2. analog
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Need advice in coming out from the analog dead

I am getting back into the better quality audio game after have relegated myself to the sidelines for about 20 years. Used to have a fine Mac amp and pre and a Linn table which I kick myself (repeatedly) for having ever sold.

Anyway, I recently got a good deal on a VPI TNT table with a Origin Live Silver arm. Normally, I would not have bought a table FIRST, but the deal was too good to pass on. If I have to, I will sell and replace depending on what else I get.

I have about 2500 LP's (including about 40 MFSL's) and love the analog sound. Listen to what they now call "Classic Rock" - Beatles, Zeppelin, Yes, CSNY, Doors etc. but also Steely Dan and more "jazz" influenced music, especially piano soloists. Plus, I am really into female vocals. My "listening room is about 25X15 so I figure I will need some decent punch to deliver the goods to whatever speakers I ultimately choose. I am leaning heavily toward SS because I'm not sure I want to fool with "tube games" at this point in my life (though I loved my old Mac tubes).

After all that, my question is this. What would ya'll recommend, given the above, based on the following rough budget for used, unabused components:

Amplifier - $1500-$2000
Pre-Amp $800-1200
Speakers $2000

Or, as do some, would you recommed dialing back a bit on the amp and sinking more into speakers.

Thanks very much in advance for any help. Seems to be some very sage advice on this board.
4yanx

Showing 1 response by jimbo3

jimbo3
304 posts
 
4yanxs- If you are searching for a tube sound without the hassles of tubes, you may wish to consider some of the hybrid amps. I have a Counterpoint SA-220 (under $1000 used)that is outstanding- warm and detaile (yes, it can happen1)with plenty of power to drive the Maggies. The tubes are in the initial amplification stage, so there is not much strain on them and they last a good long while.

The pre-amp Audible Illusions M3A, which is also tube WITH a very respectable phono section for low output MC cartridges. (About $1500 used) The MC phono is an option, the standard phono section is also good and handles cartridges with outputs >.9 mV.

As with most tube gear, one has the ability to change the tonal characteristics by using different tubes, but maintenence expense is very minimal.

For the type of music you listen to, I wouldn't necessarily recommend the Maggies, although a powered sub will (sort of) turn them into a rock speaker. There are, no doubt, some other speakers that others could recommend to you that might fit your rock n roll needs better.

Lastly, your should be off to a great analog re-start with the TNT table- it doesn't get much better than that!

Regards
Jim
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