Your Second System.

[icehockeyboy]

Following on from the " what was your first system" thread, I thought it would be interesting to see where your Hifi path took you! :)

I suppose like many, my second system evolved out of the first inasmuch as I upgraded bits of it as and when I could afford it, firstly with stylus upgrades to the Goldring G 800 cartridge, and then the TD 150 had an SME 3009 added to it, Etc etc, but when I had done that my second system consisted of a Thorens TD125 with the SME, a Shure V15 111, feeding a Quad 33/303 combo, into a pair of B&W DM,........And this is where I forget the actual models, but I think they were DM6's, the ones that had an attenuators on the tweeter, correct me if I'm wrong! :scratch:
Interesting to note connected with the freebie ic's and THE cheapest speaker cable! ;)

Edit. They weren't DM6's, but I can't see anything that resembles them via a quick Google........ah.....DM 3's looking most likely!

A

[shabby64]

Technics mid 80s separates system;

DD turntable,amp,cassette deck & graphic equaliser.

RCF 3 way floorstanding speakers.

Can't remember any model numbers :rolleyes:

[Macca]

After a couple of sideways steps I ended up with Systemdek IIX/Linn Basik plus/Nagaoka MP30 into a Denon PMA 250 Mk1 UK feeding little Wharfedale CRS3 on sand filled pillars. This was my first 'killer' system in that it sounded bloody fantastic with anything you played providing you could forgive the lack of deep bass and scale. Everyone who heard this system commented favourably, even those who were not that interested in music or hi-fi. On hearing a good sound people often think it is all down to the speakers and I had much fun telling those that inquired that they had cost me £60 in Argos. I wanted more and better bass though which led me into sub/sat terrritory for a while and then to building my own speakers.

[DSJR]

Following on from the " what was your first system" thread, I thought it would be interesting to see where your Hifi path took you! :)

Edit. They weren't DM6's, but I can't see anything that resembles them via a quick Google........ah.....DM 3's looking most likely!

A

Were they DM7's, with a tweeter "pod" and brushed metal top with the level control inset flush with a finger "dimple?"

My second system, the amp of which I'd love back!

GL75/M75-ED and Dual 1229/XLM; Lustraphone LP100 amp and BC1's

At around this time (1976), the first "valve resurrection" was starting, and I bought a full Quad set, with (stereo decoder fitted) FM2 and multi-waveband AM tuner, the lot including lovely wooden boxes for the preamp and two tuners for £120/ I also bought a Radford STA 25 with matching preamp and tuner for around the same money (the owner "upgraded" to a new Sony 5650 V-FET amp, which was a lovely thing at the time).

The Radfords lasted until 1980 or so, when I replaced them with a then new Naim CB NAP160 and a friend's NAC12S preamp (the 12 had been replaced by a 32). Better with the BC1's than the knackered Radford (after 15 years it desperately needed a recap but back then, nobody wanted to do it!)

[kenworthy100]

Amp -Ion Obelisk 3x, xpak 1
Speakers - Rega Ela's
Turntable - Pink Triangle PT TOO, Rega RB300, ATF5
CD - Micromega t-dac, t drive
Cassette - Nakamichi BX 125

[icehockeyboy]

Were they DM7's, with a tweeter "pod" and brushed metal top with the level control inset flush with a finger "
)

Nope, I do believe they were the DM3' in a lovely teak finish, which I " oiled" once a week with teak oil.

[shane]

After the Bush prtable/Grundig table radio system, I got a job in a hifi shop and a good friend became a hifi reviewer, so all sorts of bits and pieces came and went. Probably the oddest system I had for any time was home-made TT with glass platter and Transcriptors Fluid arm, Ortofon MC20, Lentek pre-pre-amp, some anonymous Technics receiver of about 20 watts, and a pair of Dahlquist DQ10s standing on Hillman Imp valve springs to stop them shaking the downstairs ceiling. All this in a 12' x 8' bedroom. Bliss.

Thinking about it, the Technics gave way to an EMI 555 Stereoscope integrated valve amp (like this one but not as neat inside! http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15519). Wish I could go back 38 years and have another listen to that!

[Barry]

My second system consists of:

Thorens 124/II deck, with which I can use a variety of arms (Breuer Dynamic 5A; SME 3009/II S2; Decca ffss Super, or an Infinity 'Back Widow') and cartridges (ADC25 and 10E Mk. IV; Decca Mk. V and VI, or Ortofon SL15E)

Sony CDP-XB720 CD player

B&O 1700 FM tuner

Mark Levinson ML-10A preamplifier

Quad 520f power amplifier

and

B&W DM2A speakers.

[DSJR]

Nope, I do believe they were the DM3' in a lovely teak finish, which I " oiled" once a week with teak oil.

Ah, the DM3's had the control(s) on the back didn't they? Quite large as I remember - sort of KEF Concerto size..

Is this thread about a possible second system we own NOW, or is it the second proper system we had way back?

[Rare Bird]

Ah, the DM3's had the control(s) on the back didn't they? Quite large as I remember - sort of KEF Concerto size..




Yes they had a pannel at the top rear. This speaker used EMI unit..Celestion /Coles tweeters

[Barry]

Is this thread about a possible second system we own NOW, or is it the second proper system we had way back?

Oh, I thought the thread was to describe the second system you have now, and not the second system you had by way of upgrade of the initial system.

However reading the OP, it would seem to be the latter. But in that case, since the upgrading took place one item at a time, does "second system" refer to the sstem where all of the components had been replaced?

If so, for me it was:

Collaro 2020 idler drive turntable with SME 3009/II and Shure M55E,

Sugden C51 preamp and home built 'copy' of the power amp circuits of the Sugden A21 amp (I knew someone who knew Jim Sugden, and was able to legitimately procure for me the transformer, PCBs and all the components.

Quad 57 ESL speakers.

It was the use of the latter that required me to replace the Sugden gear with Quad electronics.

[Rare Bird]

C.J Walker 'CJ55'/Rega 'R200'/ Denon 'DL110'
A&R Cambridge 'A60'
Akai '706D' Cassette Deck
Castle Acoustic Ltd 'Richmond Mk.I' Loudspeakers (Mid '70's)

Technics 'SLP-777' CD Player (Not guilty the wife uses it)

I never use this stereo it's more an ornament

[walpurgis]

This was actually more or less my third system, but it was definitely early days. About 1973 I'd guess. Anybody recognise the gear? (very old and slightly dodgy photo)

[Rare Bird]

Never seen that amp before :lol: Joking aside Probably the best looking amp of the late 60's those 'F307's :eyebrows: I love mine but seldom use it.

[southall-1998]

This was actually more or less my third system, but it was definitely early days. About 1973 I'd guess. Anybody recognise the gear? (very old and slightly dodgy photo)

I actually like that photo. Real vintage look it has :)

[rusty bearing]

Just started a second system, no TT at the moment just computer based audio from NAS drive. I put all our CD's on it some time back. We've still got some cassettes so they'll be next to do

Topping TP30 'T' amp with usb Dac.
JPW Mini monitors
Yamaha tape deck

[.mus]

But in that case, since the upgrading took place one item at a time, does "second system" refer to the system where all of the components had been replaced?

Well, even then, it might still be the same system (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_Theseus) ;)

As for me, since I'm a relative newcomer to the world hi-fi, my second system is actually my present system. So I'll just quote myself from my intro...


My modest system is composed of a custom built PC, outputting via a SOtM USB card to an Audiophilleo2 (with AQVOX PSU) which runs into the back of an Audiolab M-DAC (with MCRU PSU). The DAC is connected to a Sherbourn PRE-1, which is connected to a Sherbourn PA 2-160. For speakers, I'm using a pair of Tannoy Revolution Signature DC6 LCRs (these are centre channel speakers, but – unusually for centres – they have a dedicated bass driver); the Tannoys sit on Atacama SL600 stands.

I also have a pair of Technics SL1210 MK5s – relics from my bedroom DJ days – one of which is here with me, and connected to the preamp. The 1210 is presently adorned with the Funk Firm mat, Isonoe Feet, and the Oyaide weight. The cartridge is an Ortofon 2M Blue.

I look forward to the day when can contribute to the inevitable, 'What was your third system?', thread.

[walpurgis]

I look forward to the day when can contribute to the inevitable, 'What was your third system?', thread.

Any thoughts on what the third system may be?

[.mus]

Gosh - nothing very concrete yet. I hope perform a few incremental upgrades quite soon (battery PSU for the SOtM card, and some more invasive upgrades for the TT). But I'd really like to invest in some much more serious speakers, with amp to match, but I won't be in a position to do that for a few years at least. Seeing all of the marvelous system pics here though has certainly given me something to shoot for. I'm also exposed to my good friend's B&W 801 Series 2s on a semi-regular basis, and something like that would be very nice :D

[walpurgis]

I've never come to terms with modern B&W speakers (or JM Labs). they just seem rather sterile sounding to me. More 'Hi-Fi' than 'God this is nice'', if you get my drift.

[Barry]

Any thoughts on what the third system may be?

Third system! :eek: Well I do have the makings of a third system, though not the room.

If I had the room it would be:

Thorens 124/II turntable with a choice of arms and cartridges

with either

Quad 33/303 or Quad 33 + 2 x Quad 50E and either Quad FM2 or FM3 tuners
or
Quad 44/405

or Cambridge P50 integrated amp + Cambridge T55 tuner

into a pair of Eltax speakers (identity unknown).

[Canetoad]

My second system is:

Pioneer PL-71 TT
Rega Brio R amp
SB Touch
AN DAC Zero or modified Caiman
Celestion Ditton 44 or AR28s speakers

The TT is currently disconnected for a bit of maintenance.

[icehockeyboy]

Ah, the DM3's had the control(s) on the back didn't they? Quite large as I remember - sort of KEF Concerto size..

Is this thread about a possible second system we own NOW, or is it the second proper system we had way back?


Way back! :)

A few folk have misconstrued what I meant, if you take a peep at the Op, it mentions the "what was your first system" thread, and I said it would be interesting to see where your Hifi path took you from there......

[Rare Bird]

Mine hasnt took me anywhere, my main system is made up of lots of vintage stuuf i was buying when at school.Totally gone around in a circle for nothing.

[icehockeyboy]

Mine hasnt took me anywhere, my main system is made up of lots of vintage stuuf i was buying when at school.Totally gone around in a circle for nothing.

I have to concur here, well, to a degree, I have also found that changing one component, whether it was a box or a wire, has sometimes meant another swap to get it back to as good as it was prior to that swap! :rolleyes:

[Rare Bird]

Well Hi-Fi as an hobby (Obsession to some even though they don't realise this) i dislike & quite frankly have'nt been intrested in for a long time..I find it counter productive, expensive & in my experience an utter waste of time & money, but that's my view of it all, i actually choke on my tea many a morning when i read some of the utter things people post about regarding their new fangled upgrades/brainwaves :lol:

Na i get enjoyment out of my old 60's/ early 70's gear more than i could ever do with any modern Hi-Fi equipment...I just wish i would have just stayed put from day one :eyebrows:

[Roy S]

Many sources including the JVC QLA7 I'm still using into this -

http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac255/GrimReaper1_bucket/Akai1.jpg

And then these -

http://www.humanspeakers.com/genesis/images/gen2a.jpg

[Alex_UK]

Not sure which is system 2, 3 or 4... I have too much stuff! These are the "subsidiary" systems as currently setup - though they do change!

Dining Room: Laptop into Fiio E7 USB DAC/Headphone Amp (as a pre) or Technics SL-P202A CD Player into original Amptastic Mini-T amp into Wharfedale Diamond IV speakers
("Dinner Jazz" duties but actually used a lot when I work from home as I use the dining room as my office.)

Spare Bedroom/Music Room: Garrard 401/SME 3009/Nagaoka MP-30 or Pioneer PD-5010 CD Player into Sony TA-F4A amp into Wharfedale Super Diamond speakers
(Rarely used these days, but my vinyl is all stored in this room so makes sense to have a system there.)

Summerhouse: IBM Laptop, Technics SL-PG490 CD player and Sony ST-S370 Tuner into Aura VA-50 amp and Kef Coda 9 speakers
(Fantastic in the summer to have tunes in the garden, and use the summerhouse as my office when the weather is warmer than it is now!)

All good in their own different ways. Reminds me, I need to change my signature now the Garrard has moved and my Pro-Ject RPM4 is on duty in the living room for the very rare times I play vinyl downstairs (too many inquisitive little fingers!)

There's enough to make more systems in the loft/garage - B&W DM1, RAM 150, Acoustic Energy Aegis Evo 3, Goodmans Magnum & Sony SS-85E speakers, a couple of old Marantz KI Signature (CD63SE and CD6000 OSE) & a Pioneer CD players, Kenwood KA550D Amp, Technics SL-150 & Rega Planar 3/R200 turntables - as well as various old DVD players, S-VHS player, Aiwa Cassette deck... Surround/Centre speakers and Dolby Processor - and a box about 1m cubed full of old cables! Probably other stuff I've forgotten about - I really do need a clear out! :eek:

[Richiebuoy]

After my first encounter with Alan Amstrad Sugar …. He should have been fired but he was the boss so became a multi millionaire instead…. I got some Toshiba separates :eek: ……. I believe this is what’s known as ‘out of the frying pan into the fire’…..

Actually, my ‘Hi Fi’ experiences have run in parallel with my ‘women’ experiences…… its been a long, slow and at times painful journey .... but got some nice stuff now though…. :)

[RichB]

My second system bought when I was 18,

Pioneer A400 amplifier
Pioneer PDS-701 disc player
Mission 760 SE speakers,
Supra and monster cables.

Amp and speakers still in regular use.

[Rare Bird]

This was actually more or less my third system, but it was definitely early days. About 1973 I'd guess. Anybody recognise the gear? (very old and slightly dodgy photo)

Hi Geoff
I can't make the arm out on the 'BD-1' plinth, is it a Audio Development 'AD-309K' ?

[walpurgis]

Hi Geoff
I can't make the arm out on the 'BD-1' plinth, is it a Audio Development 'AD-309K' ?

I think it may have been. Can't recall for sure. I think I had one or two Neat arms back then too.