What next?

Posted by: MichaelC on 22 March 2004

I would appreciate some comments on what to do next.

I have in the past three/four weeks changed my 102/180 for a 82/250. I was very lucky in sourcing a mint 250 and a two year old 82. A massive step forward.

Indeed I have found the 82 to be a revelation and I can't even begin to imagine what a 52 could do.

My system is now LP12 (Cirkus)/Lingo 1/Ittock LVIII/Ortofon MC30S; Ikemi; 82; HiCap; 250; NACA5; Linn Keilidhs.

The 82, Ikemi, 250 and HiCap are all on a Fraim.

The LP12 is on a Stands Unique wall shelf.

I would like to progressively build upon this but what next?

My line of thought is that the Keilidhs are the weakest link especially in anticipation of future upgrades. I figure that there are some real bargains to be had out there and should look out for very recent SBL's or Audio Physic Virgo's. The speakers would then see me through some further changes.

Also on the agenda is a Supercap. Would I be right in saying that a Supercap on a 82 would be able to power a Prefix?

I do not feel the need to upgrade my LP12 at this stage although ultimately an Ekos/Aro makes sense. Having read recent threads about the Lingo it appears that I should also seriously consider the Lingo 2/Armageddon. Maybe the Lingo 2/Armagesson before the Ekos/Aro?

Or should I be looking to change my Ikemi now. The reason I say that is that I am now aware of it's limitations compared to the LP12. Although not possibel in the short term I aspire to a CDS3. Should I now go for the CDX2 and add the XPS2?

My feeling is to change the speakers first/ cd next and then Supercap. Am I thinking correctly or am I losing the plot somewhat?

I look forward to any comments.

Thanks

Mike
Posted on: 22 March 2004 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
Hi Mike

IMO the obvious weak point is the Keilidhs. If you like the sound they produce, look out for a pair of Kabers but ensure they have the Ku Stone stands. They look similar to Keilidhs but are much more capable.

Lingo 1 to Lingo 2 is an annoyingly big improvement; it took me about 5 seconds to decide that I wanted one when I heard it; an old cliche but the L2 made the L1 sound broken. I have yet to come across anyone that has heard the comparison diagree with me.

Ittock to Ekos is another good improvement; more bass, sweeter treble...Supercap makes sense.... I have been down all these paths and IMO the biggest bang for buck is the Lingo 2, followed by the Supercap. The latter route has the advantage of being a stepping stone to a 52 ( as my bank account has just discovered. ) Having said that, I really think the speakers need replacement.

If you want someone to *really* tune your LP12, a Sondek Meister as it where, drop me a pm....

Regards

Mike

My name is Mike and I am a Floydaholic
Posted on: 23 March 2004 by NB
Michael,

If it was my sistem I would either change the 82 for a 52 or if you can strech to it a 252. Then I would audition a pair of Neat ultimatum speakers. The MF5 would be ideal for your sistem.

Regards


NB