AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The Vinyl Circle => Topic started by: sleepkyng on 8 Dec 2018, 12:45 am
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friend wants to surprise her husband with a new 2 channel turntable setup.
US based couple in LA
he's not a huge hifi person, but appreciates good taste and just came into a large vinyl collection.
i suggested we pick the TT first, and we've started with an LP 12 but I'm open to other suggestions.
they want something with a classic but not gaudy look. they're not a fan of the whole open-tube situation either. so i think SS etc makes more sense.
she's also thinking BOOKSHELF over floor standers.
$6K is the total budget for this so:
TT
Amps / Phono
Speakers
Connects
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
UPDATE:
after consideration - she wants an all-black style setup but with a traditional style base - Regar Planar 6 etc...
the stereo setup is going on a banquette which is right up against the wall... and it's about 2 feet deep, 3 feet high and about 10ft wide.
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For me it will be a Rega Planar3 with an Elys2, a Simaudio Ace integrate amp and a pair of Harbeth P3-ESR. And maybe a pair of Kimber Kable speaker cable.
But there are lots of choice.
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Not sure what the price of this lot are in America but I would pick the following
Rega RP10 Turntable with cartridge
Sugden A21 Class A integrated with built in Phonostage
Kef LS50
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I would put $2K-$2.5K to speakers, $1500-$2000 for TT and the rest for an Integrated Amp and phono preamp.
I would consider these Monitor Audio Gold monitors, especially if she does not want to use a subwoofer. Plus they look great and are fairly easy to drive at 88db.
https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MRGS100
Also consider offerings from B&W, Sonus Faber, Elac Adante, Revel, KEF.
This Music Hall MMF-7.3 with Ortofon Bronze Cartridge or maybe a warmer sounding cartridge like a Hana depending upon the speakers.
https://www.needledoctor.com/Music-Hall-MMF-7-3-Turntable?quantity=1&custcol124=16
Other TT's Pro_Ject Classic SB, Marantz TT-15S1, Clear Audio Concept, VPI Scout
This Lounge Audio Phono preamp got a stellar write up in Stereophile a few months ago (LCR MKIII). A friend of mine bought one and loves it. It is very musical, has a full rich and smooth sound. He runs it with a $2K TT and $1K cartridge. It can be had in a Silver version for about $200 more. I am going to buy one in the next few months.
https://www.loungeaudio.com/hi-fi
Integrated amps-
Cambridge Audio 851a, Nuprime IDA 16, or a Classy looking Peachtree Nova 300 in Rosewood with built in Phono preamp.
https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/nova300-amplifier-with-dac.html
Can't argue with the other recommendations, all great! Especially Rega and Harbeths which are one of my favorite speakers, forgot all about them.
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Ehh, will post more in a minute, I think there may be some much better options than first ideas.
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Is that Marantz Reference turntable decent?
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Ok here's a few builds.
1. iFi Retro system: It has everything you could ever need built in, and comes with some LS3/5a speakers. That's pretty f'ing hard to beat for a small system. You just need cables and a TT. This is a nice option just for the fact they probably want to keep it simple. I choose the Ortofon 2M PNP because it requires no setup for them to deal with. I should mention the LS3/5a does very well on a bookshelf/against a wall.
iFi Retro system (https://www.musicdirect.com/integrated-amp/ifi-retro-stereo-system): $2149
Gem Dandy TT (http://www.hifigem.com/polytable.html): $1795
Ortofon 2M Blue PNP mkII (https://www.worldwidestereo.com/products/ortofon-2m-blue-plug-and-play-moving-magnet-cartridge-mk-ii-blue-2mbluepnm2?sku=170711&gclid=CjwKCAiA0ajgBRA4EiwA9gFORw4hbSscmveMOw7J8xZSO18TN3lcX-8qGafeCiO4R9FB7DpnZxUPgRoC9rYQAvD_BwE): $282
Ghent Audio Canare RCA (http://www.ghentaudio.com/part/a01.html): $21
Ghent Audio Canare Speaker Cables (http://www.ghentaudio.com/part/s01.html): $61
$4308.00
2. Bamberg NAD: This one interest me a fair amount. The idea here is to combine an extremely well designed speaker that doesn't cost a lot, with a warmer amp to suit the the desires of non-audiophiles. The speakers are not fancy looking, but they're great. They are sealed so they can bookshelf reasonably well. The NAD is pretty nice, and has a good phono stage. But this isn't too classic looking.
Bamberg 2 TM (http://www.bambergaudio.com/products/series2/2tm-pv.php): $895
NAD - C 388 (https://www.musicdirect.com/integrated-amp/NAD-C-388-Integrated-Amp): $1,599
Gem Dandy TT (http://www.hifigem.com/polytable.html): $1795
Ortofon 2M Blue PNP mkII (https://www.worldwidestereo.com/products/ortofon-2m-blue-plug-and-play-moving-magnet-cartridge-mk-ii-blue-2mbluepnm2?sku=170711&gclid=CjwKCAiA0ajgBRA4EiwA9gFORw4hbSscmveMOw7J8xZSO18TN3lcX-8qGafeCiO4R9FB7DpnZxUPgRoC9rYQAvD_BwE): $282
Ghent Audio Canare RCA (http://www.ghentaudio.com/part/a01.html): $21
Ghent Audio Canare Speaker Cables (http://www.ghentaudio.com/part/s01.html): $61
TWL Twelve Plus (https://www.triodewirelabs.com/product/twelve-plus-american-series/): $249 (5ft with 24k gold Schuko)
Total: $4902.00
3. PeachTree Salk: This one has some looks with custom wood finish speakers and PeachTree's nice look. The speakers also front fire slot port so they can work with shelves.
Salk WOW1 (http://www.salksound.com/model.php?model=WOW1), if you wanted a custom finish, and a front firing port (slot). $1295
PeachTree nova300 (https://www.needledoctor.com/Peachtree-nova300-Integrated-Amp?_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=CjwKCAiA0ajgBRA4EiwA9gFOR9EWw8-xRkjk25Dy1FhmgRgHvAIRlZMyBLDtkWGqLRIBLctE9LyGkRoCla4QAvD_BwE): $1999.00
Gem Dandy TT (http://www.hifigem.com/polytable.html): $1795
Ortofon 2M Blue PNP mkII (https://www.worldwidestereo.com/products/ortofon-2m-blue-plug-and-play-moving-magnet-cartridge-mk-ii-blue-2mbluepnm2?sku=170711&gclid=CjwKCAiA0ajgBRA4EiwA9gFORw4hbSscmveMOw7J8xZSO18TN3lcX-8qGafeCiO4R9FB7DpnZxUPgRoC9rYQAvD_BwE): $282
Ghent Audio Canare RCA (http://www.ghentaudio.com/part/a01.html): $21
Ghent Audio Canare Speaker Cables (http://www.ghentaudio.com/part/s01.html): $61
TWL Twelve Plus (https://www.triodewirelabs.com/product/twelve-plus-american-series/): $249 (5ft with 24k gold Schuko)
Total: $5702.00
These options consider there may be some shipping charges. They may also want to invest in one of these record cleaners (https://squeakycleanvinyl.com/). And spend the rest on some Kallax shelves from Ikea to put records on. They'll probably want the Gem Dandy's cover to, for like $49.
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Those are some great suggestions :thumb:
Don P.
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Folsom really nailed some gems, nice job ! ..... :thumb:
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being in CA, they should look to Kevin Deal @ Upscale Audio
I'm in Oklahoma and have bought stuff from him for years with nothing
but great experiences.
He's considered the nation's tube guru, but he also is one of the
most complete non tube audio dealers out there. He gets deals
no other audio stores get because of his buying power, and he just
built a new 10 thousand square ft showroom outside LA
If I was shopping for THIS with him, I would select:
KEF LS50 Bookshelfs (no better one out there anywhere, Stereophile Class A!) 999.00 a pair, regularly 1299
NAD C388 Integrated, list 1500 (he will make you a deal) Add the 300.00 Bluesound card and you have
world class Tidal streaming, so he can hear all the other music out there not in that Vinyl Collection.....
VPI Prime Scout turntable (considered the best buy on a turntable out there currently) list 2299
He actually bought his own special edition table with upgraded arm and finishes along with the 20 lb platter upgrade
and it would be worth doing if you can get a great deal)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Bronze (no brainer, no MC stage required, NAD amp already set up for it), best MM out there.....440 list
I think you should be able to get all this for under 5K, and the upgraded turntable you should be able to get for
well under 6K, then just add cables and you're set......
6 grand shouldn't be spent on internet or review buys.....invest in developing a relationship with a dealer, where you can
hear this stuff and rely on his experience. Kevin is really one of the most respected dealers in the entire country, the fact
he is in your back yard would make it a no brainer for me. Go put your hands and ears on some of this stuff.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=Xt7JWZMeNJg
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KEF LS50's have a rear port. These people will probably literally put a bookshelf on a bookshelf... Just saying...
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Another option inspired by the powered speaker thread, I think this combo would sound much better than the NAD, Peachtree or any other of the numerous affordable integrateds are capable of.
KEF LS50 wireless $1999 - The LS50 Wireless features Tidal Streaming, is a Roon endpoint providing the ultimate in flexibility and connectivity, and is compatible with all music streaming services.
https://www.kefdirect.com/speaker/flagship-hi-fi-speakers/ls50/ls50wireless-powered-music-system.html (https://www.kefdirect.com/speaker/flagship-hi-fi-speakers/ls50/ls50wireless-powered-music-system.html)
Van Alstine Fet Valve CF RB preamplifier with built in Vision Q phono preamp $1,345
https://avahifi.com/collections/used-demo-and-quick-ship/products/fet-valve-cf-rb-preamplifier-with-built-in-vision-q-phono-preamp (https://avahifi.com/collections/used-demo-and-quick-ship/products/fet-valve-cf-rb-preamplifier-with-built-in-vision-q-phono-preamp)
Any of the turntables mentioned above.
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KEF LS50's have a rear port. These people will probably literally put a bookshelf on a bookshelf... Just saying...
Bookshelf placement shouldn't automatically eliminate the LS50s. Even on a bookshelf, there is usually
opportunity to move forward and create a little bit of air if the monitor is small enough......
Having said that, if sealed is desired, my choice would be the Tannoy XT6 revolutions or the Focal Aria 906.....
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KEF LS50's have a rear port. These people will probably literally put a bookshelf on a bookshelf... Just saying...
No one in their right mind put’s a stand mount speaker on a bookshelf, well only if they are clueless or don’t care about sound quality.
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My experience is that non-audiophiles want to fight physics to the point of nearly wanting you to lie to them. They also usually want to spend $300 and get the world. This is a rare exceptionally lucky opportunity to get some nonnies into appreciating real music again. I wish threads like this came up more often.
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No one in their right mind put’s a stand mount speaker on a bookshelf, well only if they are clueless or don’t care about sound quality.
Exactly whom is buying... which makes the LS3/5a pretty ideal. It is meant to be near reinforcement.
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The OP states "friend wants to surprise her husband with a new 2 channel turntable setup."
No need for stuff that does everything else, besides the more functions you put in at this low price the worse everything will sound. Simple is best.
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TWL Twelve Plus (https://www.triodewirelabs.com/product/twelve-plus-american-series/): $249 (5ft with 24k gold Schuko)
At this price point why would anyone waste money on power cables? All the money should be going into getting the best equipment available for the money, cables, tweaks etc are what you spend money on when you have done everything else.
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I wouldn't waste a red cent on cables except for maybe the requisite tonearm cable if you can't/won't roll your own. Put the money into speakers and a budget heavy weight table setup and then the rest into an [integrated] amp within budget. Enjoy and then tinker (maybe) later.
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At this price point why would anyone waste money on power cables? All the money should be going into getting the best equipment available for the money, cables, tweaks etc are what you spend money on when you have done everything else.
I could not agree more. The OP wants classy looking gear that sounds very good and looks good. Blue Jeans terminated speaker cable and IC's by AQ or BJC's are the way to go. Put the money into the gear. A good set of speakers, good TT and integrated amp. These people are not audiophiles.
Hence my recommendations. The options are many :D
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At this price point why would anyone waste money on power cables? All the money should be going into getting the best equipment available for the money, cables, tweaks etc are what you spend money on when you have done everything else.
agreed 100%, for the life of me I will never fathom the 'audiofool' mentality .............
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At this price point why would anyone waste money on power cables? All the money should be going into getting the best equipment available for the money, cables, tweaks etc are what you spend money on when you have done everything else.
They want to spend $6k. They aren’t fooling around. A power conditioner would be advisable but at best a warmish cable will help them love it all the more. A power conditioner is probably beyond thei tolerance of gear to use. All of my builds come in under the price limit. Could you be more practical? Who gives a shit, this is a gift that is meant to please - they are clearly laying down enough to make it worth it, 99% of people would consider literally everything else I listed as not practical before disqualifying the very idea of $6k being totally absurd for a stereo.
Blue Jean Cable IC’s are absolute shitty ass garbage. The connectors ruin your RCA jacks, they fail often, and sound like shit.
All the cables I listed will make clear audible improvements. They are good enough for a $40k stereo.
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Blue Jean Cable IC’s are absolute shitty ass garbage. The connectors ruin your RCA jacks, they fail often, and sound like shit.
All the cables I listed will make clear audible improvements. They are good enough for a $40k stereo.
Thats why I recommended BJC speaker wire and AQ IC's which are decent. But I agree, warmer sounding cables will make it more enjoyable for most people.
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Blue Jean Cable IC’s are absolute shitty ass garbage. The connectors ruin your RCA jacks, they fail often, and sound like shit.
links to sources backing up your hyperbole?
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links to sources backing up your hyperbole?
My trashcan has no URL. I tried the Koolaid, total waste of time and money.
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Fun proposition. If I were doing this today, I'd purchase the following items. Non-audiophile, with elegant looks and a luxurious sound. Might require negotiating prices or buying a piece used to meet the price.
Leben CS-300 integrated:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/leben-cs300-integrated-amplifier
Airtight AL-05 speakers:
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/air-tight-bonsai-al-05-mini-monitor/
Mobile Fidelity turntable and phono stage:
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/mofi-electronics-ultradeck-turntable-and-studiophono-phonostage/
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I dig the Leben look. Nice call. Is it tube? I thought it was SS but maybe I’m wrong? I see info on it that looks unfamiliar?
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It is tube, but not visible and auto biased for (mostly) hassle free use.
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I have not seen the OP chiming back in yet?
Anyway I always advice people to take their own music and go and listen for themselves and pick what sounds best to their own ears, always take other people’s advice with a pinch of salt.
I hope the OP will be taking his friend to try things out for herself as she is the one that has to live with it.
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Fritz speakers might be a good option. I had great sound with a Project Experience TT and Blue point special cartridge before I upgraded to an SME, so maybe consider the Project classic and get the speed box.
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hey sorry - fun weekend project repairing the roof put me offline for a bit.
these are fantastic suggestions - thank you all so much - seriously this is super helpful.
also, i haven't been back to audiocircle in years, good to know the cable debate rages on ;)
i'm going to lay out a few of these options for her and report back!
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ok quick update - she's not into the "non-traditional" style TTs - ie the Gem Daddy or the Scout.
I think she's leaning stylistically to something like a wood Sota Moonbeam etc.
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Just about any Tektons would work. They range from $1000 to $3000..
Tekton "standard" Impacts $2000 , Enzo 2.7 - $2000 pair delivered , Seas Pendragon $1980 pair delivered...
Rega p3 - Ortofon M2 Black - $1500
Decware - MODEL SE34I.5 $1800
Cullencable - all cables $500 - $800
maybe add a sub
Tekton - 12" Brisance - $850 delivered
Total - $6,000
- $7,000 with sub
Add a DAC (Shiit "GUMBY") and a streamer (Apple TV4) for the same money as the TT and you will have Endless amounts of songs to choose from..
Honestly I would get the streaming set up before the TT..
Waaaay more conveinent ..
I'm about to give up on my TT setup.. Just too much work to keep them clean, not to mention you have to flip the Record every 15-20 minutes..
It's nice to have but ...
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I'm about to give up on my TT setup.. Just too much work to keep them clean, not to mention you have to flip the Record every 15-20 minutes..
It's nice to have but ...
oh believe me i'm in the same boat!
but this is a specific build for a friend's wife. I think they will have a separate system for all the non-vinyl listening.
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Update again:
after consideration - she wants an all-black style setup but with a traditional style base - Regar Planar 6 etc...
the stereo setup is going on a banquette which is right up against the wall... and it's about 2 feet deep. Plenty wide though (8 ft).
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Take a look at the Project line of traditional, black TT. I prefer them to the Rega, but YMMV.
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Too bad about the Gem Dandy, as it is kinda in a class of it's own for the price.
But I have a superb solution for you! A professional restored Thorens by someone who's been around for awhile doing it. The important thing to note in my opinion is that the tonearm accepts universal mounts so you can use the plug and play Ortofon cartridge I recommended that doesn't need setup.
Thoren's restored, beautiful. (https://vinylnirvana.com/product/gorgeous-thorens-td-160-super-reproduction-new-jelco-550s-tonearm-solid-zebrawood-plinth-dec-2018)
You can even buy spair springs and belts from him. They've never got out of style. I don't think anything compares in the price range like Music Hall etc.
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Update again:
after consideration - she wants an all-black style setup but with a traditional style base - Regar Planar 6 etc...
the stereo setup is going on a banquette which is right up against the wall... and it's about 2 feet deep. Plenty wide though (8 ft).
Poop. Ok, well then Obviously the Bamberg NAD would work great.
Really too bad the Gem Dandy is "too out there".
I'll look at black TT's for a minute. Try to find one with universal mount arm...
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Take a look at the Project line of traditional, black TT. I prefer them to the Rega, but YMMV.
Yes! My first TT was a pro-ject. Still miss it.
Too bad about the Gem Dandy, as it is kinda in a class of it's own for the price.
But I have a superb solution for you! A professional restored Thorens by someone who's been around for awhile doing it. The important thing to note in my opinion is that the tonearm accepts universal mounts so you can use the plug and play Ortofon cartridge I recommended that doesn't need setup.
Thoren's restored, beautiful. (https://vinylnirvana.com/product/gorgeous-thorens-td-160-super-reproduction-new-jelco-550s-tonearm-solid-zebrawood-plinth-dec-2018)
You can even buy spair springs and belts from him. They've never got out of style. I don't think anything compares in the price range like Music Hall etc.
It's funny you mention this TT - I was just looking at it and thinking of it. I've always wanted to hear a really well remade Thorens.
I think though, given the update, she's moving away from "classic" to more "black and simple"
It's been a wild ride so far trying to build this !
Also, Folsom - she loves the NAD. I'm having trouble figuring out where to buy the Bambergs tho.
She really needs a front ported or sealed speaker setup imo if they're gonna be basically right up against the wall. And something really forgiving -think the NAD is a good choice for amp in that regard.
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Contact Phil direct for Bamberg speakers.
In the future it'll be annoying to setup a new cartridge perhaps, but the ClearAudio blacked out (https://www.musicdirect.com/more-best-selling-analog-components/Clearaudio-Concept-Black-Turntable-MM) is a nice option. Just buy a GeoDisk with it for in the future when a new cartridge will be used.
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UPDATE again - i've convinced her to go with the restored Thorens. She wants the iFi retro setup too now.
I think i'm just gonna get her to commit to this.
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Sick! This is one lucky guy to be getting this gift to go with records. Lucky Gal too, to have the scratch to drop.
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Sick! This is one lucky guy to be getting this gift to go with records. Lucky Gal too, to have the scratch to drop.
seriously, have to say i'm a little jealous haha
but i'm stoked to be helping out.
she's gonna email dave at nirvanavinyl to add a cartridge to the thorens.
apparently they have a lot of zebra panel wood in the house so she loved that.
Thanks again for all the help Folsom and everyone else!!
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Seriously, ask if he can do the one I recommended because it has no setup process. If you buy another one it is just a twist of the lockring on the universal arm that's already mounted on the thing.
Anyways, maybe later you'll convince him to join around here to talk about music and such :) Enjoy your holidays!
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she bought the zebra thorens but it didn't have a cartridge installed. I think she's talking to dave now to get it setup with one he recommends.
it's in their hands now ;)
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Wow you mean she bought without listening first, hope she likes it. I never buy anything before I have listened first and most of the time I take it home and try it in my room with the rest of my setup. Expensive mistake if you don’t like it.
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Wow you mean she bought without listening first, hope she likes it. I never buy anything before I have listened first and most of the time I take it home and try it in my room with the rest of my setup. Expensive mistake if you don’t like it.
I think is their first step into hifi. I think it's ok to dive in (if you have the cash) and go from there.
I honestly think I could suggest anything mentioned here, and it would have been mind blowing for them.
That's how hifi was for me the first time I heard something outside the Bose world.
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I think is their first step into hifi. I think it's ok to dive in (if you have the cash) and go from there.
I honestly think I could suggest anything mentioned here, and it would have been mind blowing for them.
That's how hifi was for me the first time I heard something outside the Bose world.
But still all that choice and she chooses not to listen first? Sounds like she is going on looks alone. Well to each his / her own :wink:
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All components have been reviewed rather favorably, none more than the Thorens.
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All components have been reviewed rather favorably, none more than the Thorens.
Oh really and that means everybody is going to like it?
I have listened to products that have been well reviewed and rated by reviewers, only to think what the hell are they talking about?
I don’t part with my money on someone else’s say so, my ears are the only judge i trust.
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There's many trusted iFi enthusiast lurking around this very forum. The LS3/5a needs no introduction or reaffirmation. So "review" may be a funny word, as I didn't say whom.
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I am sure there are, and there are many that love beats headphones too but it does not mean I would love it too.
Yes I used the word review, just a word to illustrate my point in saying just because someone likes something does not mean the next person will like it too.
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They could always return it if it sounds horrid. The TT maybe not as easily, but the Retro? Very.
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UPDATE again - i've convinced her to go with the restored Thorens. She wants the iFi retro setup too now.
I think i'm just gonna get her to commit to this.
The IFI uses tubes. If she is looking for something that looks good, the Peachtree integrated amp in the Ebony Mocha finish looks classy. You can easily find some good bookshelf speakers in similar finish. No worries about tubes, heat etc.
https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/nova150-amplifier-with-dac.html
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Skip the iFi speakers and get a pair of Omega to go with the Stereo 50. The Stereo 50 is a superb sounding unit. The speakers....
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I have heard some omegas. Like all single driver units, not for me, but clearly better than most by leagues.
They can always upgrade speakers. Bet they’ll be real happy.
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friend wants to surprise her husband with a new 2 channel turntable setup.
US based couple in LA
he's not a huge hifi person, but appreciates good taste and just came into a large vinyl collection.
i suggested we pick the TT first, and we've started with an LP 12 but I'm open to other suggestions.
they want something with a classic but not gaudy look. they're not a fan of the whole open-tube situation either. so i think SS etc makes more sense.
she's also thinking BOOKSHELF over floor standers.
$6K is the total budget for this so:
TT
Amps / Phono
Speakers
Connects
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
UPDATE:
after consideration - she wants an all-black style setup but with a traditional style base - Regar Planar 6 etc...
the stereo setup is going on a banquette which is right up against the wall... and it's about 2 feet deep, 3 feet high and about 10ft wide.
For someone who is not a 'hifi person', I would recommend going to Audio Element in Pasadena.
Brian Berdan is a very knowledgeable person, honest, and has equipment at most price ranges, from modest to the most expensive. He carries: Rega, ProJect, Music Hall, and others.
https://audio-element.com/ (https://audio-element.com/)
He's got a complete system configured for $4580, including a Rega 6, A Sphinx amp, and a pair of Dali Zensor 7 speakers. There's still plenty of room for a CD player, and a record cleaning machine for $6000.
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I can't blame her for going with a vintage Thorens 318. The semi auto feature is great. I have a Thorens TD-145 and love the semi auto feature. It is what keeps me from buying a new TT.
The bottom line in this thread is that these people are not looking for the greatest sound and any of the recommendations will sound good, probably better than any thing that they have heard or have. Although, I am not so sure about the IFI speakers. Probably mediocre at best but who knows.
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If the speakers are not up to snuff, they could be replaced and still be within budget.
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Take a look at the Vandersteen VLR's. They are literally designed to go on furniture or in bookshelves.
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I can't blame her for going with a vintage Thorens 318. The semi auto feature is great. I have a Thorens TD-145 and love the semi auto feature. It is what keeps me from buying a new TT.
The bottom line in this thread is that these people are not looking for the greatest sound and any of the recommendations will sound good, probably better than any thing that they have heard or have. Although, I am not so sure about the IFI speakers. Probably mediocre at best but who knows.
I agree.
I'm pretty sure the iFi speakers are LS5/A copies, modified.
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I've sold the Stereo 50 and the speakers. I've heard the Stereo 50 on many speakers and trust me, the iFi speakers don't stand up against a pair of Omega. If not Omega, I'd strongly suggest going a different route for the speakers.
Keep in mind with the Stereo 50 you will need to push the volume some unless you have some efficient speakers. The 25 watts seems less powerful than that, but it doesn't take away from the sweet music it creates with the right speakers.
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iFi makes quality stuff and I can get behind everything except the speakers. To be fair, you CAN get decent sound out of them, but they need to be placed in a bookshelf or have a lot of reinforcements from other objects to sound decent. These are definitely not speakers you put out in a room or on top of a desk with space to breathe.