New integrated amp [Archive] - The Art of Sound Forum

AristoChat

23-08-2012, 13:11

Hi all,

I need your expertise and suggestions :)

The stuff i have:

Harbeth HL5
Apollo Speaker Support
Cyrus High Purity Copper Speaker Cable
Rotel RCD-945AX

I got all this from my father who died a few months ago.

He did not use it for a few years but all is conserved in a good state.

I bought a new Logitech Squeezebox Touch as i got it at a good price.

The problem is that i have no integrated amplifier as my father's one gone in flames. :deceased:

What would you suggest as integrated amplifier ? :harp:

If it has dac inbuilt it would be nice but it is not a must-have.

Sound quality is more important than DAC that can be upgraded later.

I was thinking about Roksan K2 or Rega Brio-R or Creek. :steam:

Please don't hesitate to give suggestions and impressions.

The loudspeaker might need a good amplifier so i will have to find a compromise. :cool:

I can go up 1500 euros but that's the limit if it's lower the better. ;)

I can upload pics after i make my decision. :)

The room where that all stands is still not finished .. i bought a new flat.

The owner of a hifi-shop here in Luxembourg said to me Cyrus 8XP d QX is a good option ? Is that really so ? :scratch:

Music taste : General ... mostly pop but i think i will hear more and more instrumental, vocal in the future. :eyebrows:

Thanks for your help ! :eek:

Rgds

Joao:artist:

Alex_UK

23-08-2012, 13:48

You need to hear them for yourself if possible, but the Rega Brio-R in my opinion is better than the lower caste Creeks (Sold my Evo to buy the Brio-R) - and the Brio R works very well with the modern Harbeths. I'd suggest also buying the Rega DAC to go with it - this will improve your CD player too, I think, as well as the Touch. At UK prices those two would set you back around £1,000 so should be well within your budget.

Those who are reading this* may "sigh" at me recommending Rega gear again, but really, the current Brio-R and DAC are so good you can spend a LOT more and not get a better sound - just buy them and spend the rest of your budget on what really matters - more music! :D

(* From near or afar - hello Richard! :facepull:)

hifi_dave

23-08-2012, 14:36

Alex has said it all really. You will need to spend a whole heap more and buy very wisely to find anything matching the Brio-R. It's a great amp and the DAC will improve your digital listening.

Tim

23-08-2012, 16:22

Well I'm going to chip in too - I think you would have to spend waste an awful lot before you could beat the combo suggested. Look at my signature and you will see they work well - I spent a lot of time, shoe leather and petrol trawling around dealers trying to find a sound I was happy with and was always disappointed. I always said I would know the sound when I heard it, but couldn't find it. This went on for years really, I would get the upgrade bug go on the hunt and then give up and it would be sometime before I would try again - I'm not a box swapper my nature, so settled for what I had, but was never really satisfied.

Funny thing is, I came here and got lots of advice and before I knew it, I found that sound I had been searching for (I say 'found', but to be honest it was provided without me doing a lot of work ;)) - I have never looked back and the only thing I play with now is my front end, the DAC, amp and speakers are keepers :)

If you like a smooth but rich and detailed sound, that is totally non fatiguing you will be pleased with Rega paired with your Harbeth's. You already know how good Harbeth sounds, so chuck a few Rega's in the mix and I think you should be very, very pleased.

jandl100

23-08-2012, 17:06

For a much cheaper solution that would, I think, give superb sound I'd buy a Mini-T amp and a Beresford Bushmaster DAC.

I've not heard a Rega Brio-R amp, so that may (or may not) be better.
But the Mini-T is seriously good!
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19679&highlight=mini-t
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180952441130

IMHO the Bushmaster DAC is way better than the Rega. But opinions, as ever, vary!
See here for a comparative review http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18401

Total cost less than 300 Euros!

Add a Mark Grant PSU to the Bushmaster DAC for less than 150 Euros and you get truly world class digital! http://markgrantcables.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_reviews_info&products_id=412&reviews_id=107

Spend the rest on music and a holiday! :)

Tarzan

23-08-2012, 18:02

Tim

23-08-2012, 18:23

Jerry beat to it- a bit left field but a T-amp feeding Harbs is a match made in heaven it really is, l have tried three now on my Compact 7s and on each it is glorious, l mean REALLY high end and very musical!:)
Blimey, I didn't get that at all - mind you I have only tried my Mini-T on the SHL5's, a very lack lustre performance indeed - tonally lacking and a very unconvincing sound-stage with no volume or depth to the sound. Maybe I have the wrong Mini-T, but mine left me rather underwhelmed TBH. But in the kitchen with smaller more efficient speakers it comes into its own, but it had no guts to drive my Harbeths. All in the pairing I guess?

Gazjam

23-08-2012, 18:23

Some more Rega/bushmaster views..

as Jerry said, opinions vary.
Best to try and hear for yourself as much as possible.

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showpost.php?p=338303&postcount=505
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showpost.php?p=338321&postcount=511
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showpost.php?p=338493&postcount=560

Tim

23-08-2012, 18:25

Best to try and hear for yourself as much as possible.
That's the best advice right there ;)

RichB

24-08-2012, 12:25

I'm saying nowt :lol:

as you can see from my signature i own both rega and the mini t, love them both for what they do in very different ways.

I guess the thing with the mini t is, you can try it for not v much money and if it floats your boat then great! if not you can always keep it for a second system with a chap dac and some second hand speakers. My second system gives serious fun and cost me just over a ton to put together (excluding computer), i've heard more expensive which sound worse.

DSJR

24-08-2012, 12:48

The SHL5 isn't the same as the previous HL5, which I've owned and used until wifey decided the boxes were too ugly (the SHL5 is a lot slimmer looking for whatever reason). The bass of these older "5's" is less well damped and if used inappropriately, will overpower the lovely midrange (modern harbs have a much better controlled bass end, while keeping the warmth they're renowned for).

The Brio R is a wonderful place to start and I'd urge a listen to this as a benchmark upon which to base your listening. The Naim Nait 5 series is fine with harbeths too, old and new and you may prefer the casework and "feel" of this. On the used market, a Quad pre-power would also be near to what was used at the factory I think..

Ali Tait

24-08-2012, 13:22

Sugden A21a perhaps? Or a nice valve amp would be a good match I reckon.

AristoChat

24-08-2012, 15:55

Hi all thanks for comments.

Really not easy.

I appreciate your ideas and suggestions.

Maybe i will do a mix :

Brio-R +
TC-7530DC Bushmaster DAC
+ SBooster - Switch mode upgrade for Beresford Bushmaster

Seems a good compromise.

Rega DAC is more expensive then the amp :scratch:

What do you think ?

If you ahve other suggestions don't hesitate to shout :)

Tim

24-08-2012, 16:03

If you are going to try the Brio-R, do try and pair it with their DAC at some point during your listening trials. I haven't tried a Bushmaster with the Brio, but I have tried a few other DAC's with it, but none of them worked as well. The two together produce very pleasing results in my system and they have been designed in unison, so they should IMO be evaluated together if you can :)

Alex_UK

24-08-2012, 16:03

If you go for the Bushmaster, make sure it is from the latest production run - presume you will buy new anyway, so probably not an issue. (There was a compatibility issue (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19623) between the first Bushmasters and the Brio-r - all now resolved.)

I've not heard the Bushmaster yet, so I can't comment but plenty of praise for it around these parts. The Rega DAC works so well with the Brio-R, though...

AristoChat

24-08-2012, 16:39

Well issues .. :doh:

I don't wanna have issues at all.

I might take Brio-R and the Rega DAC. :)

Will think on it this weekend ... at the beach in Blankenberghe (Belgium) :)

Then i will try to get these 2 parts cheapest. :eyebrows:

Hope to get both for under 1500 euros.

If you have good deals don't hesitate but i think it's forbiden on the forum.

Nerverless i will keep you all informed.

Pictures will be posted even if the world goes down :mental:

Alex_UK's there were not 1000's of suggestions at the end ... :D

Tim

24-08-2012, 16:43

I don't wanna have issues at all.
It's not a problem now Joao, all sorted ;)

Alex_UK

24-08-2012, 16:48

It's not a problem now Joao, all sorted ;)

Absolutely - I was only cautioning you to ensure you get one of the latest, which will be fine - would hate for you to buy a 2nd hand one from the first batch only to have the problem. So please don't be put off the Bushmaster if that is what you decide on.

dgolh

25-08-2012, 11:53

Maybe a look to LFD and Sonneteer would make sense according to many Harbeth users.

On my side, I have Crofts but not integrated.

DSJR

26-08-2012, 13:29

jandl100

26-08-2012, 13:43

Coo -- Dave is getting metaphysical.
Whodathawtit? :lol:

AristoChat

27-08-2012, 10:03

Tim

27-08-2012, 10:12

Not too sure about the first question, as I don't have a CDP, but I suspect coax.
For the second question, definitely coax and a Belden 1694A cable with Canare plugs is reported to give very good results from a Touch via coax. I can confirm it does into a Rega DAC, although I have not tested this against other cables. Its not an expensive cable either and could be somewhere to start and experiment further later on if you wish.

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19463&highlight=blue+jeans+belden

Thanks for the update Joao and let us know how you get on, I think you will be very pleased?

AristoChat

27-08-2012, 10:46

Thanks for you advices and suggestions.

4 questions again :)

Maybe Tim you can give me some clue about this ...

Not too sure about the first question, as I don't have a CDP, but I suspect coax.

1) Yeah it's coax output (bitstream) from rotel cd player. Should i use one Belden 1694A cable coax ?

2)
Tim
Belden 1694A cable with Canare plugs ? What are canare plugs ?

3) What cable should i use from DAC to BRio-R ?

4) Logitech - Switch-mode upgrade for the Squeezebox Touch Price: €34,95.
or power supply for the Squeezebox Touch 5V for €134,95 seems pricey.

Do you think this is worth it ?

RichB

27-08-2012, 11:04

Hi guys after weekend reflexion i have decided to go with Rega Brio-R and Rega DAC.

I have asked a Rega reseller in Belgium the price for package.

He makes me the deal for 966 £ ... 1220 euros incl. shipping

I have a few more questions :

What's a good interconnection cable to put between cd player (digital out) and dac (coax) ?

Should i use coax or toslink to connect Rega DAC to Squeezebox Touch ?

Thanks for all !

:)

Yes I really like the coax input on the Rega DAC, just seems a bit livlier than the others. In terms of cables I use a 75ohm bit of monster interlink I've had for years from my cheapo dvd player to the dac for spinning silver discs, it sounds very nice.

For my HTPC I recently swapped from usb to the coax output and tried one of the Belkin silber series RCAs between it. Seems to work pretty well and didnt cost any extra money as i had plenty of them lying around.

Not too sure about the first question, as I don't have a CDP, but I suspect coax.
For the second question, definitely coax and a Belden 1694A cable with Canare plugs is reported to give very good results from a Touch via coax. I can confirm it does into a Rega DAC, although I have not tested this against other cables. Its not an expensive cable either and could be somewhere to start and experiment further later on if you wish.

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19463&highlight=blue+jeans+belden

Thanks for the update Joao and let us know how you get on, I think you will be very pleased?

Tim, I havent forgotten I promised you a loan of my Klotz RCA... I've been working away loads and will get around to sending it. I've asked the mrs to put it in a box so i just need to get it posted.

RichB

27-08-2012, 11:12

Thanks for you advices and suggestions.

4 questions again :)

1) Yeah it's coax output (bitstream) from rotel cd player. Should i use one Belden 1694A cable coax ?

2) ? What are canare plugs ?

3) What cable should i use from DAC to BRio-R ?

4) Logitech - Switch-mode upgrade for the Squeezebox Touch Price: €34,95.
or power supply for the Squeezebox Touch 5V for €134,95 seems pricey.

Do you think this is worth it ?

Re No3 - I strongly recommend Rega's own couple (or a clone which is what i have). This is a Klotz AC110 cable with Puresonic plugs which i bought of another member here for less than £20.

If you are up to it you can build your own by buyiing Klotz AC110 cable by the metre, i believe it is actually used as an instrument cable, from Studiospares and using Neutrik Profi plugs (or any other quality plug). Check the 'private exhbitions' pages on AoS as members Littletone and RFC (reference fidelity) both had clone type cables for sale. perhaps drop them a line.

I would say it is the best sounding IC i've tried, not too bright unlike others and makes a real difference. Getting the right cable between the dac and amp is key with rega gear imho, i've noticed this more than with any other kit I've owned.

Reffc

27-08-2012, 13:43

Thanks for you advices and suggestions.

4 questions again :)

Maybe Tim you can give me some clue about this ...

1) Yeah it's coax output (bitstream) from rotel cd player. Should i use one Belden 1694A cable coax ?

2) ? What are canare plugs ?

3) What cable should i use from DAC to BRio-R ?

4) Logitech - Switch-mode upgrade for the Squeezebox Touch Price: €34,95.
or power supply for the Squeezebox Touch 5V for €134,95 seems pricey.

Do you think this is worth it ?

I'll buck the trend here for an answer to nr 3. The Klotz AC110 is often recommended for Rega kit as it is what Rega market themselves under the "Rega Couple" branded IC. It is a reasonable low capacitance cable which uses a spiral shield but IMHO, it lacks a little refinement and can be bettered. I've responded to your email to me with some suggestions for you which would work well and offer far better performance. With one or two exceptions, never be tempted to use budget RCA plugs as they can be detrimental to sound quality (they can have quite a detrimental impact on signal integrity). All IMHO.

Alex_UK

27-08-2012, 17:20

Hi guys after weekend reflexion i have decided to go with Rega Brio-R and Rega DAC.

Good choice! ;) You'll be very happy with that combination. :)

AristoChat

28-08-2012, 08:11

Reffc

28-08-2012, 09:31

Hi all,

:concertina:

Status :

Already Bought

2 * Belden 1694A Coaxial Digital Audio Cable RCA/RCA 1.5m (Blue Jeans Cable)

Pair Fidelity IO Klotz AC110 IC / Neutrik Profi Interconnects 1m from RFC (Reference Fidelity Components)

Possibly tommorrow (Have to talk to my WIFE first :lol:)

1 * Rega Brio-R
1 * Rega DAC

I'm also waiting a mail from DAVE for a price offer. (http://www.radlettaudio.co.uk)

Thanks for all for the brilliant suggestions for a guy getting HIFI for low prices and saving pennies.

Will keep this updated.

A few questions more :

1) Is it worth using a filter on Squeezebox Touch like the Sbooster ?

2) I have heard that it does matter how i put mains cable in the socket for rega brio-r ?! Sound can be better if i turn it 90 degrees around ... :scratch:

Rgds

JF

Hi JF

regarding point 2) above, it's better if possible where power and signal cables cross to have them crossing at right angles (ie 90 degrees) to reduce unwanted interference in the signal. As you have a screened signal cable, you shouldn't experience much, if any interference, so just plug in, play and enjoy:carrot:

Regarding the first point, try what you have first. You may not need or want a filter. The less you can introduce into the signal path, the better IMHO.

AristoChat

29-08-2012, 08:31

The less you can introduce into the signal path, the better IMHO.

thanks for advice :)

AristoChat

30-08-2012, 13:44

Possibly tommorrow (Have to talk to my WIFE first )

1 * Rega Brio-R
1 * Rega DAC

Got her OK ... :mex:

I will buy Rega stuff in silver :eyebrows:

Alex_UK

30-08-2012, 13:59

:thumbsup:

Fulci

03-09-2012, 19:01

You can try to find a Leema Pulse III with a DAC for under £700 as they often come around for an unmissable price, usually in Sevenoaks. Ugly front plate though.

I'd like to compare it with the Rega Brio-R, or at least listen to it with my Rega RS3 speakers...

AristoChat

11-09-2012, 09:13

Hi all,

News:

Got cables from Bluejeans and RFC (Reference Fidelity Cables) => all fine !!

Bought and received also 2 * 2 m Croft Chord Carnival Classic Speaker Cable from futureshop.co.uk => all fine !!

:grouphug:

Bought Rega Brio-R and DAC at Radlett Audio ... hifi_dave is a nice guy

:exactly:

Rgds

JF

AristoChat

21-09-2012, 09:50

Hi all,

Dave (Radlett audio) just sent the goods out for delivery !!!

:D

Any recommendation for a best price/performance turntable ?

Have been reading rega rp1 / SL-1200Mk2 .. on this forum ...

hifi_dave

21-09-2012, 10:50

Hi all,

Dave (Radlett audio) just sent the goods out for delivery !!!

:D

Any recommendation for a best price/performance turntable ?

Have been reading rega rp1 / SL-1200Mk2 .. on this forum ...

Rega.

AristoChat

21-09-2012, 13:44

I may think on a new order in your shop !

:D

Hifi is addictive ....

aBe

21-09-2012, 14:38

If it's still not too late..

I would like to turn your attention to the Audio Note Oto SE.
A terrific sounding 10watter EL84 tube amp.

THE only amp at this mo, that I find worth replacing my reigning Rega Brio-R.
These AN tubes are so not hifi !

DSJR

21-09-2012, 19:12

Re turntables, the choice on the used market for a couple of hundred quid is huge, and in my experience, most will want a damned good sorting out before proper use.

I appreciate that "some" on here regard the lightweight and "fast" presentation of the Rega turntables as just "Not Their Scene," :lol: but modern Regas are more interesting than ever. yep, you can throw many hundreds or thousands of pounds at a product to "race tune" it, but believe me, to make a first class product for peanuts that lasts reliably for decades is another IMO.

In my opinion, a current RP1 with Ortofon cartridge will sound fine, and be easily upgraded with a better "OM" series stylus (the 20 is my recommendation). depending on when you do this, the OM may have been replaced by Rega with summat else that may find some form friends here methinks ;) Whatever, an RP1 works straight out of the box, spares are cheap and the thing should last for decades, new belts permitting.....

julesd68

21-09-2012, 21:22

Hope the OP enjoys his new amp but surely the Harbeths deserve a better turntable than a budget Rega??

I have never heard the SL-1200, and would love to hear a good 'un, but there's a lot to be said for getting a deck that can be upgraded as and when funds allow.

chelsea

21-09-2012, 21:37

hifi_dave

22-09-2012, 09:52

Hope the OP enjoys his new amp but surely the Harbeths deserve a better turntable than a budget Rega??

Sure, there are better sounding amps around but nothing at anywhere near the price. The Brio-R is a 'giant killer' and I've heard worse at 6 x the price. It also has a very good internal MM phono stage.

DSJR

22-09-2012, 09:58

Here we go again - a lightweight "wooden" turntable like a Rega with no external "engineering" CAN'T sound any good, can it?????

IMO, turntables should be one of two ways, VERY heavy or VERY light. It's the medium mass things that store energy and resonate/ring that give the problems sonically. believe me, a properly sited little Rega gives very little away to the superdecks, the lack of bass "slam" being counterbalanced by a light and agile/tactile quality, especially on well recorded music. This is why the likes of hifi dave tells me repeatedly how turgid the trio L-07D sounded when compared to a Rega, the heavy build and visuals being far better to him than the sonics (of course, better mats, arm/cartridges and siting will change that, but at what cost?) :)

julesd68

22-09-2012, 10:47

The Brio-R is a 'giant killer' and I've heard worse at 6 x the price.

You must have misread my post - I was questioning choice of deck, not amp :)

julesd68

22-09-2012, 10:53

Here we go again - a lightweight "wooden" turntable like a Rega with no external "engineering" CAN'T sound any good, can it?????

Dave, I wasn't making a cheap Rega jibe at all ...

If the OP wants a super reliable "fit & forget" deck then I really can't argue against choosing a Rega. I would much prefer a Rega deck than any of their amps and speakers, but that's another matter. :eyebrows: However, if he's looking for something that he could gradually upgrade when funds allow, then he should consider something else.

hifi_dave

22-09-2012, 11:04

You must have misread my post - I was questioning choice of deck, not amp :)

Correct. Must get some new glasses..:smoking:

Marco

22-09-2012, 15:45

...believe me, a properly sited little Rega gives very little away to the superdecks, the lack of bass "slam" being counterbalanced by a light and agile/tactile quality, especially on well recorded music. This is why the likes of hifi dave tells me repeatedly how turgid the trio L-07D sounded when compared to a Rega...

Sorry, Dave, but I simply cannot reconcile the above with any listening experience I've had of the Trio (which remains as one of the finest T/Ts I've had the pleasure of listening to) and ANY Rega T/T!! :eek: :mental:

The last time that I visited a friend in Chester, who owns an L-07D, and took my (then) fairly well-modified Techy along, as comparison (at that time it had a Mike New platter/bearing and an Achromat, Paul Hynes SR5 PSU and Jelco 750/SPU), and the Trio was notably better - and even then, my Techy pissed all over any Rega T/T I've heard! So what does that say for the Trio, which was better than my Techy?

There is simply no comparison between the Trio and ANY Rega, using any sonic or musical criteria you care to mention as judgement, providing that the test system is good enough to show up the differences. Therefore, I simply don't know where on earth hifi Dave (or you) are coming from here... :scratch: Did you remember to switch the Trio on? :D

Coincidentally, I'm visiting my friend again on Tuesday night, to do the same thing, and to listen to his other four T/Ts, so I'll let you know how I get on this time, with my Techy now at a far higher level of modification - should be interesting!

Marco.

DSJR

22-09-2012, 20:37

Like I said, modern pickups and better understanding of siting may well sort the Trio out, but just because it looks fab and has such excellent standards of external finish isn't a pre-requisite to great sound. In fact, the Rega bearing is quite possibly one of the best in the business, so quiet and close tolerance it is in reality, although I appreciate it was never designed for very heavy platters. The tonearms are legendary too, even if they don't work on a technics :)

I'm not in disagreement here, but merely gently trying to redress the general feeling here that Regas are "inferior" because they're cheap and with lightweight painted wooden plinths and not made with acres of cast iron meticulously machined and finished.

Oh, by the way Mr Dunn - I don't play "tag" with anyone. I used to sell Rega too you know!!!!!!!!!

Macca

22-09-2012, 21:15

Dave I don't think there is a general feeling that Rega decks are inferior. Back when I was at college we had Goodmans and Tensai decks and the like (from Richer sounds, mostly) but the Rega Planer 2 or 3 were the decks we aspired to own once we entered the world of work and had some money to spend. (The Linn Sondek was considered a bit too far to reach). I ended up with a Systemdek II which served me well for a long time.

I obtained and set up an early nineties RP3 for a friend a while back, Rb300 with new AT95E - it is properly impressive sounding. If these decks do have an achillees heel it is the relatively poor wow and flutter meaurements. I was expecting to hear this - I could not. That is in my pal's system though. I would borrow it off him and try it in mine but it took me so long to get the damn thing level (his floor is off level - what can you do?) that I don't want to move it again :)

Marco

23-09-2012, 09:26

Like I said, modern pickups and better understanding of siting may well sort the Trio out, but just because it looks fab and has such excellent standards of external finish isn't a pre-requisite to great sound.

Oh, I completely agree with your last point, as the hi-fi industry is full of pointless and ludicrously overpriced 'audiophile jewellery', but the L-07D most certainly does not come into that category. In fact, in my experience, rarely does Japanese audio equipment fall into such a category. The high-end stuff is mostly built for genuine enthusiasts, who appreciate its (often unique) sonic and aesthetic qualities.

Regarding your first point, since that is most certainly the case, then perhaps you would take those facts into consideration in future before spouting what is, essentially, bollocks? ;)

The Trio was built to 'no compromise' engineering standards, as a statement product, and to show how much music can be accurately extracted from the humble vinyl record, and having heard this turntable on numerous occasions, in modern high-end systems, I can confirm that those standards remain to this day.

We've already had the fiasco about the SPU sounding 'plump and syrupy' (or whatever unfortunate terminology you used), which was proven to be, erm, let's be polite and call it, 'untrue', so please, let's not have any similar nonsense written about the Trio. To my ears, and those of others who've carried out proper tests, within the last 25 years, Rega turntables just do not compare, either sonically or in terms of out-and-out engineering prowess.

If you'd conducted proper comparisons for yourself of the above, in a modern context, then you would know :)

Marco.

Mr Kipling

23-09-2012, 09:43

Love the School Mastery tone you adopt on such occassions, Marco.

DSJR, consider yourself lucky he didn't administer six-of-the-best.

Marco

23-09-2012, 10:10

He'd enjoy that though, especially on his bare botty (with a ruler) :lolsign:

We lurves each other, really! :D

Marco.

The Black Adder

23-09-2012, 16:07

I ran a Radford STA25 (Now Andrews) with the SHL5's with superb results.

As mentioned I would go for a Croft integrated maybe.

The Black Adder

23-09-2012, 16:08

PLINIUS

24-09-2012, 00:33

Oh, I completely agree with your last point, as the hi-fi industry is full of pointless and ludicrously overpriced 'audiophile jewellery', but the L-07D most certainly does not come into that category. In fact, in my experience, rarely does Japanese audio equipment fall into such a category. The high-end stuff is mostly built for genuine enthusiasts, who appreciate its (often unique) sonic and aesthetic qualities.

Regarding your first point, since that is most certainly the case, then perhaps you would take those facts into consideration in future before spouting what is, essentially, bollocks? ;)

The Trio was built to 'no compromise' engineering standards, as a statement product, and to show how much music can be accurately extracted from the humble vinyl record, and having heard this turntable on numerous occasions, in modern high-end systems, I can confirm that those standards remain to this day.

We've already had the fiasco about the SPU sounding 'plump and syrupy' (or whatever unfortunate terminology you used), which was proven to be, erm, let's be polite and call it, 'untrue', so please, let's not have any similar nonsense written about the Trio. To my ears, and those of others who've carried out proper tests, within the last 25 years, Rega turntables just do not compare, either sonically or in terms of out-and-out engineering prowess.

If you'd conducted proper comparisons for yourself of the above, in a modern context, then you would know :)

Marco.
Thanks Marco, this sort of twoddle is irritating, unwelcome & untrue.
Regas are entry level HiFi t/ts & certainly have their sonic limitations, no matter how many parts you change. I for one, appreciate your rational reply.

DSJR

24-09-2012, 06:42

Oh FFS fellas.

Plinius, you obviously haven't had an ephany moment where expensive HiFi is concerned. I await this moment with interrest and maybe you'll come to eat that post above!

Oim orf :)

Marco

24-09-2012, 08:55

S'ok, I know what you mean, but sometimes things can come across the wrong way :)

Marco.

PLINIUS

24-09-2012, 10:07

Oh FFS fellas.

Plinius, you obviously haven't had an ephany moment where expensive HiFi is concerned. I await this moment with interrest and maybe you'll come to eat that post above!

Oim orf :)
Sorry Dave, been there, done that & moved on to much better.
Epithanies are very transitory & last only until they are replaced by the next, when that doesn't happen I guess you're stuck.:scratch:;)

chris@panteg

24-09-2012, 10:14

If someone has Trio or Kenwood LO7D and have just discovered that a Rega outperforms it , I will take the LO7D of your hands:eyebrows:

PLINIUS

24-09-2012, 11:31

If someone has Trio or Kenwood LO7D and have just discovered that a Rega outperforms it , I will take the LO7D of your hands:eyebrows:
You are certainly on to something Chris;)
The "jewel in the crown" of the gear your father left you is the Harbeth speakers which, by any standard, are very, very good( sorry to hear of his passing), but are not that easy to drive properly. At 86db p.w.p.m. they need a bit more powerfull amp. than those discussed.
Your dad sure knew his speakers;)

hifi_dave

24-09-2012, 11:37

DSJR

24-09-2012, 12:15

If someone has Trio or Kenwood LO7D and have just discovered that a Rega outperforms it , I will take the LO7D of your hands:eyebrows:

All I ask of you peeps, before I leave this alone for evermore, is that you DON'T listen with your eyes. The "epiphany" I speak of is a life-lasting thing, when you find your God Product to be not worthy of the adulation you've previously given it, in particular when it's been trounced by something much cheaper. In turntable speak, it's why I rate the NAS Spacedeck so highly, even the old very basic version that's been all but replaced now by the AceSpace. An RB300, so derided by many here, sings so well on one of these, you wonder if it's the same arm that can sound so utterly boring and bland on other decks... Finishing a Spacedeck like all the old heavy jap decks revered here would add substantially to the cost, but would it make it sound any better? The Trio and early Techie direct drives (SL110 for instance) were never "listened to" when designed, but as I said at least twice before, modern thinking may well transform them, as happens with lower caste models.

Regarding Harbeths, none of them had what I'd call a difficult load in all fairness. 86db sensitivity isn't high I grant you, but any 50W amp with reasonable power supply should be fine, even with the tiny P3 series. Do please remember that the sensitivity quoted by so many manufacturers is at one frequency where there's a peak or up-lift in the response (one 90db speaker I know is on average 5db less than this over >80% of its range. In comparison with the approx 84db Harbeth P3's, the latter sounded just as "loud" but without the screech exhibited by the other speaker.

That's it from me. I hope the OP finds some good advice in this thread and that it helps him make a decision that suits him and not "us," if you chaps see what I mean. As for Rega decks, they may not plumb the depths or scale the heights, but PROPERLY SITED, what they do in between can be quite entrancing, cheapo wood plinths and rubber drive notwithstanding :)

chris@panteg

24-09-2012, 13:43

Sorry Dave , it was just a pathetic attempt at blagging a trio on the cheap , no offense m8 .

I don't buy with my eyes , if did I wouldn't use a Technics , though it's not that ugly really .

Yomanze

24-09-2012, 17:17

Not so. The Harbeth range are a very easy load for an amp and the 50 wpc of the Brio-R is more than ample. I regularly use lower powered amps such as Sugden, Croft Integrated, Icon Audio and vintage amps such as Leak Stereo 20 and Quad 11, all work just fine and sound great.

Agreed, some 'insensitive' speakers on paper can have much friendlier impedance curves meaning that amps need less juice to drive them properly.

AristoChat

13-03-2014, 07:57

Well i finally bought the new flat.

It took much time for painting and all of sorts of work

Here is the final result

Many thanks to all of you, without whom this project would not have been possible !!

http://i62.tinypic.com/w9io2u.jpg

Many thanks to all of you, without whom this project would not have been possible !!

Recap :

1 * Rega Brio-R
1 * Rega DAC
1 * Logitech Squeezebox Touch
1 * Rotel RCD 945AX
1 * Pair Harbeth HL5

2 * Belden 1694A Coaxial Digital Audio Cable RCA/RCA 1.5m
(Squeezebox Touch and CD player to DAC)

1 * Pair Fidelity IO Klotz AC110 IC / Neutrik Profi Interconnects 1m
(DAC to Rega Brio-R)

Speaker Cable Chord Company Carnival Classic

Yomanze

13-03-2014, 17:49

LFD is a head and cerebral mechanical sonic experience to me. the Brio R and all Crofts are more a heart thing. For me at any rate, to suspend disbelief, it's not enough to hear what instruments are playing and where in the soundfield they're located, it's also for me, a question about what they're playing and as far as possible HOW they're playing it...

Another perspective is that brands like LFD and NVA in particular are more about being "transparent" and getting to the "heart of the record" than Croft or Rega, which are more about being about "this is the heart of the music"! If you like or agree with any of these brands then great because each choice is astonishingly good in their own different ways. I would think that if the OP went for any of these options then they would be most pleased.

It's quite difficult to get an LFD or NVA setup sounding special because they need the source, media and speakers to be good, and not enter the chain poorly to get shredded apart. When synergy is right it's a different dimension to Rega's view of generally pleasing and musical sound, but not necessarily neutral. Am surprised that you mentioned the "what" and "how" instrumentalists are playing is a weakness of LFD as this is precisely what I think it a huge advantage with this gear!