First HiFi setup - seeking counsel!

[RaoulJuke]

I'm another for a Rega, you can build on them as your interest grows which is a big appear (namely the sub platter from Groover Tracer.com & the Rega PSU  

 

I originally purchased a Pro-Ject record player and it really disappointed me. I ended up returning it and getting an RP3 and never looked back. One of my rare purchases that I have never cross examined filled with lament. If you decide to go Rega, consider a Ortofon Blue cartridge. I have had one for about 5 years now and it was great, although close to its last days. I'm now considering upgrading to a Ouintet Blue or Bronze

Edited June 11, 2016 by RaoulJuke

[AJL999]

Hi Rowan,

 

I have a system that has some of the elements that  you may want:

Speakers - KEF XQ20  bookshelves in Mahogany......elegant and sound V good.    There is a set going now for $900 on SNA   (they are much less red than in the pics.....quite classy).   

Power amp - see if you can find some Manley Mahis - maybe $2K 2nd hand.   Super good tube amps...very crisp and play VERY loud but also sound good soft.   Fab retro styling.

Preamp - others can probably recommend better - mine doesn't have a phono pre-amp.

Turntable - others can suggest options

MP3 / Spotify - 2nd hand Logitech Touch.  Small, VERY versatile, and around $300 on SNA. (Digitise your CD's in FLAC and put them on a tiny 1TB drive and plug them into your Touch USB, plus Spofity, Pandora apps and internet radio!)

Bump it up - I just added a Chord Chordette DAC to my Touch - saw one go through here recently for $850??     Fab DAC with multi inputs, better than the Touch and in black, its small and looks elegant

 

Having most of this in place, I can tell you something around that set should look good and perform brilliantly.

 

     Regards......Anthony

[Guest Eggcup The Daft]

Grab that Linn!

It still leaves you with $1000 or so for a worthwhile second hand amp, and perhaps a better way to get what you have already for your digital music out to that amp.

Yes the speakers are important. But the mechanical engineering of a good turntable is expensive, and you'd never have to replace that Linn. If you want old school, THOMO's receiver will do the job.

 

As far as speakers go, I'd live with those components and the Ohm speakers for a few months and get out there and listen to a few different speakers before putting your money down on replacements.

With speakers, buy in haste and repent at leisure.

[Luc]

Buy the Spendor A6's that have just popped up in the classifieds. Bargain!

[Luc]

Too late! They're gone.

[blybo]

I have some Aussie made semi vintage floorstanders for sale. Freight would not be as much as you might think although I would have to source packaging. See my signature for the link. Whatmough, very well regarded and play well in the company of $4000 new speakers you will find today. I know as I had to pay more than $4000 to find something better. I was using them up till about 6 months ago very happily until I went on a bit of $$$$ upgrade madness....

[rkrasnoff]

Hi All

 

Firstly, thanks to everyone who has offered advice and/or equipment I might be interested in.

 

To give you an update, I ended up buying a starter system (and lots of very helpful advice) from @@THOMO, including:

 

- Toshiba SR-370 turntable (http://www.vinylengine.com/library/aurex-toshiba/sr-370.shtml)

- Usher s520 speakers 

- Toshiba SA-500 integrated amplifier (http://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/technics/sa-500.shtml)

 

I've been enjoying listening to this system while learning a bit more about what else is out there.  I'm now planning to embark on Phase 2 - my first upgrades.

 

Here is what I'm thinking, but I'd love to hear your thoughts:

 

Turntable - Keep the Toshiba! It sounds very nice to me, and I think the extra money for the Linn LP12 could be better spent on the amp/speakers

 

Speakers - Considering either Sonus Faber Liuto Monitors ($3,200 with stands) or Monitor Audio GX50 ($1,900 no stands).  Both are ex-demos at HiFi shops here in Perth, and I have listened to them.  The Liutos look amazing, stands included, and sounded good - very listenable (they were playing through a Rega Brio amp).  The GX50s also sounded very nice - amazing soundstage - though they were playing $10k+ worth of pre/power amplifiers.  The GX50s sounded brighter to me, perhaps a bit more fatiguing.  

 

I know that I could get great speakers for less second hand, but having a relationship with one of the local HiFi shops appeals to me (for example so that I can trial cables, powerboards etc)

 

Amplifier - A few options here, and some quite different ones.  If I buy the Liutos, I can get a good price on the Rega Brio (would work out to be approx $600).  Alternatively, I've seen on SNA:

• Rega Elex-R on SNA $1,050
• Marantz PM8005 for $1,600
• Rotel RA-1570 for $1500

A final option - stay with vintage and get an Accuphase E303 ($1700).  My only concern here is I wouldn't know whether it needed to be serviced, and what that would be likely to cost.

 

Does anyone have any advice about how these amps might pair with the Liutos of the GX50s?  The only amps I would be able to listen to before buying would be the Rega Brio or the Accuphase.  

 

Anyway, let me know if you have any thoughts!

 

Thanks

 

Rowan

 

@@AJL999  @@Luc

Edited June 29, 2016 by rkrasnoff

[MIKE.D79]

  On 29/06/2016 at 6:27 AM, rkrasnoff said:

Hi All

 

Firstly, thanks to everyone who has offered advice and/or equipment I might be interested in.

 

To give you an update, I ended up buying a starter system (and lots of very helpful advice) from @@THOMO, including:

 

- Toshiba SR-370 turntable (http://www.vinylengine.com/library/aurex-toshiba/sr-370.shtml)

- Usher s520 speakers 

- Toshiba SA-500 integrated amplifier (http://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/technics/sa-500.shtml)

 

I've been enjoying listening to this system while learning a bit more about what else is out there.  I'm now planning to embark on Phase 2 - my first upgrades.

 

Here is what I'm thinking, but I'd love to hear your thoughts:

 

Turntable - Keep the Toshiba! It sounds very nice to me, and I think the extra money for the Linn LP12 could be better spent on the amp/speakers

 

Speakers - Considering either Sonus Faber Liuto Monitors ($3,200 with stands) or Monitor Audio GX50 ($1,900 no stands).  Both are ex-demos at HiFi shops here in Perth, and I have listened to them.  The Liutos look amazing, stands included, and sounded good - very listenable (they were playing through a Rega Brio amp).  The GX50s also sounded very nice - amazing soundstage - though they were playing $10k+ worth of pre/power amplifiers.  The GX50s sounded brighter to me, perhaps a bit more fatiguing.  

 

I know that I could get great speakers for less second hand, but having a relationship with one of the local HiFi shops appeals to me (for example so that I can trial cables, powerboards etc)

 

Amplifier - A few options here, and some quite different ones.  If I buy the Liutos, I can get a good price on the Rega Brio (would work out to be approx $600).  Alternatively, I've seen on SNA:

• Rega Elex-R on SNA $1,050
• Marantz PM8005 for $1,600
• Rotel RA-1570 for $1500

A final option - stay with vintage and get an Accuphase E303 ($1700).  My only concern here is I wouldn't know whether it needed to be serviced, and what that would be likely to cost.

 

Does anyone have any advice about how these amps might pair with the Liutos of the GX50s?  The only amps I would be able to listen to before buying would be the Rega Brio or the Accuphase.  

 

Anyway, let me know if you have any thoughts!

 

Thanks

 

Rowan

 

@@AJL999  @@Luc

 

Ah, the accuphase on gumtree currently in perth? 

 

Accuphase are regarded as some of the best money can buy (all subjective of course) and built like tanks, although I haven't heard* one before.There is a tech in osborne park who specialises in accuphase under the name ultra systems, his name is Jason and very well respected with what he does. I'm sure he could point you in the right direction.

 

I've had work done by him before and he is very experienced and knows what he's doing. I was very happy with his service and workmanship.

 

As far as the rest of your queries go I'm sorry I cant help.

Edited June 29, 2016 by MIKE.D79

[Luc]

If you have the chance and you can afford to have it looked over then it's an absolute no brainer IMO to grab the Accuphase. You will always be able to mve this unit on at a reasonable price relative to your purchase(perhaps with little loss).

The Rega is a good all round performer that I wouldn't like to see driving SF speakers. I've had the precurser to the Brio, The Mira3 and it's a much better looking amp for a start(I'm a shallow type) but it wouldn't be a good match either.

 

If you ended up with SF being driven by Accuphase then you have an amp that you can stick with even if you move to a different speaker(and you will), they are nice things,desirable things. I'd go with it without any hesitation at all,the Brio isn't in the same league(and it's...ugly.There I've said it, shallowness to the fore)

[rkrasnoff]

Thanks very much both - sounds like the Accuphase is a winner. Do either of you know roughly what it would cost to have it looked over (assuming no major issues)?

 

@@Luc What is the issue you see with a Rega driving the SF speakers?  I thought maybe since the Liutos sounded quite smooth/relaxed, a slightly brighter modern amp would compliment well?

[MIKE.D79]

  On 29/06/2016 at 8:29 AM, rkrasnoff said:

Thanks very much both - sounds like the Accuphase is a winner. Do either of you know roughly what it would cost to have it looked over (assuming no major issues)?

 

@@Luc What is the issue you see with a Rega driving the SF speakers?  I thought maybe since the Liutos sounded quite smooth/relaxed, a slightly brighter modern amp would compliment well?

I shouldn't really say because its his business and being different amps the pricing may be different.

 

But my sansui b2101 power amp was around $140-$160 (cant exactly remember) for the initial testing stage. and if, for example, your amp has an issue, depending on what needs servicing replacing could cost anything from $200 -$2000 (as an example). and with my amp, because I went ahead with the service he waived the initial testing fee.

 

But again I stress every amps obviously different, so a guide of sorts only.

 

Hope this has been helpful.

[Luc]

I had the Mira3 driving Quad11Lclassics(standmounts) and I had the odd vintage Sansui SS and a Redgum SG5500(baby of the line) and the Mira suffered by comparison to all of them.

I tried it on my recently sold Silverline Prelude 2's(floorstanders) and it didn't drive them like the other amps.

 

It's quite a refined amp and it performed better with quiet and detailed music but when pressed to perform in a full symphony crescendo or some overblown pro rock it was no match compared to the others and it's where I learnt that amps aren't amps aren't amps.

 

If it's a budgetary thing and you have to go with the Brio then I'd look at other similarly priced amps.

 

As far as building a relationship with a dealer goes, that is your decision but you'll get all the info you need and more here too. The relationship will come in time whether you buy or no. i have one with a reputable dealer who was outstandingly kind from the word go and helpful long before I ever bought anything off him, that part came long after.

 

I've had amps fixed up by an enthusiast and expert which is a little different than a tech in business.

 

Start a thread on fixing an Accuphase and see what you get. I'm betting you'll get more info than you need.

 

now I must go and get packed for the show.

Good luck.

[THOMO]

Rowan,

            $1700 for an Accuphase E303 sounds a bit much to me.Not excessively overpriced but you would want to make sure it is in excellent working condition.

The Sonus Fabers may not be a huge improvement on the Ushers.

Yes keep the Toshiba turntable.It is extremely good.

If you are going to buy the Accuphase you really want some Gale 401 speakers to go with it.A match made in heaven.You will have to wait for a pair to come along though.

 

Jon

 

PS.Or Simply Hi Fi has some some second hand Sonus Fabers [Cremona Audiitor Elipse]-a more up market model.

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj8x_bvgM3NAhWKo5QKHUe-D6MQFgggMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.simplyhifi.com.au%2F&usg=AFQjCNEB6tLFoqPPCTe4moDvcTwdbc1dxg&sig2=ccGOzyFDrnz6BafVLlNatg

Edited June 29, 2016 by THOMO

[Guest BobbyD]

  On 29/06/2016 at 10:12 AM, THOMO said:

Rowan,

            $1700 for an Accuphase E303 sounds a bit much to me.Not excessively overpriced but you would want to make sure it is in excellent working condition.

The Sonus Fabers may not be a huge improvement on the Ushers.

Yes keep the Toshiba turntable.It is extremely good.

If you are going to buy the Accuphase you really want some Gale 401 speakers to go with it.A match made in heaven.You will have to wait for a pair to come along though.

 

Jon

 

PS.Or Simply Hi Fi has some some second hand Sonus Fabers [Cremona Audiitor Elipse]-a more up market model.

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj8x_bvgM3NAhWKo5QKHUe-D6MQFgggMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.simplyhifi.com.au%2F&usg=AFQjCNEB6tLFoqPPCTe4moDvcTwdbc1dxg&sig2=ccGOzyFDrnz6BafVLlNatg

+ 1 Thomo has much knowledge to share, the ushers are very good.

Listen to lots of gear before you buy.

Dare I mention tubes.......... And really mess with you...... :-)

[Pops110]

My best advice now you have a system, is to slow down a bit and take it easy. Very hard to do when the bug has bitten.

Get to know what you've got and how things sound. Changing too many things at once I've found can get you a bit lost , in recognizing which component or cable or speaker has made what difference too the sound.

I would personally now change the amp first. The Ushers can hold their own up to s certain point, They do like some power behind them so get something within budget that sounds good and has some more power.

Sit back and relax and enjoy for a little bit, then start looking at speakers. Take your amp with you to audition some speakers, but what sounds best too you!.

Cables, dacs etc should come last. In saying that I have just got some new cables so you would be more than welcome to borrow my old cables and see if you can hear a difference. They are Xlo, bananas both ends.

Cheers Dave.

[leewood]

Rowan,

Having just entered this wonderful but weird world of Hi-Fi you will find you will require constant and continuous counselling. Doctors, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, drug counsellors, Divorce Lawyers etc. It's just all part of the joys. sometimes you may even find some useful information from some of these forums. 

[dud]

harbeth speakers and any amp with sufficient powered amp. will blow most systems out of the park, I have c7es3 for sale and running with a yamaha rn500 that has a phono stage net readio optical inputs and fm/am radio : ) , cables don't matter any copper works fine and those who disagree will quickly shy away or become hostile at the challenge of blind testing : ) I have speakers advertised and would consider selling this utilitarian rig which is pretty fine especially at low volume. in wa you are welcome to try.

 edit:opps i see you already done ya dough : )

Edited July 2, 2016 by dud

[MIKE.D79]

Hey again,

 

As i think was mentioned by a few people above (I'm having a few beers tonight so probably missed comments above, sorry to anyone who i'm double quoting)

 

Play with the room dynamics and room treatment for a bit, this is very relevant at the moment as I'm currently listening to some music now in my concrete jungle of a music/theater room (has some junk and rugs and a couch [renovations]). after months weeks days of listening you can tell what some detrimental issues may be. and it's actually a good learning experience listening in badly treated rooms and well treated rooms as I've found out.

 

And that's not the beers talking either (well maybe alcohol does have bit an impact on your listening experience but i'm not that drunk)    

[rkrasnoff]

Hi All

 

I thought I would give you an update.  

 

I have bought the pair of Spendor A6s from @Toyny. (See http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php/topic/107094-sold-spendor-a6-floor-standing-speakers/#entry1660300)

 

Now I need to think about amplification.  My budget is about $2k.  If I go with an integrated amplifier, I'm thinking the Roksan K3, which seems to get quite good reviews (See http://www.whathifi.com/roksan/k3/review).

 

Alternatively, someone in Perth is selling a Manley Stingray, an integrated tube amp, for $1800.  This also gets good reviews, but I really have no idea about tube amplifiers I've never listened to one.  Does anyone know if this would pair well with the A6s?  I know the sounds is quite different, but I think it could suit the styles of music I listen to.

 

Very grateful for any advice!

 

Rowan