2. amps-preamps
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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 nrchy

nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
Kayandemma (are you both reading this?) it's hard to make recommendations without knowing what you like. Everyone who answers this will tell you why their choice is the best and everyone elses sucks.

If I (see it's starting already) were looking for an amp in the $700 range I would look for an Aragon 4004 or a newer Rotel. I have owned the big brother to the 4004 and thought it a very good sounding amp which can be had for a decent price. I also owned a Rotel before that and it really didn't do anything wrong, and for the price...

See if you can't snag an older analog Luxman tuner. They work very well for the price.

All of those suggestions should be obtainable for less than you are willing to spend. Good luck, and lock up the apples!!!
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