After some years of neglect, I have in more recent times made some upgrades to my 1980's based system which now comprises:
Audiotech table/1980 fluted LP12 (no base board)/Keel/Ekosse SE-1/Kandid/Radikal Dynamik/Tom Evans Microgroove + X Mk 2/NAC 42.5/HiCap/NAP110/1988 Kans/Grado 325e 'phones powered by a Headline/HiCapDR.
The Radikal/Headline/HiCapDR were purchased 2nd-hand from reputable sources whilst the Chrome Bumpers have been serviced by Class A. I have a small listening area and use the 'phones a good deal of the time.
I'm approaching my "three score years and ten" and have been pondering if more modern amplification might be in order before I get too ancient to care!
I confess to being out of touch with modern Naim kit apart from being aware that DR has been well received. Consequently, I'm unsure of their characteristics vis a vis CB's.
Bearing in mind the LP12 is my only source and I don't need a massive power amp I wondered if a NAC282/HiCapDR/NAP200DR might be worth a listen.
Before auditioning I'd welcome any comments on:
1) Would I be likely to be "blown away" by the latest amps or would the differences be more subtle or perhaps only marginal? Obviously my ears would have to decide but I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has made a similar move.
2) If I did go ahead some half-decent racking would be in order. Due to space constraints all the stock racks I've looked at are too large (or too small) but I've identified a couple of outfits on the web who make bespoke sizes. Anyone had experience of a rack made to size.
( First time post)
Posted on: 22 August 2017 by Old Cove
Hungryhalibut:
Although my hearing capabilities have been questioned,I'm pleased to say that my knees are in good working order. The Audiotech table measures 35cm high. As my favourite LP's are also stored at ground level, the knees get plenty of exercise!
Because of the space constraints I've previously mentioned, I've managed to locate the Radikal on the floor inside the bottom frame of the table. It sits on a 15mm piece of acrylic on 3 spiked feet raising it slightly from the floor but not touching any part of the table frame. The Armageddon which I previously owned was sited in a similar way. I daresay some might not consider this the optimal positioning of a power supply but it's the best I could devise under the circumstances.
Back in the day when I used to buy HiFi Mags I'd occasionally keep a review. I still have one for the Audiotech by Malcolm Steward in the August '89 HiFi Review. Briefly, it was imported from Italy by a former Linn Export Sales Manager, cost £115, was TIG welded and received a recommendation by MS.
Posted on: 22 August 2017 by Richard Dane
The Audiotech tables are very good - excellent with the LP12 - although the Archidee, also from Italy, was arguably better still. I still use Audiotech tables here and there - their low height is great for big R2Rs - although I have noticed that the black veneer on the shelf edges has a habit of lifting at the corners.
Posted on: 22 August 2017 by Old Cove
Richard:
I have to confess I'd never heard of an Archidee tho' I've just done a bit of research. I'd be interested to " hear" one but guess they are now somewhat rare. I wonder if they were imported from Italy by the same chap who introduced the Audiotech?
Although I've had my Audiotech since '89 no problems with the black veneer.
Noted you still use Audiotech with your R2R's. I have pleasant memories of a Tandberg (forget which model ) but not on a proper stand. Unfortunately it was burgled along with the rest of my gear in the late 70's but once the insurance coughed up the Linn/Naim system followed. Whilst not perhaps appropriate to this context, I've wondered why Linn have never produced their own stand,be it floor or wall, for the LP12'. May be it's because it's because it's not suited to their (considerable) manufacturing facilities. However, all this deviates somewhat from my original post.
Posted on: 22 August 2017 by Old Cove
From memory,i can't recall the folk north of the Border recommending anything other than a light weight coffee table. Perhaps the Ikea Lack fits he bill in the apparent absence of any contemporary tables although there seem to be a number of wall mounted racks available, I'm happy to remain with my Audiotech. I should have perhaps mentioned that it's interesting that Naim developed their Fraim whilst Linn don't offer any equivalent. Perhaps a difference in in manufacturing capabilities ( both have much in abundance) or perhaps sub-contracting difficulties??
Posted on: 05 September 2017 by Old Cove
Chris.-M
Not very far at the moment due to unforeseen domestic issues. About the only thing I've been able to do is keep an eye on prices in the 2nd hand market in the event I go down that route.
As and when I actually get round auditioning, I'll post my thoughts.
