[Blueshirt1]

Well I promise you this wont be exciting. I just built my main system around High Rez format.

Not enough money left over to invest in a TT and Phono.

So what I have left after doing my upgrades is a Rega P1, Lexicon MC1 preamp, Aragon 8008 and Merlin VSM-M. The phono I was using broke. But it was nothing special, obviously.

Can I build a decent TT setup with these spare parts? Should I just concentrate on a new Phono or is there other areas where I can a good bang form my buck?

Thanks

[JackD]

If you are just looking for a Phono preamp and are on a budget, look at the Vista Audio preamp listed in their own Circle above.  Flexible enough in gain and loading settings for any MM or MC cartridge.

[MaxCast]

That is a nice second system.  I don't have much experience with phono amps but I love my first edition Vista phono preamp.  It was highly recommended when I searched a year ago and was lucky to score a used one.  With the second edition ($400) out there may be some upgraders.

[JackD]

Mk II is still $299.  It now has almost infinite flexibility in loading and sounds great.  Had mine about six weeks and love it. You can even have Boris set the capacitance to a different value if you want or to even 0pf.  I went with 50pf as you can add capacitance but can't take it away. 

[neobop]

Well I promise you this wont be exciting. I just built my main system around High Rez format.

Not enough money left over to invest in a TT and Phono.

So what I have left after doing my upgrades is a Rega P1, Lexicon MC1 preamp, Aragon 8008 and Merlin VSM-M. The phono I was using broke. But it was nothing special, obviously.

Can I build a decent TT setup with these spare parts? Should I just concentrate on a new Phono or is there other areas where I can a good bang form my buck?

Thanks

Without knowing anything about your main system, but looking at your left over pieces, I'd wonder if you'd ever listen to your secondary system.  You didn't mention a cartridge, but I'd still guess that the front end is lacking.   Have you used the MC-1/8008 combo before?  How does it do with an analog source like a tuner or tape?  As a general rule the speakers shouldn't be way better than the rest of the system.  They will reveal any inconsistencies or the quality level of the pieces in front of them.  Tell us about the MC-1 /8008 driving those Merlins.  Maybe you need a certain "flavor" of phono stage or cart.
neo

[Blueshirt1]

Thanks all.

Neobop, In all honestly the 2nd system will not be for any critical listening, just something for the rest of the house as my main system is in a dedicated room. It is really my wife that wants to be able to listen to the TT and I would like "decent" sounding music in the living room.

I think you hit it it on the head, the speaker are too good for the MC1-8008 combo. It sounds too dry, not much detail, kinda flat which I attribute to the Lexicon but could be wrong. I've had the RP1 hooked up to it before and it was nothing special. The cart was the standard one that came with the Rega RP1. but the Phono stage was just a $50 Pro-Jet one I picked up on a whim. Then again, I am comparing it to my main system which is unfair.

So currently my thoughts are around the Vista phono or Cambridge Azur 651P. Another thought was going with the matching Azur 651A Integrated Amplifier but would it actually be an improvement over the MC1 and 8008? Not sure.

For reference my main system is as follows:
Merlin VSM-Masters
Ars Sonum Fila
Bryston BDP2
Lampizator lvl 4 DAC

[neobop]

Given your current situation, I think your best bet would be to find a decent preamp with built in phono to replace the Lexicon.   A nice phono stage probably won't make the MC-1/8008 combo any better and I think the 8008 has a big untapped potential.  The tricky part is finding the right match-up.

I don't know how far you can stretch your budget and whether you need a remote, or even what might be a good match for the Aragon, other than another Aragon or Krell, but I suspect there are quite a few.  Maybe something like this would be killer:
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-audible-illusions-modulus-iid-tube-preamp-2013-04-20-preamplifiers-92337-fontana-ca

Disclaimer - I never heard this combo.  I also saw some solid state preamps that might be a nice match.  Maybe you can find some other Aragon owners and find out what they use/like.
neo

[Blueshirt1]

Yeah these units are so old it is tough to find the right match. I always like the Aragons. Built like a tank.

Thanks for the suggestions. Budget is tough after dropping the amount I just did on my main. But the wife complains that she has no music and I have a $20k+ room and she has nothing. But then she complains that I spend money on this stuff. Go figure.

I have a AES/EBU that I am going to return now that I am using USB. So that's $600 right there. I could add a little more. No remote. And no clue what sounds good for the 8008 because I actually don't have one. Its the 8008x3. I had  a 8008 also when I had my old HT setup. For HT it rocked. And of course I wasn't using the Merlin's with them.

I still keep coming back to what you said. The Merlin's are just too good for that setup. And I can't tell you how much vinyl I see over here in France at the small town garage sales (brocant).

[Blueshirt1]

Doe anyone know anything about the Lejonklou Slipsik 5?

http://www.lejonklou.com/?page=66

Looks like I can bypass the pre-amp all together and just run the Aragon straight into this. Or am I wrong?

Stereophile Recommended components B

[JackD]

There is an Aragon 18K preamp for sale on Audiokarma.org if you are a member.