2. amps-preamps
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Finally stepping into the hobby after 30 years of watching from the sidelines

Ok, so I hope you are all ok with a longwinded post from a first time user of the forum.  I have been obsessed with vinyl and tubes since my dad played records for me as a 5 year old.  My wife and I are finally in a place that we can take the leap into the scene.  We want to grow our system over time and may even create 2-3 systems along the way as we have a bed and breakfast where we want to make analog part of the theme. 

We have made up our mind that our first speakers will be Vandersteen 2CE sigs.  That is about as far as we have gotten.  We definitely want to power them with tubes and have very little idea of where to start.  Obviously the mainstream option would be a Mcintosh mc275 and our local HiFi salesman would LOVE to sell us a pair of those.  However, we know that there are several cheeper/better options out there and would love some input from the board.  We'd like to keep the first amp under $3,000, but we aren't locked into that.  Keep in mind that we are ok starting with a single amp and then adding a second one along the way to mono them.  Also, we would love some help with a table/arm/cartridge!  One with an integrated phono stage is fine to start with and we would again be open to upgrading and adding a stand alone phono stage later on.  

We will be doing some electrical work soon to run a 40 amp fuse to the BnBs espresso machine and would be open to setting up a dedicated line for our main system at that time so that we can have clean power.  Has any one had any experience with this?  Any ideas or recommendations that you may have would be a big help here! 

Thank you all in advance, and we are really excited to finally be part of the scene! 
128x128cottguy

Showing 11 responses by raymonda

raymonda
855 posts
 
Cottguy,

Check out my Thorens td150, that I modded and maxed out on my virtual page. It is my second table and seems to hit all the buttons you have identified. I would part with it, for the right price, if you are interested. If, you are within reasonable distance you can audition it and or I would deliver and set it up for you.

The best Tubes for the money go to Rogue. I would check them out if I were you. Their 100 watt integrated with phono might be just the ticket for you to begin with.
This will give you nice sound and meet your desires for a classic system.

I love your plan and what you are doing. Enjoy.

raymonda
855 posts
 
The Cronus Magnum ii is a complete 100 watt, KT120 integrated tube amp. They will drive most speakers and give great tube sound. There is no need to go with a hybrid, not that there is anything wrong with that, too.

I'm going to follow this thread and vicariously enjoy the new system build. Cottguy you are in for a lot of fun.
raymonda
855 posts
 
The VAC is an excellent recommendation, as is a Jolida but you need an outboard phono for them. I owned an el84 Jolida and it was fun. I found that the construction met a price point but it all worked well. 

Buying a used Vandy 3a is a smart way to go, as long as they are in good shape. I would also agree about the table recommendation. Shop wisely for your front end. This is where it all begins and you should get the best you can afford.

Not to push my table to hard but, if you want I would be happy to hightail you some needle drops so you get a good sense of its excellent playback capabilities. 

With the direction you are going, you are going to have hours and hours of fun.
raymonda
855 posts
 
Good mc are not expensive but that's another topic. The VAC with a phono is a good thing.
raymonda
855 posts
 
A Rogue Cronus Magnum ii, hardly used, just popped up in AG used postings. It appears to be a good deal @ 1595. 

You could do a whole lot worse and hardly better.

raymonda
855 posts
 
A pair of JM Labs Mini Utopia's just popped up for sale here. The appear to be in very good shape, sound fantastic and are tube friendly.

I run a pair of Micro's on 60 watts of triode. They barely need subs. However, I do run subs with them. 

Couple these with a nice integrated tube amp and you're on your way to audio heaven. Seriously!


raymonda
855 posts
 
He also has a VPI Classic for a nice price, too. Here is a great opportunity to take care of two of your components for really low dollars. Do the math and you'll see the fantastic deal you would be getting on two great pieces. 

I have a feeling this is a buy now or cry later situation.
raymonda
855 posts
 
It come with cartridge too. Sweet deal. I don't think you would be unhappy.
raymonda
855 posts
 
I would disagree regarding your front end. If the right piece came up i would buy it ASAP. Your speakers and amp are more interdependent and should be selected in regards  to each other. Your front end is less so.

Buying new has its pros, namely warranty. However, used does, too. You could probably ensemble a 20 to 30,000 system within your 10,000 buget used, thus getting you potentially a higher level of playback.

The thought of trying out every piece prior to purchase will narrow your choices tremendously. I  would stay away from buying anything new without an audition. However, used is less a financial risk, since you can often sell the piece at or near the price you paid and it will only cost you some time.

The reality today, for me, is that to get the sound I want I have to buy used. I have never been disappointed. That's not to say i have kept every piece i have purchased, i haven't. But trying the piece out for the long haul in my home has been fun and proven invaluable.

I think you have been wise to date but i would not hesitate too much. Sometimes a quick but thoughtful decision has to be made or you'll miss out. Remember your regret with the VAC.


raymonda
855 posts
 
Rogue m150 in ultralinear mode will run the maggies nicely.
raymonda
855 posts
 
Glad you gound something. I have a peach tree integrated in my office system. They run a pair of Celestion SL6S's in the near field on my desk. For a cass d solid state with tube buffer they do a good job.

Now, what will the front end consist of?  BTW, I sold the maxed out Thorens 150. But i do have a Acoustech ph1 sitting around with upgraded opamps. 

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