Please help an aging, music deprived mom


Many (actually 18) years ago when I was back in England and didn't have children wanting to listen to "their" music all the time I had a system. A & R Cambridge A60 amp, Linn sondek LP12 turntable (don't remember the arm), Linn Index speakers with stands, Denon CD player (don't remember the tuner).

I then moved to USA - left behind the vinyl records and Linn turntable (temporary insanity I know). Ran the amp on a transformer for many years until it just fried. I do remember the deonon cd player died because my oldest daughter (bless her cotton socks) wanted to see how cheese would sound - I think we all know the answer to that!!

A tape deck found it's way to landfill after a second experiment by daughter number 1 was tried investigating the sound produced from a slice of apple (as if information from the first experiment wasn't enough - sigh). By the way smart children will always figure out any childproofing you try unless it's packaging stuff up and putting it in storage!!

To add insult to injury the movers just lost my speaker stands - another sigh!!

SO... I have my Linn Index speakers and a Marantz cd 67SE. I REALLY would appreciate advice on an amp and tuner. I'm rather inclined to go with vintage pieces (being a bit of a vintage model myself). I listen to classical, mainly piano and jazz (cd) and radio. This will be MY system (no Wiggles music will be played on this!!) in My space, a room about 20 X 15 X 8.

Valves, or solid?
Vintage or new? (not so keen on the too bright sound of most new)
Suitable replacement stands?
I'm willing to spend about $750 on an amp and $350 on a tuner - but would go a bit higher if convinced it would be worth my while.

I am swimming in indecision and would really appreciate advice in clarifying brands, models etc. This site has been so helpful in bringing me a little up to date, but I would like help narrowing down the choice.
kayandemma

Showing 1 response by musicdoc

the indices and cd67se are good, competent performers and need a similar amp and tuner to get good, musical performance. don't forget about some quality wires--not to complicate your situation overly, just something to consider. as far as the amp is concerned, the new NAD C320BEE is an ideal choice IMHO. likewise, a good used (or new) NAD tuner will also suit your needs nicely (don't forget the aerial--sorry)

look to signal cable (on this site) for your interconnect and speaker cable needs) no affiliation.

you should be able to obtain all of this for well under your stated amount. if you are determined to spend more, i would put the remainder in a better tuner, or perhaps an upgrade power cord for the cd player. oh, and sound organization speaker stands are what i remember hearing the index on once upon a time.

FWIW i have listened to the apple and cheese sonata, and was not impressed either :-)

hope this helps a bit.