Post your stereo system!

dudeman · March 2021

mrussel1 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

MedozK said:

tempo_n_groove said:

MedozK said:

Well my system updates are now complete. VERY happy to upgrade from my Music Hall 2.2 w/AT440MLb to my new VPI Super Prime Scout w/ Ortofon 2M Black cartridge. It also has the upgraded 10.5" Tonearm, 2" Prime platter & VTA on the fly.

I upgraded my Marantz PM5005 w/ phono with a new tube combo. I am running an Icon Audio PS2 phono stage amp into a new Muzishare KT88 amp. The analog sound is phenomenal. Now I do need to get more burn in hours, but if it only gets better I am a VERY happy person.

Have already rolled the tubes and replaced the stock 12AX7s in the Icon Audio to new Gold Lion ECC83 (12AX7). I replaced all 4 KT88 power tubes and the rectifier tube in the Muzishare to new issue Gold Lions. I then went vintage for the pre amp tubes in the Muzishare. I have 2 vintage 1960 Sylvania 12AU7s and 1 vintage RCA 12AX7. After quite a few hours on these I plan to roll in some vintage Mullards and see how those sound.

Very happy, now to listen to some AAA music.

Why the preamp? Does the regular amp not have a phono stage?

It does, but the Icon Audio's reviews were great, and the built in for the X7 were just ok. So I bypassed it. Thought I might in the future run 2 tables and then I could use the built in.

I bought an RSD Flaming lips album that you have to play on 4 different turntables. Maybe one day I can actually listen to it when I find and hook up 4 of them, lol.

Reason I asked is it seemed like overkill and I'd be pissed buying a tube amp that still needed a preamp.

I disagree. A proper phone stage has MC/MM support along with impedance control. It's rare for a integrated to have that level of control. My MC49 preamp does have it so I have removed my phono stage from my rig. But when I was using a Luxman (a $7000 integrated mind you) it did not have impedance control. It was one of the reasons I didn't keep it.

Ah! I was wondering if you still had the Luxman.

mrussel1 · March 2021

tempo_n_groove said:

mrussel1 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

MedozK said:

tempo_n_groove said:

MedozK said:

Well my system updates are now complete. VERY happy to upgrade from my Music Hall 2.2 w/AT440MLb to my new VPI Super Prime Scout w/ Ortofon 2M Black cartridge. It also has the upgraded 10.5" Tonearm, 2" Prime platter & VTA on the fly.

I upgraded my Marantz PM5005 w/ phono with a new tube combo. I am running an Icon Audio PS2 phono stage amp into a new Muzishare KT88 amp. The analog sound is phenomenal. Now I do need to get more burn in hours, but if it only gets better I am a VERY happy person.

Have already rolled the tubes and replaced the stock 12AX7s in the Icon Audio to new Gold Lion ECC83 (12AX7). I replaced all 4 KT88 power tubes and the rectifier tube in the Muzishare to new issue Gold Lions. I then went vintage for the pre amp tubes in the Muzishare. I have 2 vintage 1960 Sylvania 12AU7s and 1 vintage RCA 12AX7. After quite a few hours on these I plan to roll in some vintage Mullards and see how those sound.

Very happy, now to listen to some AAA music.

Why the preamp? Does the regular amp not have a phono stage?

It does, but the Icon Audio's reviews were great, and the built in for the X7 were just ok. So I bypassed it. Thought I might in the future run 2 tables and then I could use the built in.

I bought an RSD Flaming lips album that you have to play on 4 different turntables. Maybe one day I can actually listen to it when I find and hook up 4 of them, lol.

Reason I asked is it seemed like overkill and I'd be pissed buying a tube amp that still needed a preamp.

I disagree. A proper phone stage has MC/MM support along with impedance control. It's rare for a integrated to have that level of control. My MC49 preamp does have it so I have removed my phono stage from my rig. But when I was using a Luxman (a $7000 integrated mind you) it did not have impedance control. It was one of the reasons I didn't keep it.

I'm running straight off my amp. I've messed around and tried 3 different ones with different speakers and yes there is a difference but I would have to try your setup to hear the difference. Maybe I buy a preamp and give it a shot?

I'm happy with the sound but unless I buy a tube amp next and spend another 10g on my rigs I will just enjoy what I have for now.

There's nothing wrong with a built in pre, depending on the rest of your system. With a moving coil, like I have, I think the impedance control set to the proper leveling of the cart makes a big difference. If you have a magnet, then probably less important. I've debated on trying the Vincent Pho tube pre amp for a lark. It gets good reviews and I'm curious if a tube will change the sound dramatically. My preamp (not phono amp) is solid state right now.

mrussel1 · March 2021

dudeman said:

mrussel1 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

MedozK said:

tempo_n_groove said:

MedozK said:

Well my system updates are now complete. VERY happy to upgrade from my Music Hall 2.2 w/AT440MLb to my new VPI Super Prime Scout w/ Ortofon 2M Black cartridge. It also has the upgraded 10.5" Tonearm, 2" Prime platter & VTA on the fly.

I upgraded my Marantz PM5005 w/ phono with a new tube combo. I am running an Icon Audio PS2 phono stage amp into a new Muzishare KT88 amp. The analog sound is phenomenal. Now I do need to get more burn in hours, but if it only gets better I am a VERY happy person.

Have already rolled the tubes and replaced the stock 12AX7s in the Icon Audio to new Gold Lion ECC83 (12AX7). I replaced all 4 KT88 power tubes and the rectifier tube in the Muzishare to new issue Gold Lions. I then went vintage for the pre amp tubes in the Muzishare. I have 2 vintage 1960 Sylvania 12AU7s and 1 vintage RCA 12AX7. After quite a few hours on these I plan to roll in some vintage Mullards and see how those sound.

Very happy, now to listen to some AAA music.

Why the preamp? Does the regular amp not have a phono stage?

It does, but the Icon Audio's reviews were great, and the built in for the X7 were just ok. So I bypassed it. Thought I might in the future run 2 tables and then I could use the built in.

I bought an RSD Flaming lips album that you have to play on 4 different turntables. Maybe one day I can actually listen to it when I find and hook up 4 of them, lol.

Reason I asked is it seemed like overkill and I'd be pissed buying a tube amp that still needed a preamp.

I disagree. A proper phone stage has MC/MM support along with impedance control. It's rare for a integrated to have that level of control. My MC49 preamp does have it so I have removed my phono stage from my rig. But when I was using a Luxman (a $7000 integrated mind you) it did not have impedance control. It was one of the reasons I didn't keep it.

Ah! I was wondering if you still had the Luxman.

I have to tell you that the Luxman was phenomenal. It was really delicate, subtle, and sounded like a tube amp. The fit and finish were remarkable as well. I didn't like the lack of impedance and it was pure analog with no DAC (which can be a benefit too). I went with the Macintosh separates instead. Not necessarily better sounding, but it hits harder. Also has a fantastic DAC and phono stage. The headphone amp was much better too, which is important to me. But the reality is that I was suckered by the meters.

If I ever build a second high end system, Luxman will be in it. It offers a different sound that is really engaging.

MedozK · March 2021

mrussel1 said:

dudeman said:

mrussel1 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

MedozK said:

tempo_n_groove said:

MedozK said:

Well my system updates are now complete. VERY happy to upgrade from my Music Hall 2.2 w/AT440MLb to my new VPI Super Prime Scout w/ Ortofon 2M Black cartridge. It also has the upgraded 10.5" Tonearm, 2" Prime platter & VTA on the fly.

I upgraded my Marantz PM5005 w/ phono with a new tube combo. I am running an Icon Audio PS2 phono stage amp into a new Muzishare KT88 amp. The analog sound is phenomenal. Now I do need to get more burn in hours, but if it only gets better I am a VERY happy person.

Have already rolled the tubes and replaced the stock 12AX7s in the Icon Audio to new Gold Lion ECC83 (12AX7). I replaced all 4 KT88 power tubes and the rectifier tube in the Muzishare to new issue Gold Lions. I then went vintage for the pre amp tubes in the Muzishare. I have 2 vintage 1960 Sylvania 12AU7s and 1 vintage RCA 12AX7. After quite a few hours on these I plan to roll in some vintage Mullards and see how those sound.

Very happy, now to listen to some AAA music.

Why the preamp? Does the regular amp not have a phono stage?

It does, but the Icon Audio's reviews were great, and the built in for the X7 were just ok. So I bypassed it. Thought I might in the future run 2 tables and then I could use the built in.

I bought an RSD Flaming lips album that you have to play on 4 different turntables. Maybe one day I can actually listen to it when I find and hook up 4 of them, lol.

Reason I asked is it seemed like overkill and I'd be pissed buying a tube amp that still needed a preamp.

I disagree. A proper phone stage has MC/MM support along with impedance control. It's rare for a integrated to have that level of control. My MC49 preamp does have it so I have removed my phono stage from my rig. But when I was using a Luxman (a $7000 integrated mind you) it did not have impedance control. It was one of the reasons I didn't keep it.

Ah! I was wondering if you still had the Luxman.

I have to tell you that the Luxman was phenomenal. It was really delicate, subtle, and sounded like a tube amp. The fit and finish were remarkable as well. I didn't like the lack of impedance and it was pure analog with no DAC (which can be a benefit too). I went with the Macintosh separates instead. Not necessarily better sounding, but it hits harder. Also has a fantastic DAC and phono stage. The headphone amp was much better too, which is important to me. But the reality is that I was suckered by the meters.

If I ever build a second high end system, Luxman will be in it. It offers a different sound that is really engaging.

Yep, I get mesmerized by my X7's meters.

May 30th · March 2021

Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the Rotel ra 1592 integrated amp??

mrussel1 · March 2021

May 30th said:

Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the Rotel ra 1592 integrated amp??

I don't know that amp specifically, but Rotels are very nice products. I took a quick look and it checks almost every box I would want..
- Balanced Inputs
- USB-A connection with a DAC that supports DSD quality
- A/B speakers which I think is a huge advantage
- Dual mono sub outs
- 200 watts per channel (presumably 2 channels driven, not all)
Great amp that is known to pair well with B&W speakers.

The only downside I would see is that it doesn't support MC cartridges, although I bet 90% of people use MM anyway. But I'd probably read up about phono stage anyways to see if it is well regarded. For Rotel and that price point, I would expect a nice phono stage though.

May 30th · March 2021

Thanks for the help. I have a Parasound phonostage so would not use the amp for vinyl.

Weston1283 · August 2021

Looking to upgrade my turntable first time in 6-7 years

Whats the best I can do under or around 500?

mrussel1 · August 2021

Weston1283 said:

Looking to upgrade my turntable first time in 6-7 years

Whats the best I can do under or around 500?

I'd say a Pro-Ject or Rega within your price range. They have the best 'trickle down' technology. Music Hall is good too, but it's basically a Pro-ject.

May 30th · August 2021

I recently tested a Hegel H190 amp. My previous amp was an Arcam A29 and the difference was insane. I had to buy the Hegel and it arrived today.

Would highly recommend this amp if anyone is looking for something new.

eddiec · September 2021

Just bought a pair of Triangle Borea Br03 speakers. Should be here next week.

Also recently added an acrylic platter and an Orto Blue to my Debut, so hoping for a nice sound upgrade.

I'll post pics when they arrive.

beano.79 · October 2021

eddiec said:

Just bought a pair of Triangle Borea Br03 speakers. Should be here next week.
Also recently added an acrylic platter and an Orto Blue to my Debut, so hoping for a nice sound upgrade.
I'll post pics when they arrive.

I noticed quite a difference when I upgraded from the ortofon red to the blue 👍 I'm sure the platter will help too.. I use an acrylic mat and that even made a difference.

beano.79 · October 2021

my very humble yet still impressive new purchase. Q acoustics 3020i. I have a small living room and use a pro-ject debut carbon turntable and for their price range these are hard to beat

mrussel1 · October 2021

beano.79 said:

eddiec said:

Just bought a pair of Triangle Borea Br03 speakers. Should be here next week.
Also recently added an acrylic platter and an Orto Blue to my Debut, so hoping for a nice sound upgrade.
I'll post pics when they arrive.

I noticed quite a difference when I upgraded from the ortofon red to the blue 👍 I'm sure the platter will help too.. I use an acrylic mat and that even made a difference.

Yeah especially after break in. I made both those upgrades too and was pleased. Although I would put the record straight on the acrylic platter.

beano.79 · October 2021

mrussel1 said:

beano.79 said:

eddiec said:

Just bought a pair of Triangle Borea Br03 speakers. Should be here next week.
Also recently added an acrylic platter and an Orto Blue to my Debut, so hoping for a nice sound upgrade.
I'll post pics when they arrive.

I noticed quite a difference when I upgraded from the ortofon red to the blue 👍 I'm sure the platter will help too.. I use an acrylic mat and that even made a difference.

Yeah especially after break in. I made both those upgrades too and was pleased. Although I would put the record straight on the acrylic platter.

What I mean by that is I still have the original metal platter but use a 3mm acrylic mat and even this made a difference over rubber, cork or leather for me. So I'm sure an acrylic platter will make a huge difference. It may be the next upgrade I make.

beano.79 · October 2021

added lighting.....the wife is over the moon 😂

dudeman · October 2021

Cool!

1ThoughtKnown · October 2021

Bought some vintage gear and a new turntable for a second hifi set up in the dining room.

Turntable - Pro-Ject T1 with an Orofon OM Se cartridge (will probably upgrade later)
Receiver: Sansui 5050
Speakers - Design Acoustics D6

My wife wanted bookshelf speakers for upstairs and those speaker give my Vandersteens in the basement a run for their money. 10” subwoofer in the back with five tweeters. Weird looking without the grill but great sound with lots of bottom end, far more than you would expect from a 24” speaker.

mrussel1 · October 2021

Nice Sansui. Did you just get it?

What's the vintage market like today? Is it still hot? I have two pieces that are not in use that I may consider moving.

1ThoughtKnown · October 2021

Picked all that up yesterday at various locations.

I think vintage speakers and receivers are still pretty hot items, again it depends what you have. There is a website up here called canuckaudiomart and there is plenty to choose from. A couple record stores I frequent have plenty of vintage gear to sell.

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