Alert: this is one of those annoying posts by one who asks for advice then perhaps won't follow it.
Posted by: Massimo Bertola on 21 May 2017
Suppose a guy has circa 500 LPs, ranging from battered mono ones from his childhood in the early 60s, to very new ones, left from a departed friend. That they also range from A to Z classical (I said classical, no Frank Zappa), including such things as the complete collection of RCA Victor Fritz Reiner discography (more than 60 LPs, in widely diverging conditions, bought starting in 1975), all of Charles Ives' works in various editions or multiple recordings of George Gershwin's major or minor works; or the complete, original LPs of the Firehouse Five + 2, or a decent résumé of history of music from Purcell's Consort music to Boulez conducting Varese, or the complete 10CC, Godley and Creme, Alan Parson's Project or The Lovin' Spoonful. In a word, a richly diversified collection.
Suppose this guy has an old Pioneer PL112 with an AT, medium-priced pickup, an epoch, unserviced Pioneer SA 7300 and AR14s, which gives exactly the same sound – with the same flaws – he used to have in the mid 70s. This system is in the studio/guest room. It sounds exactly how you imagine it sounds. Now suppose this guy:
- Wonders if it would be possible to have all those different LPs replayed to a higher level of quality (and pleasure);
- Wonders if it would be worthwhile to have all those different LPs replayed to a higher level of quality (and pleasure);
- Wonders if it would be worthwhile to have an LP replay system (=a turntable, with arm, phono stage and pickup) to place together with his main CD system, in the living room. No more 40 years old ARs, but modern S-400s.
- Wonders how much it would cost to have the LP system being of comparable quality to his CD one (details in the guy's profile).
- Is not the least attracted by rigid base TTs like the rega and loves floating suspension ones, like Thorens or Linn; but he has no intention to spend the sum a properly working Linn costs (unless something made him fall for a Linn, which he finds beautiful);
Supposing you have had the patience to reach this point, and have noticed all the underlined words: what would you suggest to this fastidious guy?
Thanks,
have a good Sunday.
M
ChrisSU posted:Suzy Wong posted:Be warned that if this chap gets a Sondek, he will inevitable find himself starting down the slippery slope of Upgradeitis. There is a huge number of opportunities for him to empty his wallet for the Ole Fruit Box itself, not to mention the almost infinite number of combinations of arms & cartridges to try out.............it's far, far worse than "just another HiCap, Dear!"
I don't get this 'don't buy an LP12, there are too many upgrade options' view. All systems have upgrade options, and some make the same complaint about Naim boxes. You can't blame these inanimate objects (or even their makers) for your own inability to control your spending habits. If you don't believe me, ask your wife
Ah, obviously my poor attempt at Humour clearly went awry. I should probably have appended half a dozen smileys, to make it absolutely clear.
As I noted in another post, my Sondek is now some 35 years old and still going strong - I even confessed to a small number of upgrades.
And you don't know my wife..........she's the one who decided we were having Briks, a 50" TV and a Meridian 5.1 digital surround system.............
Suzy Wong posted:ChrisSU posted:Suzy Wong posted:Be warned that if this chap gets a Sondek, he will inevitable find himself starting down the slippery slope of Upgradeitis. There is a huge number of opportunities for him to empty his wallet for the Ole Fruit Box itself, not to mention the almost infinite number of combinations of arms & cartridges to try out.............it's far, far worse than "just another HiCap, Dear!"
I don't get this 'don't buy an LP12, there are too many upgrade options' view. All systems have upgrade options, and some make the same complaint about Naim boxes. You can't blame these inanimate objects (or even their makers) for your own inability to control your spending habits. If you don't believe me, ask your wife
Ah, obviously my poor attempt at Humour clearly went awry. I should probably have appended half a dozen smileys, to make it absolutely clear.
As I noted in another post, my Sondek is now some 35 years old and still going strong - I even confessed to a small number of upgrades.
And you don't know my wife..........she's the one who decided we were having Briks, a 50" TV and a Meridian 5.1 digital surround system.............
Your wife, smart Cookie!
I recall many moons ago, phantom center channel, Accurus Act III, Bi- Amped Briks, rear Kans, Sizmick 500 wat Sub.
Big Smoke, Great Sound!
Those were the Days, That Act Three, by Mondial, I think, was a Killer Processor.
Allante93!
Wow, they're still around:
Summary
- Product Name: ACT-4
- Manufacturer: Acurus
- Review Date: October 22, 2015 13:00
- MSRP: $8,500
- First Impression: Pretty Cool
Christopher_M posted:Suzy Wong posted:.....my wife..........she's the one who decided we were having Briks, a 50" TV and a Meridian 5.1 digital surround system.............
You list active SBLs. Is the above in addition to that set?
'Fraid so..... 
They're in the front conservatory (aka "My Room"). It started out as "I've never had a Naim system so I'll build a small one in my new study" - you know the sort of thing...42-110-Kans - which somehow has ended up with active 250-driven SBLs..........
The LK280 powered Aktiv(!) Briks shared the the living room for many years with the Meridian 5000 Home Theatre, until we redecorated last year. The system is currently in storage in the old study, but will probably end up in the rear conservatory, where it will replace the current CD3.5-FC/Meridian 103/M2 system. The latter will probably move to "Her Workroom" (aka Bedroom 2).
There's a Meridian 200 series system in the dining room, and a Denon mini system in the kitchen.......
There's a few other bits lying around....Kans, Meridian bits etc - I really should think of something to do with them
Suzy Wong posted:Christopher_M posted:Suzy Wong posted:
'Fraid so.....
The LK280 powered Aktiv(!) Briks shared the the living room for many years with the Meridian 5000 Home Theatre, until we redecorated last year. The system is currently in storage in the old study, but will probably end up in the rear conservatory, where it will replace the current CD3.5-FC/Meridian 103/M2 system. The latter will probably move to "Her Workroom" (aka Bedroom 2).
There's a Meridian 200 series system in the dining room, and a Denon mini system in the kitchen.......
There's a few other bits lying around....Kans, Meridian bits etc - I really should think of something to do with them
Less is Best, Sound-wise and, economically!
Ebay
Audiogon
Canuck
Now if they're in use, and thoroughly enjoyed, Oh Well!
No arguments from me there
Her biggestest complaint is that "stuff" comes in to the house, but nothing ever leaves, apart from the daughters that is - oh hang on a mo..........dau#2 is coming home next weekend LOL
Haim Ronen posted:My 1978 LP 12 (never upgraded) with a Denon MC and a matching transformer clearly outshines my 3.5/Flatcap on any day.
Haim
Haim,
What Denon MC are you talking about – the classic DL103? It's what Id have considered sooner or later.
As for the rest,
M.
I think your plan is a good one...I suspect it may surprise you .
Reading between the lines, it appears to me that deep down you already have your heart set on the old fruit box. As others have said, second hand parts are available and a very strong deck can be built on a modest budget.
ATB,
Mark