[pjw241142]

For various reasons I have had to take my main Hi Fi down and am now listening only through headphones. I had thought about using my Ipod as source (via Arcam rDock) but was persuaded against this by some other Head-Fiers. My revised set up is as follows:

Source: Marantz CD7

Amplifier: Headfive (I used to link this to a Cambridge Azur 640 V2)

Interconnects: Merlin Bach

Headphones: Allesandro MS-1/Grado SR60

Music: Pink Floyd, Coldplay, U2, Genesis - Rock music

I am simply stunned by the improvement the Marantz gives over the Cambridge CD player but am now wondering whether I could get an even bigger improvement if I used a better amp. I have had a quick look through Head-Fi but can't find any threads that specifically address what the Marantz CD7 should be linked to given my phones and music preferences. I have a budget of up to £500 and the local amp candidates (I live in the UK) are:

- Graham Slee Solo (new)

- Sugden headmaster (second hand)

- Second hand Corda Opera analog (preferably from Eu)

- Lehmann Black cube (new)

- Gilmore Lite with dedicated power supply (new)

There will probably be some people who will also say split the budget and upgrade amp and headphones as well.

So all views welcome please.