2CH Audio Wishlist!

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by richteer

Good idea! (If you have time, I'd still try both before settling on one. You never know what a difference it might make.)

Hopefully Paul (my dealer) will have the patience to sit and watch me learn as I start to discover a new element of this most gratifying and enjoyable hobby. I can't wait!

John

[Johnny Vinyl]

Still no word on the TT arrival date, but I thought I would ask a question.

The Marantz will be with me for a few years (unless I win the lottery), so I need to think about my next upgrade. There are 2 things I'm considering and I think (for myself) I already have the answer, but I'd like your opinion.

Originally the upgrade strategy was a Turntable first (done) and then a 2-channel Power Amp (SS, Tube, Monoblocks?), but I think I would get more benefit from upgrading my entry-level Phono Preamp first. For the Marantz I think something in the order of $500-$1,000 for a phono preamp makes sense. I like this idea from a financial perspective as well. The economy has me running a little scared about investing several thousands of dollars at the moment.

What are your thoughts? Does my strategy make sense?

John

[richteer]

Originally Posted by John72953

Still no word on the TT arrival date, but I thought I would ask a question.

The Marantz will be with me for a few years (unless I win the lottery), so I need to think about my next upgrade. There are 2 things I'm considering and I think (for myself) I already have the answer, but I'd like your opinion.

Originally the upgrade strategy was a Turntable first (done) and then a 2-channel Power Amp (SS, Tube, Monoblocks?), but I think I would get more benefit from upgrading my entry-level Phono Preamp first. For the Marantz I think something in the order of $500-$1,000 for a phono preamp makes sense. I like this idea from a financial perspective as well. The economy has me running a little scared about investing several thousands of dollars at the moment.

What are your thoughts? Does my strategy make sense?

John

Would I be correct in thinking that this summarises your current set up:

Marantz TT/arm/Virtuoso -> Vinyline 4189 -> Yamaha HTR-6190B -> Totems?

Assuming the above is about right, I guess my next question would be when/how soon would you expect to make other upgrades and how much space do you have? Is this system to be 2-channel only, or will it be used for HT stuff too?

The reason I ask is because you might want to replace your receiver with a separate preamp and power amp (or a great integrated amp, but I prefer separates).

That said, an upgraded phonostage would be a good idea. In the $500 to $1000 range there's a few well regarded ones to try out (see the current issue of TAS for some). Off the top of my head, there's Sim Audio, Graham Slee, Phonomea, Sutherland, etc. Make sure you get one that is MC capable.

It's a shame we don't live closer together. I'd love for you to be able to hear some of your records on my rig! If you're ever out in BC, look me up!

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by richteer

Would I be correct in thinking that this summarises your current set up:

Marantz TT/arm/Virtuoso -> Vinyline 4189 -> Yamaha HTR-6190B -> Totems?

Assuming the above is about right, I guess my next question would be when/how soon would you expect to make other upgrades and how much space do you have? Is this system to be 2-channel only, or will it be used for HT stuff too?

The reason I ask is because you might want to replace your receiver with a separate preamp and power amp (or a great integrated amp, but I prefer separates).

That said, an upgraded phonostage would be a good idea. In the $500 to $1000 range there's a few well regarded ones to try out (see the current issue of TAS for some). Off the top of my head, there's Sim Audio, Graham Slee, Phonomea, Sutherland, etc. Make sure you get one that is MC capable.

It's a shame we don't live closer together. I'd love for you to be able to hear some of your records on my rig! If you're ever out in BC, look me up!

Hi Rich,

Yes, you are correct in the setup chain.

I'm going to keep the Yamaha Receiver for purely HT duty and want to break out the 2-channel portion. This means that a separate power amp and separate preamp are definate upgrades. Having said that, these are upgrades that will set me back quite a few beans and even if I had the money today, I would be hesitant to spent it due to the economy.

Speaking/thinking as realistically and responsibly as possible, I think an upgraded phono stage (yes, a MM/MC capable unit) will give me a real improvement in sound quality immediately, which would be nice.

And trust me Rich, if we did live closer I'd be at your doorstep with vinyl in hand right this minute!

John

[mdabb]

John,

Congrats on the new TT, I'm sure you will enjoy it very much. Even more so when you get the dedicated 2 channel rig put together or a setup with a home theater by-pass. Ah the love !!!


I don't blame you for being worried about the present. It's a double edged sword, on one hand if you spend the money on some new toys that will equal a negative on the wallet, but right now it is also wonderful to be a buyer. If you have job security I'd say go for it and enjoy the deals while they last.

Great, how the stress slips away when I get some listening time in .

[richteer]

Originally Posted by John72953

Hi Rich,

Yes, you are correct in the setup chain.

I'm going to keep the Yamaha Receiver for purely HT duty and want to break out the 2-channel portion. This means that a separate power amp and separate preamp are definate upgrades. Having said that, these are upgrades that will set me back quite a few beans and even if I had the money today, I would be hesitant to spent it due to the economy.

That makes sense. If you plan to eventually have a hybrid system (that is, separate stereo and 5.1 systems that share some components), this would be the best way to go. Use the Yamaha for surround sound decoding and powering the surround and LFE channels, and your stereo rig for powering the front L & R speakers.

Speaking/thinking as realistically and responsibly as possible, I think an upgraded phono stage (yes, a MM/MC capable unit) will give me a real improvement in sound quality immediately, which would be nice.

And trust me Rich, if we did live closer I'd be at your doorstep with vinyl in hand right this minute!

John

I bet! Well, the offer's always there...

Given what you've said, I think you're on the right track. Something to bear in mind is: what's next? Something you might consider is the Simaudio 5.3 phonostage ($1500, IIRC), which you can later supplement with its own dedicated power supply (about $1200). Other options that come to mind: PS Audio's G-Phono, the Sutherland Ph3D, the Pro-Ject Tube Box SE II, or the Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena. I think they're all $1000 or less. You'll also want to treat yourself to a good quality cable to connect the phonostage to your receiver.

As usual, I recommend a home audition if possible, and ideally borrow an amp too. Your Yamaha will be holding back what's before it in the signal chain, so you want something that will reveal the differences.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by mdabb

John,

Congrats on the new TT, I'm sure you will enjoy it very much. Even more so when you get the dedicated 2 channel rig put together or a setup with a home theater by-pass. Ah the love !!!


I don't blame you for being worried about the present. It's a double edged sword, on one hand if you spend the money on some new toys that will equal a negative on the wallet, but right now it is also wonderful to be a buyer. If you have job security I'd say go for it and enjoy the deals while they last.

Great, how the stress slips away when I get some listening time in .

Andrew,

I couldn't agree with you more. The pressures of life just fade away after a few songs and in a way kind of keep me grounded as well. I only have an entry-level system right now, but even with it....the joy and passion I have for the music (primarily the music) is priceless! A great comfort to me I must admit!

John

[Popper]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

If I really want to go crazy, this will be on my wish list. That will make me as crazy as the manufacturer.

Gabriel/Da Vinci Turntable , 195lbs, $60,000 with separate motor pillar and tonearm pillar.

ROFL@ wifey's comment...Geeze louise!!! $60,000?? It's just a record player for cryin' out loud!!!

[Gremal]

This should be on everyone's two channel wishlist based on my experience with mine over the past few months. Grab it while you can. It won't last long and VAC's not making any more.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....i-top-of-the-l

[Dagger]

I would suggest auditioning Pro-Ac's, British speaker company. I listened to the D15's (two way) not so long ago - $3500 a pair - if I recall correctly. The shop that I auditioned them pushed a lot of vinyl and tubes.

Bass wasn't the strong point of these speakers (bloomy), but everything else was - mids were beautiful and highs had that "air" but not at all fatiguing. I planned to only be there an hour or so, but was there for about two without realizing it. The speakers were being driven by a Leben integrated amp - something like 17 w/channel. Speakers sounded huge and I didn't detect any strain.

Good luck finding your set-up... I'm jealous...

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Popper

ROFL@ wifey's comment...Geeze louise!!! $60,000?? It's just a record player for cryin' out loud!!!

She is right. Men are crazy.

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

She is right. Men are crazy.

Ya ~ And I'm on top of the list !!

[D]

Here's my wish list, B&W 802D's, Classe' CDP-502, pair of Classe' CAM-400's.

[Pfdjr1]

what exactly is 2CH audio anyway??

[richteer]

Originally Posted by Pfdjr1

what exactly is 2CH audio anyway??

2 channel, as in stereo.

[JJ]

McIntosh amps and a pair of B&W 805s.

SACD player as of yet unknown.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

McIntosh amps and a pair of B&W 805s.

SACD player as of yet unknown.

Sony just introduced the SCD-XA5400ES SACD/CD player. It is listed for $1,500 and according to the most recent issue of the Stereophile magazine, it is Sony's best and perhaps its last SACD player.

[JJ]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Sony just introduced the SCD-XA5400ES SACD/CD player. It is listed for $1,500 and according to the most recent issue of the Stereophile magazine, it is Sony's best and perhaps its last SACD player.

I returned the Elite one I had ordered in order to be able to pay for an amplifier purchase I could be making very, very soon...

[rded]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

McIntosh amps and a pair of B&W 805s.

SACD player as of yet unknown.

JJvix,
If you can wait 8-12 months, Arcam is going to release a universal BD player and its going to be in the 2K-ish range from what I've heard.