Advice on New Setup

[kumarab]

Hi folks,

My first post here; I'd like to thank and congratulate all the members and moderators of this forum on doing such a wonderful job. It was my good fortune to have chanced upon this site.

Basically, I need some inputs on a new budget stereo setup I intend to build. Some background first: Currently my main listening setup consists of a Sonodyne rack system (I think it was marketed as Uranus or something). Has a TT, a double casette deck, an integrated amp(SA-580) and a 12 band equalizer, SX-909 largish bookshelves(about 2 feet tall) with 3-way bass reflex system. It has been with me since the late eighties, and has been very loyal to me.

The sources have been a mix-match of sorts. About 40 odd LPs ranging from Miles Davis to Led Zep to Dire Straits. I also have a collection of about 300 odd casette tapes (mostly rock and metal) and a large collection of CDs (mostly classic rock and metal again). CDP job has been relegated to a PS3 ever since my old pioneer 6CD changer broke down. It goes to a Gefen DAC via optical, which is connected to the Sonodyne amp.

The budget for a new setup (speakers and amp for now) is 35k, give or take couple. So, I'd be grateful if folks can help me with a few queries--

1) Will a new setup (at 35K) give me a significant improvement in SQ over my existing setup? If yes..

2) What options/combos would you advise me in the 35k range?

I'd appreciate any help and comments. Thanks and cheers

 

[kumarab]

Anyone? Please guys, I could use the help.

 

[dlkanth]

hi,
Stereo amp Marantz 6002 / Denon PMA-710AE would be good choice. Book shelfs u can go Tannoy mercury v1, wharfadle diamonds 10.1 ..

 

[soulforged]

Kumar, what are you looking for? I guess it's amp and speakers. The Sonodyne amp is not trash...it was pretty good (based on my impression of the Uranus system I heard eons ago).

So I guess you should start by going for speakers first. Combine it with the existing setup, if you are not satisfied, go for the amp. The wharfedale 10.2 would be a good option. As also Monitor Audio and PSB Bookshelves though these might push your budget a bit. I am assuming that you already have good standmounts for the bookshelves and that the room setting is suitable for smaller speakers.

For amps, consider Marantz, NAD, and Cambridge Audio in that order.

Also consider upgrading your RCA and speaker cables.

 

[kumarab]

Thanks for the suggestions "dlkanth", really appreciate it.

@soulforged--Thanks for the advice. Of course, the amp is not trash at all (probably the best Sonodyne ever built). It actually beats most present offerings from Norge/Sonodyne left right and centre (under normal listening volumes). It has only recently started loosing a bit of sheen, erratic humming and some intermittent issues with channel separation.

What kind of street pricing should I expect for the 10.2? Seems to be quite a value from the reviews around. Thanks for your amp suggestions. I guess I'll just head out and explore a bit over the weekend. My experience with foreign brands is restricted to pro/guitar amps from crown/marshall and the ilk.

 

[malvai]

@kumarab:
IMHO, the budget you have is quite modest, and it may not be able to get you too much of an improvement over what you currently own.
My dad had the very same system and i beleive it has a sansui kit inside... pretty good even in this day and age.

if you really want improvement, go step by step. one can build a very decent set up with modest buget that way... look around for pre-owned gear. that way you'll be able to get better quality at good prices...

IMHO get the speakers first, and then start adding things backwards... amp, cdp, etc... you could retain the current vinyl player as it still is a very decent budget TT.