[Cujo5188]

Hey Guys,

I am excited to join this forum, but it is on somber circumstances. I recently lost a close family member of mine.
Long story short: I have always been a musician, and into collecting musical gear. That being said, I've never dabbled into the audio side of it. Well, apparently, my family member decided that since I was into music, he left for me a collection of his audio equipment. I have no idea what is good, what is bad, what I should keep or sell or anything. So I am hoping you guys could lend me a hand to help figure some of this stuff out.

Here is a brief list of what I have now (I will post more as I pick them up) I can upload photos too if anyone would like.

Van Alstine Fet Valve EC Hybrid PreAmp (Options: RIAA phono, Tape Buffers)
Adcom Stereo Power Amp - GFA-535II
Dyna Stereo Amp - SCA-35
Mesa Engineering - Vacuum Tube Audio - Tigris
PreSonus - BlueTube - Stero Tube Preamp
PeachTree Audio - Nova Stereo Integrated Amplifier
VPI Scoutmaster Turntable
Two (2)Technics Sb-2840 tower speakers. Each speaker features a 12" woofer, a 6" Mid-Range speaker and a 4 3/8" tweeter.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

[FullRangeMan]

Welcome Cujo5188, I sorry for your loss.
The Dynaco SCA-35 is vintage, rare.
The Mesa Engineering Tigris seems good to hifi.
PeachTree Audio Nova is great to hifi music.
Technics SB-2840 are dated or even vintage.
A nice set, too bad sell it.

[Guy 13]

A warm welcome to AudioCircle Mr. Cujo

Guy 13

[Nick77]

Sorry to hear about your loss, thats some nice equipment. Good luck and welcome.

[JLM]

Welcome.

Hope you can enjoy the gear.  Looks like you've got parts of multiple systems there.  I'm not a vintage (can be a hassle to maintain) or vinyl (good records are expensive and hard to find) guy, so I'd keep the Peachtree integrated and get rid of the rest (Audiogon.com is the best place to sell after you figure out what each piece might be worth).  If the Peachtree has a DAC (digital-analog convertor) you should be able to connect it to a computer (to use as a music source).  If you can provide the model number, room size, and musical tastes we can make specific recommendations.
 
Audio is mostly a lonely pursuit, so this brings up a good lesson for all: knowing who would appreciate our gear and communicating it.

[Dieterle Tool]

Sorry for your loss. You have some decent gear, hopefully you will find it enjoyable and not a burden to manage.

Personally I would start with the Scout hooked up to the Alstine/Dynaco pre (only component with a phono stage), Adcom amp and Pioneer speakers.

It would be fun to do a shoot-out with the (3) integrated amps. However, you would need another source to keep it simple (preferably a cdp). If all this gear is too much, the Tigris, with a good pair of cans would be sublime.

Not sure about the Sonus but in the end, I would E-bay what I did not care for and use the moneyz to replace the Pioneers (save that for another thread).

-dieter

[thunderbrick]

Cujo, where are you based?  Maybe an audiophool in the area could give you a hand.

[ArthurDent]

Condolences on your loss. Welcome to AC Cujo.

I can only speak to the AVA Fet Valve EC Hybrid Pre, w/ options, imo it's a keeper. If there are any operational issues contact Frank Van Alstine, AVA has a circle here on AC. He & his team will do all they can to help you out with any questions or problems.

[Phil A]

Sorry for the loss - welcome to AC

[GentleBender]

I'm no expert, but I have to argue about good vinyl being expensive. Many times I find it same or less expensive than HiRez downloads.  You have an excellent table there and will sound great if you are willing to spend a little time learning about how to set it up. Here is a good place to start http://www.vinylengine.com/library/vpi-industries/scoutmaster.shtml, if you sign up (free) you can download the manual. Here is another source of help with the VPI http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/vpi-turntable-owners-thread.499847/.

[thunderbrick]

+1! for GB!

[woodsyi]

Welcome and condolences.

What do you play and what kind of music do you play/listen?

The speakers are probably more suited to head banging blasting sessions.  If you want more resolution at lower and saner volume, you may want different speakers.  And that will determine what power amp or integrated you will keep.  I would keep the vinyl and thus the AVA preamp with phono for now but I don't know what condition your Scoutmaster is in.

[Cujo5188]

Hey Everyone thanks for all of your replies.

I am just outside of Chicago in the northern suburbs. I play mostly acoustic/indie/folk music and it comprises most of what I listen to as well.
I never really crank up the music too loud, unless I am working in my wood shop, but I from what I have researched I feel it would be a little blasphemous for these to be put into a warehouse and covered in wood dust. Sound quality is less important as volume there (as the tools mostly drown it out).

Most of my music is streamed, and I use Sonos to do the wireless part (if that helps any).

I guess I should just pick up the rest of all the equipment and see if I can make myself a nice little system for my loft and try to get the rest to good and welcoming homes.

Thanks a lot for everyone who has replied.

I will update this as soon as I get more of the equipment.