Thanks for the recommendations!
@Yogiboy - I should probably trust your recommendation as you were spot on about the Harbeths. The CJ was on my short list to begin with, so that's a very likely candidate.
The Yamaha is interesting, and I've heard great things about it. A little concerned that 90 watts might not be quite enough, but from what I've heard it's a pretty powerful 90.
Keep the suggestions coming!
Thanks, Scott |
@sbank - I understand your point. I don't expect to drive them to head banging levels or to reproduce kick drums. However, it does seem that the amp runs out of steam before I'm even able to generate peaks of 80db at the listening position.
@yogiboy - you are running w/tubes, right? |
@almarg As always, thank you for being so generous with your knowledge and for looking up the specific specs of my gear. (Maybe I should be looking at a bigger, more efficient Harbeth...). In any event, I appreciate the words of caution with the CJ. Could you give me some idea of the input impedance that would be more reasonable with the Croft? I've often heard 100/1 as a minimum ratio, so I'm assuming at least 50kohms would be a target?
Thanks again!
Scott |
@ stereo5 - thanks for the recommendation. The Parasound looks interesting, but it's got a lot of functions that I don't need (and would be paying for). The reviews seem good, though.
With respect to the speakers, I haven't heard anything that I like nearly as much as Harbeth. I have heard the P3s with a Simaudio integrated, and they sounded far more dynamic than they do with the LFD, which is why I'm considering a different amp.
Best, Scott |
Thank to everyone for the recommendations. It appears that some of the problem (or perhaps all of it) is due to the cartridge. Out of curiosity, I installed an older cart I have (Shelter 201), and the soundstage came to live. It has an output of 4.0mV and the cart I'm using has a 3.6mV output. It doesn't seem like that should make too much difference, but apparently with all the other factors in the chain (low sensitivity speakers, lower powered amp) the .4mV difference is significant. Of course, the entry-level Shelter doesn't sound nearly as good as the Clearaudio Maestro V2, but at least I have direction to go. Will be posting additional questions for cart recommendations on the analog forum. Thanks again for all your input. Best, Scott |
Thanks for all the input everyone! A few quick responses:
-I had the Belles Soloist, but it was far too sensitive to power line noise and I got some interference every time a light, bathroom fan, A/C, etc. was switched on in the apartment.
-If I switch speakers, it would be to the Harbeth C7. I have heard the Ryans with Parasound separates and was very impressed. However, I love the Harbeth sound, so I don't want to go down the rabbit hole of auditioning new speakers.
@alextakeshi - yes, I thought 65wpc would be enough, too. Al's comments on the cartridge and cabling makes me think that perhaps the problem lies in the phono set up rather than the amp-speaker pairing.
@almarg - as always, your knowledge is greatly appreciated. I think your wisdom has probably saved people a lot of money and time.
Thanks again to everyone, Scott |
Thanks for all the recommendations...
-The Musical Fidelity is a great suggestion that I hadn't thought about. I heard the previous generation M3i and thought it a very good piece in its price range. I also like the fact that the M6si is available through Audio Advisor, who has a generous return policy.
-Luxman is definitely on my short list. I've never had the opportunity to hear one, but the reviews are very positive.
-The Benchmark would take up my whole budget and I'd still need a preamp and cables, so that's a not an option for me.
-Almost pulled the trigger on a CJ CA200 that was on here recently. Will keep an eye out.
Thanks again - lots of food for thought!
Scott |
@tdimler - do you mind if I ask what speakers you are driving with the M6si? What is your general perception of the amp's character? I know it has more than enough power, so my only concern is whether the sonic character would fit with my tastes (clear, no treble grain, slightly laid back).
Thanks, Scott |
OP here just providing an update:
I was particularly interested in Al's comments about the recommended capacitance for the cartridge and the impact a phono cable's capacitance might have on the ultimate performance of the system. I have made a few cable changes that have significantly improved the performance of my rig. I replaced my relatively modest power cables to the phono amp and integrated with Triode Wire Labs 10+ and 7+ respectively. This added an openness and bass depth that was previously lacking.
However, the biggest change was to add a Furutech AG-12 phono cable. Right out of the box the treble was cleaner and more extended and the sound stage improved considerably. The system also seemed louder. After a couple of days of burn-in, I am getting far better dynamics, overall clarity, and bass response. It sounds much better at lower volumes, and I don't feel like something is missing. Most importantly, the last couple of days I have wanted to come home and listen to music rather than troubleshoot my rig.
Thanks!
Scott |
Hi everyone,
I appreciate all the feedback and the recommendations. I finally made a choice, and went with the Wells Audio Majestic integrated amp - 150wpc, looks great, has excellent reviews, and a good company behind it. I will keep you all posted on how it sounds, and thanks again for all the food for thought.
Best, Scott |
I'll definitely update you all as I start to break it in. My system consists of the following:
Components:
VPI Traveler Turntable w/Clearaudio Maestro V2 cartridge
Croft RIAA Phono Stage w/Tung Sol gold pin tubes
Harbeth P3esr speakers
Cabling, Power, Etc.:
Furutech AG-12 phono cable
Triode Wire Labs interconnect and power cables (10+ and 7+)
JW Audio speaker cables
SuperWiremold Deep-Cryo 9 outlet Power Strip
Maestro wall outlet
Rollerblock Jr. footers
Best, Scott
|
@erndog - definitely - will have you over for some listening once I get it all dialed in.
@almarg - hadn't even thought about the issue you raise. I don't often see gain specs for an integrated amp, so it didn't cross my mind. With the LFD I didn't listen above 12 o'clock, but that wasn't due to volume. Rather, the sound started to deteriorate (clipping, I guess) beyond that. However, 12:00 was a reasonable volume level, so I'm hoping that the Wells will not be a problem. Fingers crossed...
Scott |
Just as a follow up- the Majestic arrived today, and apart from the odd feature that you can't turn it on without the remote, it is a beautiful piece in every respect - visually and sonically. I'm sure it will sound even better after it's powered up for a few days, but even right out of the box it sounds great. The gain is more than sufficient with my Croft phono stage. Looking forward to some long listening sessions over the next few days...
Thanks again to everyone for their input!
Best, Scott |
@almarg - (and anyone else who wants to chime in) Just wanted to follow up on the question of gain, as I'm a bit confused by the whole gain structure of my set up and how much gain I should be looking for in an integrated amp. I did find the Wells to provide a little less gain than I would have liked. I have some general questions about the issue:
-How much more gain (above the 30db) would make a significant difference? For example, I see the Creek 100A has a gain spec of just over 33. Is that enough to matter.
-Would a higher gain preamp/power amp combo give me more options to address the issue?
-Is the Croft phono stage contributing to the problem? Would a different phono stage with different specs help the matter?
Thanks for any thought you all might have.
Best, Scott |
