2. analog
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Critique my setup

Guys - just looking to get into the vinyl space.  I've always been into audio (worked a hifi store when I was younger) and love to do everything with music.  With entering the vinyl space, I'm looking forward to the more involving experience and the more analog sound and enjoyment that comes from spinning records.  I'm also using this opportunity to try out tubes - I've always heard about them, always wanted to try them, never actually had the chance.  Where I live now, there are no hi-fi stores within a few hours, so I'm just biting the bullet and buying from online retailers with good return policies.  

I'm curious what you guys think of the following:
VPI Classic Signature (3D tonearm)
Ortofon Black Quintet MC Cartridge
VPI ADS
Manley Chinook Tube Phono 
Jolida 3502 Integrated (comes with EL34 - thinking about upgrading right away to KT150's)
Klipsch RF25 Towers 
Deftech Supercube I (will probably try with/without and see what I like)

I was thinking about the Sonus Faber Venere 3's for replacing my Klipsch towers, they seem to me the weak link here in the system.  

I listen to alt rock, indie, some oldies, rock, and not so much the classical or jazz - although if the right stuff finds it's way into my library, I'll probably listen to it.  

So questions:
What do you think of the setup?
Speakers - are they the weak link here?  Recommendations in the < 3500 space if I was going to replace them?  
Tips/Tricks that you might want to provide while I get started on this journey?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
mattyjman

Showing 5 responses by mattyjman

mattyjman OP
5 posts
 
@shadorne thanks for confirming... I figured that’d be the case but it’s a good place for me to get started.  I figured if anything, the tubes might even make the Klipsch sound even better haha
mattyjman OP
5 posts
 
@twoleftears second person that’s said that... I thought they were reviewed pretty highly. Any suggestions?
mattyjman OP
5 posts
 
@helomech regarding the ads... have you used it before or just referencing something you’ve heard?  Was a little curious if I was going to see any gains with this unit or not, but thought I’d try it at least and see... if nothing else I can send it back
mattyjman OP
5 posts
 
@rbstehno how is the Jolida a weak player?  I’ve heard great things about this amp.   What do I get by purchasing a more expensive amp.
mattyjman OP
5 posts
 
@mdelrossi1 
the equipment is all on its way, sans the speakers.  I looked at the primaluna, but simply didn’t have enough to spend.  This is my first foray into tubes and from my perspective overspent on the phono stage and underspent on the amp so I could make sure money was going where it was going to make a difference.   I think whether or not I stay with the Jolida, the Manley phono is a fine piece from what I’ve heard, and will likely stay.  

As as for too much “tube-iness”, what exactly does that sound like?  I have a regular ht amp for surround sound duties... I can plug that in and see what the difference is (and I intend to), but from what I’ve read tube at the front end and back end is ideal.  Not that I would know... but I’m intrigued by the concept of second order harmonics and a warm lush sound.  
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