The way-ay-ting is the har-dest part!

[Joe Schmoe]

I have ordered some new speakers (Cambridge Audio S30s), and waiting for them to arrive is driving me nuts. There is no guarantee that I will like them, but hearing them is the only way to find out. This is why I usually buy from B&Ms. I hate to think what I will be like if I ever order something really expensive!

 

[gus6464]

I have ordered some new speakers (Cambridge Audio S30s), and waiting for them to arrive is driving me nuts. There is no guarantee that I will like them, but hearing them is the only way to find out. This is why I usually buy from B&Ms. I hate to think what I will be like if I ever order something really expensive!

What made you decide on those speakers in particular?

 

[Joe Schmoe]

What made you decide on those speakers in particular?

The usual endless upgrade spiral. First I got my Mirage 350s and loved them. Then I upgraded my electronics to Cambridge Audio Azur, and heard a very definite improvement in SQ. Finally, I read that Cambridge recommends the S30s for use with the Azur electronics, and new I had to try them.
I frankly doubt that they can end up replacing the Mirages (which sound fabulous), but I won't know that until I have heard them. It never hurts to have an extra pair of nice minimonitors, in any event.

 

[Davemcc]

What made you decide on those speakers in particular?

All one brand...all one brand...all one brand...

 

[Seth=L]

The usual endless upgrade spiral. First I got my Mirage 350s and loved them. Then I upgraded my electronics to Cambridge Audio Azur, and heard a very definite improvement in SQ. Finally, I read that Cambridge recommends the S30s for use with the Azur electronics, and new I had to try them.
I frankly doubt that they can end up replacing the Mirages (which sound fabulous), but I won't know that until I have heard them. It never hurts to have an extra pair of nice minimonitors, in any event.

Wait, what happened to the Onkyo CD/Receiver?

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Wait, what happened to the Onkyo CD/Receiver?

It is sitting on a shelf in the closet. Perhaps I will try to sell it.
Based on last night's listening session, I may well listen to the CA speakers once and immediately return them. The Mirages just sound fan-freakin'-tastic! It may be that no "upgrade" from them is possible without spending quite a lot more.

 

[Seth=L]

It is sitting on a shelf in the closet. Perhaps I will try to sell it.
Based on last night's listening session, I may well listen to the CA speakers once and immediately return them. The Mirages just sound fan-freakin'-tastic! It may be that no "upgrade" from them is possible without spending quite a lot more.

So let me get this right. Within just a couple of weeks you tried out the Onkyo, liked it, gave away your Carver stuff, then replaced the Onkyo with the Cambridge Audio integrated amplifier and CD player? You are busy, busy, busy, busy.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

So let me get this right. Within just a couple of weeks you tried out the Onkyo, liked it, gave away your Carver stuff, then replaced the Onkyo with the Cambridge Audio integrated amplifier and CD player? You are busy, busy, busy, busy.

You forgot to add "...sold the Mirage 150s (replaced by 350s about a month ago), and ordered the S30s." Other than that, you about summed it up.

Speakers I have my eye on for the next time I get some money saved up include Totem Arros, KEF iQ 5s (or iQ 3s), the B&W 600 series, and Ascend Sierras.

 

[Seth=L]

You forgot to add "...sold the Mirage 150s (replaced by 350s about a month ago), and ordered the S30s." Other than that, you about summed it up.

Speakers I have my eye on for the next time I get some money saved up include Totem Arros, KEF iQ 5s (or iQ 3s), the B&W 600 series, and Ascend Sierras.

You are the most serious auditioner ever. You should do this for a living and get paid for it.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

You are the most serious auditioner ever. You should do this for a living and get paid for it.

I would love to. Where do I sign up?

 

[Seth=L]

I would love to. Where do I sign up?

You might have to go private sector on this one, review magazines are a tough crowd.

 

[trnqk7]

Got more money to throw around than I do, even if you are getting your money back by returning things. I would hate to never have it all paid for...

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Got more money to throw around than I do, even if you are getting your money back by returning things. I would hate to never have it all paid for...

Oh, it is all paid for. I never buy anything on credit, only what I can afford at the time (after buying groceries and paying bills.) The worst that ever happens is having to scrimp a bit until the next paycheck.

 

[trnqk7]

Fair enough, sounds like a good plan then-good luck and happy auditioning!

 

[Joe Schmoe]

The more I read about the CA S30s, the more I think I could end up preferring them to the Mirages after all. Sure, they lack a bit of bass extension, but they are said to be stunning in all other respects. If my Cambridge electronics are any indication, they are built like tanks and with obsessive attention to detail. (Plus, even in the worst-case scenario, they will look fantastic next to the other components.)
They arrive tomorrow, so I will know for sure then.
(A What HiFi 5 star system, with each piece getting 5 stars individually as well.)

 

[Joe Schmoe]

I got them, and to say merely that I am impressed would be an understatement. See the review section for details.