2. amps-preamps
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SOS! Suddenly have a high-end turntable, need to upgrade Amp + Speakers

Hey everyone!

Ran into some luck recently and was able to score the following for MUCH lower than it would have gone for usually:

  • Turntable: Luxman PD-151 Mark II

  • Cartridge: Hana ML (MC-LO) Cartridge

  • Phono Pre-Amp: Cambridge Alva Duo

I need help figuring out which Passive Bookshelf Speakers and Amplifier would work best with the rest of my system! My budget is maximum $1000-$1500 give or take. What Amplifier + Speaker combo works best with my system without undermining the rest of the components?

The room the setup is in is a rectangular sitting area however it's open to the rest of the house. I wish I could go to a dealer and do listening tests but unfortunately, we don't have any in my country.

P.S: I saw the reviews on the Topping Amps over at ASR and they seemed extraordinary at first only to check reddit and find that people are kind of conflicted by those amps. What do you guys think?

rainizzm

Showing 2 responses by mofojo

mofojo
2,312 posts
 

What type of music do you like? What kind of presentation are you looking for? 1st row, 10th row, back row? 
 

$1500 is not a lot for integrated and speakers. I would take my time and pick smart. Used Focal monitors as said above is a good bet. Yet again depending on your musical tastes. 

mofojo
2,312 posts
 

Ohh and the ASR boys love to push the Topping and other Chinese amps and such. As you said real people don’t seem to have the same opinion. Plus I see they are not very reliable from the reviews. I wouldn’t fall for that s..t if I was you. 

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