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I need a new tube amplifier, turntable, and speakers

post #1 of 17
6/7/10 at 2:16pm
Thread Starter 
I have been out of the hifi stereo game for quite a while and I could use some recommendations on a small system that I would like to purchase. I really want to get a vacuum tube (power) amplifier, turntable, and a couple Aux inputs. I would need speakers as well as a subwoofer also. I like my music to sound as it was intended to be heard, no artificial EQing or anything like that, just very smooth. What brands and models should I look towards? Is there a brand that is pretty much one stop shopping for what I need? Also, I don't need crazy amount of wattage, or nearly top of the line, just something decent with the attributes that I have mentioned. What am I looking to spend and where should I go? Thanks a bunch.
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post #2 of 17
6/7/10 at 2:19pm
I haven't owned a turntable in a while, but I've heard great things about the Pro-Ject Debut III which you can now purchase at Best Buy. As for amplifiers, I own the Audio Note Ongaku which I am very pleased with. I highly recommend it.
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post #3 of 17
6/7/10 at 2:44pm
Thread Starter 
But isn't the Ongaku like $100,000? Anything for less than that?
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post #4 of 17
6/7/10 at 4:28pm
It really depends on just how much you want to spend

My personal choice for TT's would be Music Hall.

http://www.wwstereo.com/website/ecom...UT%20CARTRIDGE

Their entry level stuff can also be had for about $500.

You mention wanting to use a tube amp and a subwoofer. Personally I would just look for a pair of nice full range speakers instead. I don't think you will do much better than a pair of Advents or AR's in excellent condition, at least as far as fidelity is concerned. You would have to spend an order of magnitude more for a brand new speaker that is even close to the quality of some of the older stuff. Another alternative would be Klipsch Heresy's, though with them you may end up wanting a sub.

I alternate between a pair of EPI 100's and Pioneer HPM-100's. The EPI's are rated down to 45Hz, and for most music I am more than happy. The HPM-100's are rated down to 30Hz, and I feel no need whatsoever for a subwoofer.

My dream setup for a smaller room would be to have an older McIntosh tube amp paired with a Music Hall and either New Large Advents or some AR3's.
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post #5 of 17
6/7/10 at 5:09pm
Thread Starter 
I'd like to get speakers and amp for about $1500. Can that be done?
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post #6 of 17
6/7/10 at 5:21pm
Whatever you decide to get, make sure you audition the speaker and tube amp you want together. Tube amps are especially sensitive to the speaker load, and your system can sound wildly different with different amp and speaker combinations. That is, just because a tube amp sounds great on one speaker doesn't mean it will sound great on another speaker.

--Andre
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post #7 of 17
6/7/10 at 5:23pm
Small system suggests a Naim Audio setup and a Linn turntable.

Of course, Naim isn't tube-based.
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post #8 of 17
6/7/10 at 5:41pm
I have a really soft spot for vintage equipment, and I'd say a lot of people would agree that the most bang for your buck will always be in vintage stuff.

You can get a pair of excellent speakers for dirt cheap.

Large Advents

Klipsch Heresy II

Acoustic Research AR3s

These would be my top pics for affordable speakers that are geared towards highly accurate sound fidelity. Check your local craigslist, though. A lot of times you can find spectacular deals on older hi-fi equipment. Plus you get to inspect/listen to speakers before you purchase and don't have to worry about shipping.

A nice tube amp will set you back, though. I don't know enough about tube equipment to really make a recommendation, aside from a pair of my friend's McIntosh monoblocks that sound amazing (MC-30's I think).

And like Andre said, tube amps seem to be a lot more revealing (less forgiving?) to a speaker's characteristics. If at all possible I would try to listen to the amp and speakers you are considering together.

If you're not set on tube equipment, excellent solid state amps are very cheap and abundant comparatively.
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post #9 of 17
6/7/10 at 5:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by A Y View Post
Whatever you decide to get, make sure you audition the speaker and tube amp you want together. Tube amps are especially sensitive to the speaker load, and your system can sound wildly different with different amp and speaker combinations. That is, just because a tube amp sounds great on one speaker doesn't mean it will sound great on another speaker.

--Andre

^Great advice here.

What is your budget? That would help direct the discussion.

On turntables, I like VPI and their new VPI Classic at $2,500 is a killer value.

For electronics, lots of options but I personally like the Audio Research gear.

For speakers, I like Magnepan and Usher Tiny Dancers.
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post #10 of 17
6/7/10 at 5:57pm
$1500 does not leave a lot of room if you're looking for both an amp and speakers new. I'd highly recommend looking in the secondary market. One option is a used Jolida 1501 integrated hybrid -- they can be had for about $500 (you may need to buy a universal remote separately). For Speakers, Paradigm Reference Studio 40s are well regarded and in your price range (used). I like the sound of Green Mountain Audio speakers with tube gear. Their last generation monitors -- Callistos are *great* ... but out of your price range (they run about $1600 used). I agree that auditioning is ideal, but this limits you to gear that is sold in your area and by the same dealer (unless they have a take home policy).
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post #11 of 17
6/7/10 at 6:07pm
....
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post #12 of 17
6/7/10 at 7:06pm
Dynaco Mark III monoblocks can be had under $1500.
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post #13 of 17
6/7/10 at 8:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Girardian View Post
$1500 does not leave a lot of room if you're looking for both an amp and speakers new. I'd highly recommend looking in the secondary market.

One option is a used Jolida 1501 integrated hybrid -- they can be had for about $500 (you may need to buy a universal remote separately).

For Speakers, Paradigm Reference Studio 40s are well regarded and in your price range (used). I like the sound of Green Mountain Audio speakers with tube gear. Their last generation monitors -- Callistos are *great* ... but out of your price range (they run about $1600 used).

I agree that auditioning is ideal, but this limits you to gear that is sold in your area and by the same dealer (unless they have a take home policy).

Good suggestions. Jolida is a good budget brand.
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post #14 of 17
6/7/10 at 10:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LabelKing View Post
Dynaco Mark III monoblocks can be had under $1500.

I remember buying these used for 10 or 20 bucks as a kid.
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post #15 of 17
6/8/10 at 4:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrewc2232 View Post

Heh, I used to own a pair of those. Great clarity, but they are really too "flat" sounding. Good for classical, makes everything else sound lifeless to me.

If you want something that just flat out rocks, try looking for the JBL L100, I'm not sure what they go for nowadays but I remember my dad owning a pair. It's pretty opposite of the AR3, it trades imaging for the "thump".
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