the 30's. Unleash_me had also recommended a good SACD/CD player recently: Pioneer PD-D6 I believe in the low 20's. Perhaps the Delhi folks on here know of a Marantz / Pioneer dealer in your area.

 

[visquare]

Thanks again for the advise I got from all of you, I have upgraded my system by replacing my old CD player by Cambridge Audio 640C V2. It has improved the quality of sound immensely.
VV

 

[particleman]

Glad to know you found a satisfactory solution. Happy listening!