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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 slaw

slaw's avatar
slaw
21,219 posts
 
@noromance ,

Based upon my reading of your experience with countless (equipment),, I find it sad that you've never addressed your acoustic environment in a serious way. While, You have a handle on the sound qualities of your equipment, you have not reached their potiential in your space!

This is SAD! Get with it dude!
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,219 posts
 
If I may..?

Your equipment is just the initial step in what is ultimately to become the reward you thought you bought, when you get your room "right".
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,219 posts
 
@noromance ,

Those foam panels, along with unfinished walls are sucking the life out of your system’s potential...Dude!
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,219 posts
 
@noromance,

l absoloutely love your equipment!

Based upon my own experience, given your unfinished walls, etc...

I can only give vague assessments, you understand right?

Until you finish your basement, (this will always be the (elephant) in the room, so to speak)... you will never reach the potential your current system has for you. I’m currently in my (own phase) of trying to reach my full system’s potential.

It cost a lot. but in my experience, the rewards are worth it!

FWIW: I’m currently using a combination of these products:

(1) Ready Acoustic panel..Owens Corning, modified by me
(2) Furutech RW-1 wall diffusors
(3) (8) Vicoustic Extreme Bass Panels
(4) Stillpoints Apeture (1).. (right now!) (4) more in the mail.

I almost forgot.. Yes!!! get rid of the acoustic foam!. Don’t, I (rpt), don’t cheap out on acoustic treatments!

You asked...I answered..

I can only say "being berated"..well , It’s your ears, your system..right? If you have doubts when others say something..there MAY be something wrong?
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,219 posts
 
Before a speaker replacement..spend time & research into room acoustic treatments..the absolute best advice I can give...You've never heard what your system is capable of until you've exhausted this avenue!

Happy Listening!
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