a lengthy enquiery
Posted by: roman on 07 October 2002
hello all! I've just stumbled onto this site and would love to pick your collective brains on the following:
-rega planar3(+motor upgrade)/rb300/
dynavector 10x4mk11
-naim 72/140
-naim a5 cable
-rega kytes
-early jvc cd player
I've had this gear for the best part of a decade and never been entirely happy with it, its great for most acoustic and 'elecronic' music but can't hack it with most rock or complex classical stuff, sounding harsh and muddled.
Given a budget of only £600-700 I'd like to overhaul it but am not sure whether to concentrate on source amp or speakers.At the moment I feel inclined towards a s/h hi-cap on reputation alone (have only heard them on top flight systems, not 72/140) followed by s/h speakers. Would a pair of kans really (for which I already have stands), offer much of an improvement, or would I be better forgoing the hi-cap and opting for,neat mystiques, dynaudio audience 42/52's,epos es11's and tinker with the rega (origin live upgrade anyone?)
As you can see I'm going for second hand as this is all thats affordable to me.This makes it more difficult to audition, so your any thoughts would be very welcome. As for the cd I think it'll have to wait.Unlike an amp or speakers I'd be reluctant to buy one second hand and the good 'uns are a bit too steep right now.
Posted on: 07 October 2002 by David Quigley
quote:
Originally posted by roman:
hello all! I've just stumbled onto this site and would love to pick your collective brains on the following:
-rega planar3(+motor upgrade)/rb300/
dynavector 10x4mk11
-naim 72/140
-naim a5 cable
-rega kytes
-early jvc cd player
I've had this gear for the best part of a decade and never been entirely happy with it, its great for most acoustic and 'elecronic' music but can't hack it with most rock or complex classical stuff, sounding harsh and muddled.
Given a budget of only £600-700 I'd like to overhaul it but am not sure whether to concentrate on source amp or speakers.At the moment I feel inclined towards a s/h hi-cap on reputation alone (have only heard them on top flight systems, not 72/140) followed by s/h speakers. Would a pair of kans really (for which I already have stands), offer much of an improvement, or would I be better forgoing the hi-cap and opting for,neat mystiques, dynaudio audience 42/52's,epos es11's and tinker with the rega (origin live upgrade anyone?)
As you can see I'm going for second hand as this is all thats affordable to me.This makes it more difficult to audition, so your any thoughts would be very welcome. As for the cd I think it'll have to wait.Unlike an amp or speakers I'd be reluctant to buy one second hand and the good 'uns are a bit too steep right now.
Given that you don't want to upgrade the source I would pick up a second hand hi-cap, get the existing 72/140 recapped and if you haven't done so already rip out unsed tuner boards etc out of the 72. When I added a hi-cap, to my 72/140 it was much more capable, but nothing like upgrading to a 2nd hand CDX!
David
Posted on: 07 October 2002 by Mark Dunn
Hi roman:
Upgrades threads aren't usually my bag but I have to say that a better source would most likely put the wiggle back into your walk.
I'm not sure what the used prices are in the UK right now but after selling the Rega I'd bet you could pick up an LP12 with perhaps an Ittok.
Try and get a dem' of LP12 vs Planar 3 with similar ancilliaries.
Best Regards,
Mark Dunn
Posted on: 07 October 2002 by Phil Barry
If the problem is congestion on complex rock and classical music, your best bet is an improved source (LP12/Ittok, for example) with probably a new cart (if your 10x4II is also 10 years old), followed by a hicap.
The hicap really cleans up congestion, but garbage in, garbage out.
Regards.
Phil
Posted on: 07 October 2002 by Mr_Sukebe
I'd suggest that it would depend on whether you listen mainly to CDs, LPs or both equally.
Your LP deck is pretty good, but an LP12 would certainly be better.
Your CD player is likely to be completely blown away by a new CD player. You'd be amazed at the more recent improvements to CD quality. Last year I changed my Marantz CD52se to an Arcam 7SE (roughly the same price when new for each), the difference was enourmous. People around here seem to really rate the Rega Planet CD player as being a good sonic match, so check one of those out.
Lastly, if you're more interested in the amp side, I get the impression that moving to a 180 would be a good move. As Naim are now starting to clear present generation stock (my dealer offered me 20% off all older style gear), it's likely to depress prices on second hand gear, so probably worth waiting a few months for a Naim power amp.
Posted on: 08 October 2002 by kan man
Quote: but can't hack it with most rock or complex classical stuff, sounding harsh and muddled.
Get it set up properly before doing anything.
Regards
Steve
Posted on: 08 October 2002 by Markus
This is a fairly easy problem to sort out, IMHO. Since you are in Londaon I'd guess there are a fair number of folks on this Forum who'd be willing to host a "shoot out" between your Rega and an LP 12 and your JVC and a Rega Planet cd player. Why not post a request here for someone to do this? You don't say if you experience this problem mainly from cd or vinyl but your description sounds like a classic source issue, though a hicap and recap of your other components will also provide a mighty step forward.
Personally I rate the Rega Planet cd player very highly and suggest you don't overlook it. Also, with the passage of a little time the prices for cd3's will get down into the affordable range. Don't be worried about it being used--Naim stand behind their equipment better than anyone--so find the best one you can and take the plunge!
Best regards,
Markus
Posted on: 08 October 2002 by blythe
I'd stick with the 72/140 which I reckon is a great combo.
Upgrade your source for sure.
If you play more CD than Vinyl, change your CD player first - it will HUGELY improve things.
Likewise LP12 - huge improvement.
The HI CAP would be my next recommendation.
The Hi Cap should improve the sources that you already have.
I am always amazed by the Royd Minstrals, which I had hooked up for a while.
Just my tuppence!
Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......
Posted on: 08 October 2002 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Eric Rulifson:
.
mr sukebe recommends a rega planet, though the planet is nothing but ass. it is lethargic and tuneless... pure asswipe. /QUOTE
My dear chap
I really must concur with mr sukebe. I too have a Planet. It looks nothing like a donkey but it does kick arse. I cannot possibly imagine using this equipment to clean an animal, but most bow to your knowledge on the issue. The words "lethargic" and "tuneless" are simply not in my lexicon of descriptive words for this fine piece of equipment.. In fact, "smashing","fab" and "corker" would be appropriate epithets, I feel.
Not only that, but one would imagine they can be purchased pre-owned for around three hundred English guineas.
Pip pip - off for a G and T !!!
Posted on: 09 October 2002 by Rico
Chaps, chaps. The Planet certainly is a fine planet at the price. However, next to a CD player that can actually play music (say, a CD3, CD3.5, CD5) - the Planet is indeed lethargic, sleepy etc.
What the gentlemans system really requires is an LP12. source first - I know some of you may be tiring of that, but it is the way.
Happy buying!
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
Posted on: 09 October 2002 by Mr_Sukebe
quote:
Originally posted by Eric Rulifson:
mr sukebe recommends a rega planet, though the planet is nothing but ass. it is lethargic and tuneless... pure asswipe. if a better cdp in called for, i'm with phil barry- consider a used cdx. they are a real bargain on http://www.audiogon.com these days.
Eric>
Whilst I wouldn't normally be pedantic, I really feel a necessity in this case to be.
I think you'll find that my statement was:
"People around here seem to really rate the Rega Planet CD player as being a good sonic match, so check one of those out."
I've NEVER heard a Rega Planet, and so cannot comment from experience, which is why I was very specific in stating that I was relating other persons experiences.
So please, be accurate in your responses. I have no problem with people having opinions either way on equipment, but I would hope that others comment from experience, and when it's only heresay, that they say so.
I am of course assuming that you've actually had the opportunity to have a head to head demo of the Planet against a CDX and therefore bow to your experience.
Posted on: 09 October 2002 by roman
cheers for your suggestions,definitely food for thought, the gist seems to be: splash out on the best source possible, then add a hi-cap.
Interestingly no one seems to have picked up on the idea of an origin live arm modification;its the sort of territory I wouldn't normally think of getting into but they sure do blow their own trumpet.
btw any thoughts on speakers,esp kans and dynaudio?
many thanks one and all
roman
