Sound Advice: Top-line speakers need an amp to match

Q: I am considering upgrading my Polk S50 speakers to the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacles. What would you recommend for amplification for $2,000, and would the TEAC PD-301-X CD player provide FM as well as CD playback with any amp I choose?

A: The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacles are some of the hottest speakers on the market and certainly are worthy of an amplifier to match. The Cambridge Audio CXA81 MKII is a class leader and perennial award-winner. For $1,199, it belongs on your shopping list. (cambridgeaudio.com)

I would also check out amplifiers from Advance Paris, a French manufacturer of premium audio equipment. They have expanded their presence in the United States, which I was glad to see because their amplifiers both look and sound beautiful. I’ve been most impressed with the Advance Paris A10 Classic, which incorporates a combination of vacuum tubes and solid-state circuitry for gorgeous sound with high power.

The A10 has two big blue meters next to the glowing tubes, which make it all a visual feast to behold. The price is $2,699. You also could look at the Advance Paris X-i75, which is $1,099 and has preamp outputs so you can use it with a separate amplifier if you need more power. (advanceparis.com)

For that separate amplifier, the Buckeye Amps Hypex NC502MP provides 350 watts per channel for only $695. It’s hard to beat in performance and power per dollar. (buckeyeamps.com)

No matter what amplifier you buy, you are correct that the TEAC PD-301-X will provide FM and CD playback for your system. (teacusa.com)

Q: Do you have any recommendations for a multi-disc CD player? I’ve been using a Yamaha CD-C600, but the CD tray motor is starting to go. I know a multi-disc player has its trade-offs, but I enjoy the convenience of being able to listen to multiple discs without having to repeatedly change them out.

A: You won’t hear me say anything bad about multi-disc CD players. I’ve owned and used them for years. I’ve tried many different makes and models and have developed a strong preference for Onkyo, beginning wit an Onkyo multi-disc DVD player I had in the late 1990s. The brand always has done an exceptional job with digital sound from receivers and disc players. I love the big, informative displays, and I’ve never had one go bad on me.

I currently have an Onkyo DX-C390 and Integra CDC-3.4. (Integra is Onkyo’s high-end brand.) Both are currently available, with the Onkyo at $349 and the Integra at $400. I love the looks and design of the Integra, and the digital specs are superior, even if there probably isn’t much, if any, sonic difference between them. I’d probably spend the extra $51 to get the CDC-3.4. You also can get a refurbished CDC-3.4 from accessories4less.com for only $249.

I sold the first CDC-3.4 I owned to get money for a new amplifier, and I regretted it almost instantly. I always wanted to get another one, and a few years later I came across one in a thrift store. It was only $6, so I took it to checkout hoping it would work when I got it home. They told me it was half-price electronics day, so I paid only $3 for it. It worked perfectly! I still have and enjoy it.

Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.