I've been wanting to upgrade my system for a long time now.
My system currently consists of a pair of B& W 630's, an old Denon 50 watt reciever (DRA-550) from the mid 80's, and a Marantz 5004 cd player. I'm pretty happy with all three.
I'm looking to get back into vinyl and The Project Debut Carbon turntable was recommended. I listened to it but wasn't amazed by it. So I sent it back.
I then called my local audio store and the salesman said that if the system sounds good with cds but not with the turntable then the weak link is probably the phono pre amp.
So, he recommended the NAD C388 integrated amp which has the added benefit of more power (150 watts per channel) and bluetooth as well (something I definitely want). He did qualify it by saying that reciever/amp technology hasn't changed much over the years.
He also recommended an upgrade of the turntable cartridge to the Sumiko Rainier.
Just thinking out loud. I'd be open to adding a bluetooth and a new phono preamp to the Denon, but I'm not sure if that would be better.
TIA
Bring your favorite albums with you and trust your ears.
Also, how old are your speakers ?? Those cone surrounds do wear out over time, and this was demonstrated to me recently. I had to 'trade-in' my trusty JBL's rather than put new surround foam on them. I bought PSB Speakers and I'm very happy with them.
Bring your favorite albums with you and trust your ears.
Also, how old are your speakers ?? Those cone surrounds do wear out over time, and this was demonstrated to me recently. I had to 'trade-in' my trusty JBL's rather than put new surround foam on them. I bought PSB Speakers and I'm very happy with them.
Unfortunately, The Showroom is under construction.
Link - ( New Window )
The best analogy I can offer for the audiophile game is that it's like the NFL draft for most people. Price isn't everything, and there's lots of 5th rounders that perform like 1st rounders and vice versa.
What city do you live in?
This actually has been recommended to me, but it doesn't have a blutooth option.
The best analogy I can offer for the audiophile game is that it's like the NFL draft for most people. Price isn't everything, and there's lots of 5th rounders that perform like 1st rounders and vice versa.
What city do you live in?
Hey, I don't want to spend more that $4000-$5000 for everything. I live in Suffolk county long island.
I would recommend their Roma 79DC phono amplifier.
As for turntables, Clear Audio Concept is my recommended starter table, with an Audio Note IQ3 cartridge. Probably about $3k for both.
Stuff adds up fast, which is why you have to be honest about long term goals.
The real values are in the vintage gear. Thorens TD124, Garrard 301 are going to give you 99th percentile turntable performance under $10k guaranteed.
In general when considering upgrades, the biggest bank for the bank often is the amplifier. A really good amplifier will make all speakers sound good from audiophile to non audiophile. If you're using a receiver, then it's time to step up to the tube amp level.
The good news is you can do this piece meal. Like building a Porsche parts at a time, no need to do the whole car at once.
Another big item to consider is your room. Admittedly I have the knowledge but lack of ideal space/dedication to this right (rental apartment in NYC).
A really good room when treated right will make the absolute most of your system in terms of tonal balance, presence, quietness, etc.
Lots of good value in this. Shelves, diffusers, rugs/carpeting, all a big help in making a room sound better.
Done right, a room could be worth, 5/10/15/20k+ in gear.....for not a lot of money.
Link - ( New Window )
Quote:
What budget are you looking to spend? Long term goals?
The best analogy I can offer for the audiophile game is that it's like the NFL draft for most people. Price isn't everything, and there's lots of 5th rounders that perform like 1st rounders and vice versa.
What city do you live in?
Hey, I don't want to spend more that $4000-$5000 for everything. I live in Suffolk county long island.
I would get the Synthesis Soprano integrated amplifier. Any of the other ones are good too but more expensive of course.
Cheap turntable, I'll have to think about it.
A decent DAC helps too.
Are you really wanting a turntable or just curious? Reason I ask is because the analog aura is real but can cost somewhat to get a baseline that outperforms digital.
I know this is out of left field completely, but a decent reel to reel tape deck outperforms just about all turntables, for about $1000 or less. Only problem is the lack of available tapes out there. It's nowhere near the amount like vinyl.
I'm not going to recommend a R2R, because it's only for the most hardcore/masochistic, but IMO you'll need a good vintage table.
Let me think about it....
Link - ( New Window )
Maybe check out Audio Breakthrough in Manhasset, NY? I know its a bit out of Suffolk area but they're pretty solid.
My last integrated amp I bought came from there. It came down to an NAD and a Cambridge unit and my budget was around what you're looking at with current C series you noted in OP. The thing that was great about Audio Breakthrough was that they let me take each unit home and demo. I started with side by side at the store, then took the Cambridge home for a week and then the NAD. The NAD never went back. It all comes down to the sound as you experience it with your other components and music and especially in your listening environment.
Enjoy!
Audio Shop in Manhasset - ( New Window )
So I’ve invested in DACs in the $1-2k range (Wyred4Sound has a strong well priced line in this category) and Empirical Audio’s SynchroMesh, which is a high end resampler costing a bit under $1k.
I did a direct in-system controlled comparison and with this front end & found that ordinary digital sound was virtually indistinguishable from SACD, which is considered by audiophiles mostly better than vinyl.
Where am I going with this? Vinyl and turntables are a VERY expensive proposition. Good cartridges run to $3-4k easily. And vinyl the medium sucks. My advice is to invest in your front end digital. More affordable, adaptable and easier to use.
I would recommend their Roma 79DC phono amplifier.
As for turntables, Clear Audio Concept is my recommended starter table, with an Audio Note IQ3 cartridge. Probably about $3k for both.
Stuff adds up fast, which is why you have to be honest about long term goals.
The real values are in the vintage gear. Thorens TD124, Garrard 301 are going to give you 99th percentile turntable performance under $10k guaranteed.
In general when considering upgrades, the biggest bank for the bank often is the amplifier. A really good amplifier will make all speakers sound good from audiophile to non audiophile. If you're using a receiver, then it's time to step up to the tube amp level.
The good news is you can do this piece meal. Like building a Porsche parts at a time, no need to do the whole car at once.
Another big item to consider is your room. Admittedly I have the knowledge but lack of ideal space/dedication to this right (rental apartment in NYC).
A really good room when treated right will make the absolute most of your system in terms of tonal balance, presence, quietness, etc.
Lots of good value in this. Shelves, diffusers, rugs/carpeting, all a big help in making a room sound better.
Done right, a room could be worth, 5/10/15/20k+ in gear.....for not a lot of money.
Link - ( New Window )
So you'd go with the old re-made "tube" technology (isn't this what Synthesis does)? Why? Boy I remember that from my youth, turn it on and the sound ramps up as the tubes heat up.
Another question: Would it make more sense to buy an all in one amp that includes a bluetooth/streaming etc, and phono pre amp or buy them separately?
Will do.
Thanks.
Awesome cosmicj! Thanks.
How does audiogon compare with ebay? I got burned buying a cd changer on ebay.
Just wondering.
Great! Thanks winoguy.