What upgrade route?

Posted by: monkfish on 02 January 2002

Hello
My system as it stands is listed below and I would appreciate any thoughts on the upgrade
path(s)which are open to me. I came by my system second-hand and previously ran a cd63 k.i. sig\32.5\nap90\infinity reference 4 which sounded great considering the cost, anyway back to the present system which consists of:
LP12\GRACE\SUPEX\CD5\32.5\NAXO 3-6\3X 250\ISOBARIKS. There is a flatcap powering the 32.5 and the CD5 and a small nap powering the naxo. The system as far as I can make out is roughly circa 1975-80, the Isobariks are on square section black metal stands and are connected via mains cable (which I'm told was common at the time)
Thanks in advance
Jim
Posted on: 02 January 2002 by Dev B
Hi There,

You've got an excellent system there which should musically perform well. Your first option is to make sure all the components are working as intended. Robert Ritchie (01674-673765) can service your turntable and check your amps and powersupplies to see if all is well. He can also advise on setting up the equipment and provide you with new cables and other accesories.

Before you change anything it is important to have everything working as it should and that the equipment is well set up.

If you want to improve things, you should start at the sources, your LP12 would benefit from a better Arm, etc and then the Pre-Amp could be improved. If it were me I would get an Aro for the Record Player, then a 52/Scap, then Armageddon Power Supply for the LP12.

If I were you I would talk to Robert, he really knows his stuff and is one of the best.

regards

Dev

Posted on: 02 January 2002 by Mike Hanson
If you listen to may CDs, I suggest that you upgrade from the CD5 to at least a CDX.

Also, the 32.5 would benefit from a Hi-Cap (or even Super-Cap) instead of the Flat-Cap. If you get the Super-Cap, then you can shoot for the 52 next.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Posted on: 02 January 2002 by monkfish
Sorry, forgot to mention that the Isobariks front and top covers are completely shot. Any ideas for replacement or recovering?
Jim
Posted on: 02 January 2002 by Martin Payne
quote:
Originally posted by monkfish:
Sorry, forgot to mention that the Isobariks front and top covers are completely shot. Any ideas for replacement or recovering?


My mate had this with the top ones on his Briks.

He went to Falcon Acoustics and purchased some of their Acoustically Transparent Foam. Colour-wise it was an almost perfect match to the old ones, although the flat surface might look a little boring on the front??

Don't know if they could do you something sculpted?

Still, it won't cost you much.

N.B. Linn will happily charge you £200 for a set of frames with cloths stretched over them. Foam no longer available.

Posted on: 02 January 2002 by Phil Barry
I'd be concerned about the Supex because it's pretty old. If the diamond or suspension are overused, you'll damage your records with each rotation of the LP12. You need to consult with an expert who can examine the cart.

Phil