Make my system sing

[chris.j.s]

Hi guys
First thread here "ex, welcome thread",
I've just starting to build a budget system after moving back from abroad and i reckon i could need some advice regarding some equipment that i will need to upgrade.
First of what i have today,

Speakers: Avance epsilon 980.
Turntable: RP1 with RB250 arm, michell cw, incognito cables and a rega exact cartridge.
Phonostage: Rega fono mini a2d.
Amp: Cambridge audio azur 640a.
And some good enough cables "for now".

I have platter and sub platter ordered from groove trace and after that i will see the turntable as fit for fight for at least half a year,
The speakers are a keeper due to the insane price i got them for but i do need a better phono stage and also a new amp sooner or later.

It was actually due to the search for a proper phonostage that i found this forum,
my neighbor wants to sell me a cambridge 651P so i goggled it and found a member on this forum that do/did mods for that model "yes Arkless it's you".

So the question is simply what phonostage is a good bang for the buck and harder to answer sound good in my setup "speaker/table"?
I will probably stay with the exact cartridge for a considerable amount of time so most MM stage for the money i guess i'm asking for, price? idk up to 500 used or new is probably my limit.
Oh yea music, play mostly 50-80 pop/rock and are very fond of acoustic sounds. I reckon i like a warm but controlled sound with a good stable image.

So any takers? what am i looking for?

[CageyH]

Get your name on the Firebottle loan list and see what Alan's phonostage can do.

[chris.j.s]

Get your name on the Firebottle loan list and see what Alan's phonostage can do.
I saw that thread, i have not read how the loan system works yet but i can imagine the fact that i live in Norway could be seen as a bit problematic?

[technobear]

I reckon take a look at this one: http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/micro-iphono/

[chris.j.s]

I reckon take a look at this one: http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/micro-iphono/
Never heard of it but just spent a good half hour reading review after review of it, it sure does sound promising. The only real annoying thing i see straight aways is the connectors on the front which will make it pretty hard to place.

[CageyH]

I saw that thread, i have not read how the loan system works yet but i can imagine the fact that i live in Norway could be seen as a bit problematic?

:doh:
Ah, yes. I had not spotted that.
Sorry.

[Arkless Electronics]

Hi guys
First thread here "ex, welcome thread",
I've just starting to build a budget system after moving back from abroad and i reckon i could need some advice regarding some equipment that i will need to upgrade.
First of what i have today,

Speakers: Avance epsilon 980.
Turntable: RP1 with RB250 arm, michell cw, incognito cables and a rega exact cartridge.
Phonostage: Rega fono mini a2d.
Amp: Cambridge audio azur 640a.
And some good enough cables "for now".

I have platter and sub platter ordered from groove trace and after that i will see the turntable as fit for fight for at least half a year,
The speakers are a keeper due to the insane price i got them for but i do need a better phono stage and also a new amp sooner or later.

It was actually due to the search for a proper phonostage that i found this forum,
my neighbor wants to sell me a cambridge 651P so i goggled it and found a member on this forum that do/did mods for that model "yes Arkless it's you".

So the question is simply what phonostage is a good bang for the buck and harder to answer sound good in my setup "speaker/table"?
I will probably stay with the exact cartridge for a considerable amount of time so most MM stage for the money i guess i'm asking for, price? idk up to 500 used or new is probably my limit.
Oh yea music, play mostly 50-80 pop/rock and are very fond of acoustic sounds. I reckon i like a warm but controlled sound with a good stable image.

So any takers? what am i looking for?

I'll probably be doing these again in a month or so....

[chris.j.s]

:doh:
Ah, yes. I had not spotted that.
Sorry.

Im undercover :sofa:

I keep seeing on this forum praises of Alans fb but so far i haven't been able to see what he sells it for? "it's probably right before my eyes".
I reckon i could PM him but hey free advertising for Alan ;) So what's the damage and how long is the delivery time of one of these units?
I would love to put myself on the loan list but as a scandinavian i won't go thru the trouble with postage/costume even if i was allowed to loan it, I trust the ears of this group of fidelity folks that already praised it here.

[chris.j.s]

I'll probably be doing these again in a month or so....

Thats great news, are you still dealing with the same prices and upgrades as before?

[chris.j.s]

I reckon take a look at this one: http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/micro-iphono/
It says everywhere in every review "this 400 dollar phono", if anyone can find a cheap place to buy this thing on the net that delivers to europe i would be much interested because i can only find 600-750 dollar price tags on them :scratch:

[walpurgis]

That much should buy a Graham Slee ERA Gold V. A known quantity and seriously good at the price!

[struth]

It says everywhere in every review "this 400 dollar phono", if anyone can find a cheap place to buy this thing on the net that delivers to europe i would be much interested because i can only find 600-750 dollar price tags on them :scratch:

Maybe mean £... its about £340 + or thereabouts. I,m getting something similar from the states soon so hoping its in this league

[technobear]

It says everywhere in every review "this 400 dollar phono", if anyone can find a cheap place to buy this thing on the net that delivers to europe i would be much interested because i can only find 600-750 dollar price tags on them :scratch:

It costs £350.

It is distributed in Norway: http://ifi-audio.com/sales/#norway

With regards the positioning, I think the idea is that once it is set up for your cartridge then there is no reason for further interaction so you just hide it away. Then again if you have records that were made with different EQ curves, you would want access to select the appropriate one for each record.

[chris.j.s]

It costs £350.

It is distributed in Norway: http://ifi-audio.com/sales/#norway
.

Yea i saw that, and the distributor here in Norway priced it more like £450 because reasons, They do however have their store only 30min from where i live so could go there for a listen and check if the price is set in stone or not.

[CageyH]

Im undercover :sofa:

I keep seeing on this forum praises of Alans fb but so far i haven't been able to see what he sells it for? "it's probably right before my eyes".
I reckon i could PM him but hey free advertising for Alan ;) So what's the damage and how long is the delivery time of one of these units?
I would love to put myself on the loan list but as a scandinavian i won't go thru the trouble with postage/costume even if i was allowed to loan it, I trust the ears of this group of fidelity folks that already praised it here.

All the info you need is here - http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?40005-Saying-Hello&p=674898#post674898

[Spectral Morn]

The problem, is your speakers totally outclass your electronics and front end, sorry but that's the truth of the problem, and why it isn't singing - imho.

Frankly a £350 amp and a RP1, upgrades or not, won't give you the best sound.

I haven't heard your speakers, but they are in my opinion probably acting as an open window on the short comings of the system.

My gut feeling is you need to upgrade the amp and do that first. Problem is I can't say to what, because I have no idea what your speakers sound like. My advice go audition some options in a shop, take your, amp, speakers, then get home loans and try those option in your own system, and room.

I don't want to be rude but buying blind will, I am pretty sure not solve your problem.

[Arkless Electronics]

Thats great news, are you still dealing with the same prices and upgrades as before?

Indeed but I won't be "pushing"/advertising them as I intend to focus on much more high end gear in the future. They will remain supported etc though.

[chris.j.s]

The problem, is your speakers totally outclass your electronics and front end, sorry but that's the truth of the problem, and why it isn't singing - imho.

Frankly a £350 amp and a RP1, upgrades or not, won't give you the best sound.

I haven't heard your speakers, but they are in my opinion probably acting as an open window on the short comings of the system.

My gut feeling is you need to upgrade the amp and do that first. Problem is I can't say to what, because I have no idea what your speakers sound like. My advice go audition some options in a shop, take your speakers, then get home loans and try those option in your own system, and room.

I don't want to be rude but buying blind will, I am pretty sure not solve your problem.

There is a big difference between being rude and being honest, you are one of those two but it is not rude.
The reason being why my system looks like it does at the moment is simple, i have been staring at craigslist every wake hour the last month for people selling stuff they don't know the true value of. I bought those 1500 speakers for 100, i bought the rp1 used a month for 120 "including the fono", i bought the amp for 60 and the rega rb250 arm with an unused exact element and incognito cables for 200. I also picked up a pioneer pd s-505 for 10. cables 70. And in this expensive country you sure have to look a long time for a better sounding system for 560 ;) Now however when i have all the parts so i can atleast listen to music i'm in the hunt to refine it and as you said the first two things that needs to be changed are the amp and phono. I just missed a deal of a Creek Classic 5350SE amp with just 10min yesterday :doh: he was asking 120 which in this country is way WAY below what he should have asked for it. So back to stalking craiglist again after that elusive deal.
And to upgrade to another turntable that sounds better than what this franken piece does would cost me too much so first i reckon amp and phono

[technobear]

Yea i saw that, and the distributor here in Norway priced it more like £450 because reasons, They do however have their store only 30min from where i live so could go there for a listen and check if the price is set in stone or not.

In the UK, that price includes 20% VAT. How much VAT do you pay in Norway? Maybe there is Import Duty or similar.

[chris.j.s]

In the UK, that price includes 20% VAT. How much VAT do you pay in Norway? Maybe there is Import Duty or similar.

Could be one of the reasons, the VAT is 25 here.

Just found a guy that sells the Heed questar w psu for 120 near where i live, wondering if i still should keep picking up people's leftovers and go for that one = more money for records, amp and beer

[struth]

Could be one of the reasons, the VAT is 25 here.

Just found a guy that sells the Heed questar w psu for 120 near where i live, wondering if i still should keep picking up people's leftovers and go for that one = more money for records, amp and beer

its about right here for the mm version. may well be dearer in Norway though

[chris.j.s]

its about right here for the mm version. may well be dearer in Norway though

ah, that's interesting. here it's usually 150 without the psu. How is the heed considered in the uk quality/sound wise?

[struth]

MM is ok. maybe a bit better than that,... thats with the basic psu by way... the mc is about double that and quite good. I nearly bought one but decided on a mani Yanky one which does both and is very good value and sounds great. getting a xmas present of another Yanky one soon which does both as well and around same price mark. Emotiva Audio XPS-1. dunno what it will be like but it looks good and got some decent reviews so we shall see.

[twotone]

I paid £75 posted for this below last month from another forum member who bought it in the thread below. I have hardly used it due to major redecoration of my lounge but I'm happy to pass it on at cost plus postage to Norway for the OP?

Tony

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?37922-Musical-Fidelity-phono-stage&highlight=musical+fidelity

[chris.j.s]

I paid £75 posted for this below last month from another forum member who bought it in the thread below. I have hardly used it due to major redecoration of my lounge but I'm happy to pass it on at cost plus postage to Norway for the OP?

Tony

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?37922-Musical-Fidelity-phono-stage&highlight=musical+fidelity

Thank you Tony, i have however decided today "i think" on Trichord research Dino and Dino+ MK 2.

Amp update: I found something interesting today, a amp called Cayin 153b. It is near damn impossible to find anything about it seeing that it seemed to disappear as fast from the market as it appeared. I found a few reviews about it that had a lot of "wow" "ohh" "aaahh" best amp for the price "900" and so on, all those reviews are between 06-07 and then nothing :confused: Anybody knows what it is?

The info i found of it "some in norwegian":

Power RMS: 2 x 100 Watt / 8 Ohm. 2 x 180 Watt / 4 Ohm.

power supply: 500 Va
Capacity: 90.000 uF.
Frequency: 20 til 35000 Hz.+/- 0,5 dB.+ / - 0,5 dB.
Distortion: 0,2%.
Støydemping: 90 dB. "just gonna leave this in norwegian because google translate recommended: Hushkitting..."
Input sensitivity: 380 mm.
Connections: Phono 5 / 1 tape.
Weight: 14 Kg.
Dimensions (W x H x D): 44,0 x 10,5 x 37,0 cm.

http://www.minhembio.com/bilder/bild/?pic_id=342788.jpg
http://i56.servimg.com/u/f56/17/86/69/17/image30.jpg

I'm intrigued to buy it just to check it out, looks good and the little i have found about it i like

[struth]

Heard the name. they did some good stuff I believe but not heard one or likely to I suppose. if its a good price you could be getting a nice toy:)

[chris.j.s]

Its 200 so it's within my reach, i'm a bit poor this month

[struth]

with the prices in Norway I think thats pretty good

[twotone]

Thanks Chris.

Tony

[Firebottle]

Looks well built Chris, bipolar output transistors not FETs I would guess, judging by the boards.

Remote control always a bonus. Støydemping: 90 dB I would say is signal to noise ratio :)

[Spectral Morn]

There is a big difference between being rude and being honest, you are one of those two but it is not rude.
The reason being why my system looks like it does at the moment is simple, i have been staring at craigslist every wake hour the last month for people selling stuff they don't know the true value of. I bought those 1500 speakers for 100, i bought the rp1 used a month for 120 "including the fono", i bought the amp for 60 and the rega rb250 arm with an unused exact element and incognito cables for 200. I also picked up a pioneer pd s-505 for 10. cables 70. And in this expensive country you sure have to look a long time for a better sounding system for 560 ;) Now however when i have all the parts so i can atleast listen to music i'm in the hunt to refine it and as you said the first two things that needs to be changed are the amp and phono. I just missed a deal of a Creek Classic 5350SE amp with just 10min yesterday :doh: he was asking 120 which in this country is way WAY below what he should have asked for it. So back to stalking craiglist again after that elusive deal.
And to upgrade to another turntable that sounds better than what this franken piece does would cost me too much so first i reckon amp and phono

Thank you, you are gracious.

I understand where you are coming from, and appreciate the issues, but still I would try and hear before you buy - less chances of making expensive mistakes.

[Spectral Morn]

Thank you Tony, i have however decided today "i think" on Trichord research Dino and Dino+ MK 2.

Amp update: I found something interesting today, a amp called Cayin 153b. It is near damn impossible to find anything about it seeing that it seemed to disappear as fast from the market as it appeared. I found a few reviews about it that had a lot of "wow" "ohh" "aaahh" best amp for the price "900" and so on, all those reviews are between 06-07 and then nothing :confused: Anybody knows what it is?

The info i found of it "some in norwegian":

Power RMS: 2 x 100 Watt / 8 Ohm. 2 x 180 Watt / 4 Ohm.

power supply: 500 Va
Capacity: 90.000 uF.
Frequency: 20 til 35000 Hz.+/- 0,5 dB.+ / - 0,5 dB.
Distortion: 0,2%.
Støydemping: 90 dB. "just gonna leave this in norwegian because google translate recommended: Hushkitting..."
Input sensitivity: 380 mm.
Connections: Phono 5 / 1 tape.
Weight: 14 Kg.
Dimensions (W x H x D): 44,0 x 10,5 x 37,0 cm.

http://www.minhembio.com/bilder/bild/?pic_id=342788.jpg
http://i56.servimg.com/u/f56/17/86/69/17/image30.jpg

I'm intrigued to buy it just to check it out, looks good and the little i have found about it i like

I know the previous UK distributor had reliability issues with Cayin and its spin off brand. So much so he stopped and withdrew from distributing electronics. How bad this was I don't know, so I can't and won't speculate. Just thought I should urge a note of caution.

[chris.j.s]

I know the previous UK distributor had reliability issues with Cayin and its spin off brand. So much so he stopped and withdrew from distributing electronics. How bad this was I don't know, so I can't and won't speculate. Just thought I should urge a note of caution.

Thank you Neil, it seems i was yet again too slow on the trigger seeing that it had disappeared over night.
I am first in queue for a Primare i32 that i am going to listen to tonight

[Spectral Morn]

Thank you Neil, it seems i was yet again too slow on the trigger seeing that it had disappeared over night.
I am first in queue for a Primare i32 that i am going to listen to tonight

Now Primare is an excellent brand, and fairly easy to sell on if it doesn't suit your set up. I wish you well on this, and hope it works in your system.

[chris.j.s]

I am first in queue for a Primare i32 that i am going to listen to tonight
Apparently i was not even tho he said so, when i came to his house at the time we had agreed on i was met with him apologising that he had forgotten to call me after he have decided to part with it to his sister :mental: . Pretty annoying seeing that i had driven quite a bit to get there.

As can be seen in this thread i'm all over the place and no specifik brand is considered, looking at second hand bargains i cant really listen to them in my system and now i have found something i have never listened to before but i understand they are quite common in uk. Quad 99 cd+pre+amp i can get it for about 400 i reckon Link (http://www.finn.no/finn/torget/annonse?folderId=6235977&finnkode=66914489)
Any good sound out of those? I think the color is b-ugly but i know a guy that can fix that.

[jandl100]

Mmmm -- I disagree that expensive speakers necessarily make for an unbalanced system
But then I would, as expensive speakers / cheaper other stuff is the route I have deliberately taken for the past 5 or 6 years and have found it extremely enjoyable and rewarding. My speakers cost over 100x more than my amp and I think it's the best system I have ever heard.

I was amazed about a year ago when I visited a friend's home and heard his Cambridge amp - lower down the range than yours, Christoffer, and playing music similar to your tastes it was damn impressive! I'd be wary of change for change's sake - you will get 'different', but not necessarily better, imho.

By all means change the phonostage, I think those Cambridge Audio ones are awful - grey and bland. A Dino? - yup, but get a Never Connected PSU with it - astonishing improvement and so much better than the standard PSUs!

You just have to try stuff, it's the only way. :)

[The Black Adder]

If you could push to a Croft phono stage that would be a superb move IMO.. :)

[andrasszamek]

do you have local hifi stores where you can listen to a few different setups? spend a few afternoons at these places if possible to learn what general directions you can take with your system and figure out what floats your boat. otherwise you might end up on an equipment merry-go-round. unless thats the goal, which is also perfectly fine. :) this way you can take steps forwards and not sideways and get to your goal with less (possibly costly) mistakes.
i dont think you necessarily need to spent the retail price of your speakers on the amp, but you do need to find something thats a good match. after you have a good amp-speaker combo, you can look at your source and find something that complements them.
but please always listen first or get stuff where you have return policy.

let us know how it goes and have fun!

[chris.j.s]

Mmmm -- I disagree that expensive speakers necessarily make for an unbalanced system
But then I would, as expensive speakers / cheaper other stuff is the route I have deliberately taken for the past 5 or 6 years and have found it extremely enjoyable and rewarding. My speakers cost over 100x more than my amp and I think it's the best system I have ever heard.

I was amazed about a year ago when I visited a friend's home and heard his Cambridge amp - lower down the range than yours, Christoffer, and playing music similar to your tastes it was damn impressive! I'd be wary of change for change's sake - you will get 'different', but not necessarily better, imho.

By all means change the phonostage, I think those Cambridge Audio ones are awful - grey and bland. A Dino? - yup, but get a Never Connected PSU with it - astonishing improvement and so much better than the standard PSUs!

You just have to try stuff, it's the only way. :)

Actually the more my new arm and cartridge is getting worn in im liking my system more and more, however the phonostage gotta go. It is going to be exchanged with this:
http://finncdn.no/mmo/2015/10/vertical-5/17/4/659/010/94_1436433417.jpg


If you could push to a Croft phono stage that would be a superb move IMO.. :)
There is none on the second hand tho, and the price difference is too big if comparing the 200ish price i'm getting the dinos for compared to a new Croft, but thanks for the heads up and i will always keep it in mind til the next upgrade.


do you have local hifi stores where you can listen to a few different setups? spend a few afternoons at these places if possible to learn what general directions you can take with your system and figure out what floats your boat. otherwise you might end up on an equipment merry-go-round. unless thats the goal, which is also perfectly fine. :) this way you can take steps forwards and not sideways and get to your goal with less (possibly costly) mistakes.
i dont think you necessarily need to spent the retail price of your speakers on the amp, but you do need to find something thats a good match. after you have a good amp-speaker combo, you can look at your source and find something that complements them.
but please always listen first or get stuff where you have return policy.

let us know how it goes and have fun!

I have, i actually live right above this town's Hifi gurus shop. I'm in there probably too much, he teaches me a lot and in return i help him with some stuff and of course buy some products/records to try and support him and his store.
However for this system i want most bang for the buck and therefore i can't buy the "bigger" things in my system from him, Also i absolutely love to hunt for stuff/bargains and in the meantime learn about brands i never heard of before so i reckon you aren't far off with the whole merry go round. So far i won't lose money selling the stuff that i bought and that's been one of my criterias when building this system.

And that brings us on to my amp update:
I have decided to try out a norwegian brand called Doxa if you are familiar with it, the model is 70 Signature mark II with passiv Doxa 12 pre for 420GBP.
I'm still trying to get him to send it to me but if he declines then i will just take those 3 hours "one way" and go fetch it.
http://finncdn.no/mmo/2014/10/vertical-5/04/8/522/417/68_284966944.jpg

[andrasszamek]

big country, huh? :) if you can manage without bleeding money, then of course its great that you get to live with the equipment. you have time this way to really figure out what you want.

[Reffc]

Mmmm -- I disagree that expensive speakers necessarily make for an unbalanced system
But then I would, as expensive speakers / cheaper other stuff is the route I have deliberately taken for the past 5 or 6 years and have found it extremely enjoyable and rewarding. My speakers cost over 100x more than my amp and I think it's the best system I have ever heard.

I was amazed about a year ago when I visited a friend's home and heard his Cambridge amp - lower down the range than yours, Christoffer, and playing music similar to your tastes it was damn impressive! I'd be wary of change for change's sake - you will get 'different', but not necessarily better, imho.

By all means change the phonostage, I think those Cambridge Audio ones are awful - grey and bland. A Dino? - yup, but get a Never Connected PSU with it - astonishing improvement and so much better than the standard PSUs!

You just have to try stuff, it's the only way. :)

Agree with this...a very sensible post from Jerry. The cost of speakers has nothing, absolutely zilch, to do with system balance. The match of the speakers to room and amplifier has everything to do with system balance. If you spend more on one piece of the chain than anywhere else, you tend to get what you pay for where loudspeakers are concerned (used), and used you can pick up some real bargains. The loudspeaker and your room will probably make the bigest difference to how your systen sounds than anything else in the chain so deserves extra attention when picking and choosing and preferably, home audition or at least an audition. Age is less of a barrier than condition as many can be inexpensively brought to factory standards if needed providing drive units are healthy.

I would add a word of caution to the used amp merry go round. I know that people have aloads of fun swapping, buying and selling relatively inexpensive amps, but you do increase the risks to your speakers if you aren't sure of condition. Personally, I'd avoid any SS amp much over 10 to 20 years old that didn't look immaculate. There's a lot of vintage gear out there with knackered internals needing a good service, and in particular, cap changes. Many will be putting out some DC on the speaker terminals by now, some more than others and I've had a fair few enquiries for speaker repairs due to voice coils burning out. More this year than in previous years possibly underlying the fact that more people are buying used these days perhaps?. When I ask whether anything has recently changed in the system, invariably I get an answer "I bought this amp and only had it hooked up a few weeks...everything was fine before that". Caveat Emptor.

Again, agree with Jerry. Phonostage changes can often make or break even modest front end vnyl systems and you really don't need to break the bank. Good and relatively inexpensive ones from the usual suspects like Trichord, Graham Slee, Pro-Ject and the like are ok, and there's a few less well known options from the likes of Hagerman which out-perform the larger brands for less...a lot less.

[jandl100]

Agree with this...a very sensible post from Jerry.

You sound surprised!

It does happen now & then, more by chance than judgement I'm sure. :lol:

[Reffc]

You sound surprised!

It does happen now & then, more by chance than judgement I'm sure. :lol:


Nearly spat my coffee over the keyboard Jerry :rfl:

[Marco]

I agree with both you and Paul, but I can also see where Neil is coming from. If a 'speakers first' approach to system building works (as it does in your case, Jerry), then great. The balance of compromises obviously combine sympathetically in the system, to create a 'cohesive whole'.

However, I'd always advocate following a balanced system approach, where the 'sonic talents' (not necessarily cost) of the system components are spread evenly throughout, as IME, that's where the best rewards are consistently more likely to be had.

I totally understand that Chris has picked up some speakers cheaply that would normally cost much more, and so is building a system around them, so that's cool. However, room compatibility issues aside (and getting that right is very important), the fact is that more revealing speakers *will* highlight deficiencies (if there are any) upstream, so that's why building a system that way can be a bit hit and miss.

Anyway, Chris. I hope you get to where you want to go to with your system. I'm sure you will, and will enjoy the journey getting there! :cool:

Marco.

[chris.j.s]

I do like the fact that my speakers are like an open window that "was it Neil?" said.
The way i see it is that i will easier hear if the sound gets better or worse, of course it will be annoying to notice that my newly picked up amp dosent sound better in my system than the old one did but then i can hear it straight away instead of wondering if i just need to get used to the new sound that the amp is bringing to the system.

Paul that's a good point you have there with old electronics, It looks like i will for now end up with the Doxa amp and the guy that made it is offering an upgrade for it ""The upgrade involves all active and passive components are replaced except for the transistors. "" which might be a good upgrade to do as soon as possible then? Of course i will first plug it in for a day or two to check if i like what i hear and if i feel its a keeper i can upgrade it and in the meantime use the Cambridge.

[Marco]

I do like the fact that my speakers are like an open window that "was it Neil?" said.
The way i see it is that i will easier hear if the sound gets better or worse, of course it will be annoying to notice that my newly picked up amp dosent sound better in my system than the old one did but then i can hear it straight away instead of wondering if i just need to get used to the new sound that the amp is bringing to the system.


Sure, that's one way of looking at it. However, it could result in a lot of kit swapping/rejecting until you find an amp that suits! ;)

Marco.

[Reffc]

I do like the fact that my speakers are like an open window that "was it Neil?" said.
The way i see it is that i will easier hear if the sound gets better or worse, of course it will be annoying to notice that my newly picked up amp dosent sound better in my system than the old one did but then i can hear it straight away instead of wondering if i just need to get used to the new sound that the amp is bringing to the system.

Paul that's a good point you have there with old electronics, It looks like i will for now end up with the Doxa amp and the guy that made it is offering an upgrade for it ""The upgrade involves all active and passive components are replaced except for the transistors. "" which might be a good upgrade to do as soon as possible then? Of course i will first plug it in for a day or two to check if i like what i hear and if i feel its a keeper i can upgrade it and in the meantime use the Cambridge.

I'd ask him to replace the transistors too as it's often these that let go in older amps. Modern transistors are generally a lot more stable.

[jandl100]

Sure, that's one way of looking at it. However, it could result in a lot of kit swapping/rejecting until you find an amp that suits! ;)

Marco.

I'm not sure how you get to good system synergy apart from that approach.
You sure as hell can't do it by looking at specs or price tags, ime.
Or by sticking to a single brand - I've tried that on a couple of occasions thinking the same company's gear would work best together .... that did not work at all well for me.

You just have to try things and learn as you go along, imo. :)

[walpurgis]

When making equipment choices, it helps to know what type of sound you favour.

I know they (whoever 'they' are) say that a good amplifier should just amplify, but to me at least, each type/model sounds different. I definitely seem happier listening to Class A amps, whether valve or solid state.

Similar with speakers, colourations don't really bother me unless they are truly awful (Lowthers anybody?), but lack of transparency and poor integration between drivers or phase or imaging problems can bother me a lot. So, although having tried many makes and types of speaker, I keep returning to classic vintage Tannoys, simply because they don't have the issues that trouble me.

At the front end (vinyl), I favour Decca, ADC and good MC cartridges.

You may have noticed that all the items mentioned are of the more revealing kind. Chosen well, revealing equipment will not sound harsh or ruthless, it just gives you more music and more insight into the music! I value transparency, detail and depth greatly.

[Marco]

I'm not sure how you get to good system synergy apart from that approach.
You sure as hell can't do it by looking at specs or price tags, ime.
Or by sticking to a single brand - I've tried that on a couple of occasions thinking the same company's gear would work best together .... that did not work at all well for me.

You just have to try things and learn as you go along, imo.

I fully agree, Jerry, but not everyone is like you and enjoys the process of box-swapping.

Some of us like to get the core components in situ, ASAP, and then if necessary, subtly refine their performance, through fine-tuning, over the years, and then put the hi-fi aspect to bed and spend the time instead listening to music! ;)

No doubt that your method works, for others and you, but it's not for everyone :)

Marco.

[jandl100]

OK.
But how do you choose an amp, then, if you are the OP?
- Rely on a dealer's advice (i.e. what they happen to stock at the highest price they think the punter will stand - all too often the case)?
- Advice on forums from people with different tastes and preferences to you?
- Open a hifi mag at random and buy whatever is in the advert you are looking at?
- Buy the latest / greatest amp the hifi mags have just reviewed?

How do you do it? :scratch:

I think my method is best. :) -- it finds a component that suits me.

[Marco]

Well, all I can comment on is how I successfully built my system (the core components of which haven't changed now in 7 years), by doing extensive research on the Internet, reading reviews/opinions, and taking advice from those whom you think are attuned to your tastes.

Then, after having learned enough about the kit in question, take a punt on it and see what happens.

If your judgement is good, you shouldn't make too many mistakes! Sell on what didn't work out, and put it down to experience. Above all, ultimately TRUST your OWN ears, not what anyone else says, or what's written in a text book!

Then LIVE with your choices, without changing kit almost as often as your socks, and enjoy the benefits of a settled system [in the process creating a known reference/benchmark from which to accurately judge other equipment used in the system], put your feet up and bang out some tunes! :gig:

Simples :cool:

There has to be an END to the journey *sometime*.........

Marco.

[jandl100]

Excuse me! - I change amps far more often than I change socks. :lol:

[struth]

I never change anything;) especially my socks

[Marco]

Excuse me! - I change amps far more often than I change socks. :lol:

Yes, I noticed that last time I was down, but put it down to the Gorgonzola cheese on the pizza! :D

Marco.

[Marco]

In all seriousness, we essentially do the same thing. The only difference is I like having a settled system to (occasionally) tweak, and you like continually trying out different kit. Vive la difference! :cool:

Marco.

[julesd68]

So the question is simply what phonostage is a good bang for the buck and harder to answer sound good in my setup "speaker/table"?
I will probably stay with the exact cartridge for a considerable amount of time so most MM stage for the money i guess i'm asking for, price? idk up to 500 used or new is probably my limit.

For this kind of money you really must consider a second-hand Puresound P10 which will give you some funds left over to do some tube-rolling. I really enjoyed mine for a couple of years before upgrading. I changed the stock tubes for JJ gold pins which brought a modest but worthwhile improvement - it would have been even better for sure if I had explored the world of NOS tubes back then. I would have liked to have heard what it could do with the set of NOS Tungsram I have in my current phono stage. Plus you get excellent support from Guy at Puresound should you need it.

[chris.j.s]

There is a lot of roads to take to the same destination, i cant say that anyone's wrong and i cant even say that my way is right.
It is just my chosen path and time will tell if it pays out our not. My way have the luxury of fulfilling one of my other geeky needs and that is the curiosity of testing different kit together, i get the same feeling doing that as the feeling i get when i crate dig and pick up bands i never heard of "50% good, 50%crap but its fun"
I do however soak up all i read on this forum like a sponge and i take it in consideration with the things i hear and read from elsewhere, if HIFI would be just about measuring a clean signal than there would be a right and wrong but if you start putting personal preferences and music taste in the equation its not that simple any longer.

Do you guys wear socks?

[walpurgis]

Do you guys wear socks?

Only one at a time. On alternate feet each day. :)

[Marco]

Only when the wife's tights are in the wash :eyebrows:

Marco.

[struth]

Proper socks too... None of these piddling little ones with no backs to them... Socks that would kill a lesser mortal! Tweed ones:D

[dougmon]

Only when the wife's tights are in the wash :eyebrows:

Marco.

So those Monty Python skits are based in reality! I knew it!

[chris.j.s]

Only when the wife's tights are in the wash :eyebrows:

Marco.

So those Monty Python skits are based in reality! I knew it!
http://media0.giphy.com/media/CE883LVtVqHuM/200_s.gif

Just when i had decided on that bloody Doxa 70 sign mk II, a Lyngdorf Sdai 2175 appeared for the same price...
So what do i want? I now the Doxa has a varm sound build like a tank and overall great quality, however the Lyngdorf have received only good reviews but im afraid that it might be a bit clinical?
Anyone tested it? http://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/integrated-amplifiers/a-secrets-integrated-amplifier-review/

[chris.j.s]

Lyngdorf Sdai 2175

Nobody have any inputs about this amp?

[struth]

Nobody have any inputs about this amp?

Heard about these amps and supposed to be excellent. They had a digital aspect to them but were highly rated and quite powerful. if price is right then great. think they were expensive new

[jandl100]

Oh - OK - I was rather put off answering by the tranny blokes. ;) Not my scene. :nono:

Yep, I've had both the integrated and power amp versions of the Lyngdorf.

Quite a distinctive sound - smooth, open, detailed and powerful. Quite a rich midband tonality, almost like a good valve amp. Bass is powerful and well defined.
It's a bit too smooth at the top end for a detail freak, like me. I wouldn't go back to one again, but I recall the initial impression it made on me of amazing openness and naturalness.

So, yes, if you like a slightly relaxed / easy-going sound, these can be amazingly good.

[chris.j.s]

Been spinning records all day, i picked up a Vincent SV-233
http://i.imgur.com/Fe7VKwhl.jpg

Carrying it home i found out the hard way that it's built like a tank, my impressions so far is very good. I've been playing records that i know by heart in an attempt to hear how they changed with the new amp.
Conclusion; Darker "quieter" background, The image feels a lot more stable and it's now a lot easier to place the different instruments and the highs are now a bit easier for the ears "Bruce harmonica in Nebraska used to be a bit of a pain, not any longer"
So far very happy with it, now i only need to get a hold of the guy selling the phonostage i'm eager to get.

[chris.j.s]

Well crap... :(
Right channel is cutting out at low volumes which happen to be the volume i listen to in this apartment.
I had a good 30min listen before i bought it secondhand but that was clearly not long enough..

[jandl100]

Check all connections - then check them again!

[chris.j.s]

Check all connections - then check them again!
Yea, my first thought.
It is on all inputs "CD/Vinyl" and if i switch right/left speaker cables than the fault will switch speakers.
This in my mind means that the fault is at the amp, can't see any outer fault "no corrosion on the speaker outputs".
If i turn the volume up when it happens then it disappears for a while and i can listen to my set volume again but 5-10min later the same thing will happen again.

[Firebottle]

Sounds like a classic dry joint scenario.

Closely inspect all the soldered joints on the pcb, if any look 'crazed' or dull rather than bright you have probably found the fault.

:)

[chris.j.s]

Thanks Alan, i will have a look at it when i get home. Never had an amp with this much stuff in it though so i reckon it will take a couple of hours just to get the pcb out so i can have a look at it. Elctro cleaner spray wont do much here i guess? The only way to fix it is to desolder and resolder the joint if i find it.

[Firebottle]

You don't need to get the board out, unless that is you can't get to the underside without doing so.

No Electro cleaner won't work. You usually only have to resolder the joint with a little fresh solder, good luck.