jaym481
26-02-2012, 00:15
As a newbie here, I've spent the past while reading "back numbers" and getting a feel for things. Because my kit is still not set up, I have a bit of time on my hands, so I thought I'd share some upgrade path ideas. My wife will likely regret insisting my audio setup have the lowest priority on this move.
In the past I've flopped around like a gaffed salmon when it comes to changing things, but I now feel I'm finally in a zone where I need to plan my moves in order to avoid unnecessary lateral steps. I see a lot of experience and resources available here, so I hope to lean on you all a little in the coming while.
Working back from the speakers. I have two pairs, both Tannoy HPDs. I have liked thr Ardens a lot, and before them the Cheviots, but I've always been left feeling that they could be much better. My crossovers certainly need work in both pairs, but I can't help but think there is a better cabinet solution. I do have WAF to consider, and I am also faced with the loss of my workshop since the move. My DIY solutions are limited (from a woodworking perspective. Electronically my DIY solutions are limited by my great fear of electrons passing through my body at a great rate of knots). Part of me would like to give a shot at GRF-Rs, but then there's the Lockwood solution (with the new ones on offer looking a bit more suitable for today's sitting room than the faux-wood covered wonders of the past).
Between the speakers and the source(s) I would make fewer changes, with the only one currently under consideration being active crossover.
At the source end, my tape and digital are OK, but I am looking at where to go with the TT(s). The Lenco and Garrard spinners are OK, or will be, but I thing arm and cart will need attention in the coming months. I am tempted by the Terminator, though there are issues with council permission and setting up a gantry in my flat. On the other hand, Morch arms intrigue me. What advantage would I have going with unipivot over dual bearing? What about the SME M2-12r? Given the cost of those worthies, would a 12" Jelco be satisfactory (I currently have a 9" 750D and like it)?
For carts, I plan to get my Supex retipped (in fact, that's the most likely first play, as I can come up with the cash for that right now). However, the ZYX carts intrigue me as well.
I realize asking for opinions is asking for trouble. My own philosopy is simple - my ears must hear it. That said, I'm always interested in the opinions of others.
Enough bloviating tonight (wine and whisky are wonderful, but can lead to verbosity). Time to top up the glass...:cool:
In the past I've flopped around like a gaffed salmon when it comes to changing things, but I now feel I'm finally in a zone where I need to plan my moves in order to avoid unnecessary lateral steps. I see a lot of experience and resources available here, so I hope to lean on you all a little in the coming while.
Working back from the speakers. I have two pairs, both Tannoy HPDs. I have liked thr Ardens a lot, and before them the Cheviots, but I've always been left feeling that they could be much better. My crossovers certainly need work in both pairs, but I can't help but think there is a better cabinet solution. I do have WAF to consider, and I am also faced with the loss of my workshop since the move. My DIY solutions are limited (from a woodworking perspective. Electronically my DIY solutions are limited by my great fear of electrons passing through my body at a great rate of knots). Part of me would like to give a shot at GRF-Rs, but then there's the Lockwood solution (with the new ones on offer looking a bit more suitable for today's sitting room than the faux-wood covered wonders of the past).
Between the speakers and the source(s) I would make fewer changes, with the only one currently under consideration being active crossover.
At the source end, my tape and digital are OK, but I am looking at where to go with the TT(s). The Lenco and Garrard spinners are OK, or will be, but I thing arm and cart will need attention in the coming months. I am tempted by the Terminator, though there are issues with council permission and setting up a gantry in my flat. On the other hand, Morch arms intrigue me. What advantage would I have going with unipivot over dual bearing? What about the SME M2-12r? Given the cost of those worthies, would a 12" Jelco be satisfactory (I currently have a 9" 750D and like it)?
For carts, I plan to get my Supex retipped (in fact, that's the most likely first play, as I can come up with the cash for that right now). However, the ZYX carts intrigue me as well.
I realize asking for opinions is asking for trouble. My own philosopy is simple - my ears must hear it. That said, I'm always interested in the opinions of others.
Enough bloviating tonight (wine and whisky are wonderful, but can lead to verbosity). Time to top up the glass...:cool: