Hi all. After a life in flux where I had to put away many of my components for quite some time, I've been resurrecting and putting my system back together, finding what works, which have issues, etc. When I was originally putting together an audio system as a jazz musician/audio engineer/student, my income was rather limited, so I sought good value components, nearly all bought were used or display pieces.
What I am looking for are recommendation as what's available, either new or readily available used, which would be a significant improvement over current components or be better suited for my situation. Unfortunately all the hifi shops in my area have closed, so I'm a bit more intrigued with direct sellers with decent try-at-home policies. I still don't have a lot of space to dedicate to a system; it'll be in a large bedroom. So as much as I've always wanted some Magnepans, they're not currently practical.
I also don't want to spend too much. I'm in much better financial shape, but at some point I begin comparing component prices to that of musical instruments; say not more than $1,500 each piece. I listen to a bit of everything but mainly mainstream and avant garde jazz and would like something fairly neutral with great detail. Where possible I prefer buying things made by people earning enough to have a decent quality of life. I realize that's hard to discern without making broad, questionable assumptions, however.
I suppose my ideal system would be a turntable and digital sources (CD, bluetooth, computer) into an integrated amp and very good bookshelf speakers, possibly with a subwoofer. I believe amplification and speakers are the most pressing needs.
Here's what I have.
Sources:
- Rotel RP-855 turntable with stock tonearm and AT110E cartridge. Except for a nonfunctioning cue stick it's working quite well.
- Sony RCD W10. This is a dual tray CDR originally bought to digitize LPs before life had me focus on other things and putting it away. It's working but initially had some skipping issues which seem to have gone away with a cleaning disc.
- NAD 5340. The display stopped working shortly after I bought it, but I believe it still works. I loaned it to my father.
- Phillips CD 660. My first CD player. It powers up then clatters while trying to open the disc drawer.
Amplification:
- Rotel RC and RB-1010. I recently cleaned these out, used dioxin on contacts, and they are working well. They're a bit large for the current environment, however, and still occasionally exhibit an issue. Eventually I'll have them overhauled with new caps and the like if needed.
- nuforce icon. Bought as a small, easy to move solution. It's worked for that.
- Marantz 2216B. My music major days receiver, but it's not working.
- I put an Outlaw Audio bluetooth device on my Christmas list.
Speakers:
- PSB Alphas. I have an early version with non-removable grills and I believe paper-coned woofers, back when they were made in Canada. They have lasted for quite some time and work very well.
- Paradigm 5SEs. One has the woofer separated from the surround, which I plan to repair soon.
Any advice would be helpful. From my research I'm intrigued by Rogue Audio, Axiom, Totem and Rega products, in addition to PSB and Paradigm. Thanks.
Hi all. After a life in flux where I had to put away many of my components for quite some time, I've been resurrecting and putting my system back together, finding what works, which have issues, etc. When I was originally putting together an audio system as a jazz musician/audio engineer/student, my income was rather limited, so I sought good value components, nearly all bought were used or display pieces.
What I am looking for are recommendation as what's available, either new or readily available used, which would be a significant improvement over current components or be better suited for my situation. Unfortunately all the hifi shops in my area have closed, so I'm a bit more intrigued with direct sellers with decent try-at-home policies. I still don't have a lot of space to dedicate to a system; it'll be in a large bedroom. So as much as I've always wanted some Magnepans, they're not currently practical.
I also don't want to spend too much. I'm in much better financial shape, but at some point I begin comparing component prices to that of musical instruments; say not more than $1,500 each piece. I listen to a bit of everything but mainly mainstream and avant garde jazz and would like something fairly neutral with great detail. Where possible I prefer buying things made by people earning enough to have a decent quality of life. I realize that's hard to discern without making broad, questionable assumptions, however.
I suppose my ideal system would be a turntable and digital sources (CD, bluetooth, computer) into an integrated amp and very good bookshelf speakers, possibly with a subwoofer. I believe amplification and speakers are the most pressing needs.
Here's what I have.
Sources:
- Rotel RP-855 turntable with stock tonearm and AT110E cartridge. Except for a nonfunctioning cue stick it's working quite well.
- Sony RCD W10. This is a dual tray CDR originally bought to digitize LPs before life had me focus on other things and putting it away. It's working but initially had some skipping issues which seem to have gone away with a cleaning disc.
- NAD 5340. The display stopped working shortly after I bought it, but I believe it still works. I loaned it to my father.
- Phillips CD 660. My first CD player. It powers up then clatters while trying to open the disc drawer.
Amplification:
- Rotel RC and RB-1010. I recently cleaned these out, used dioxin on contacts, and they are working well. They're a bit large for the current environment, however, and still occasionally exhibit an issue. Eventually I'll have them overhauled with new caps and the like if needed.
- nuforce icon. Bought as a small, easy to move solution. It's worked for that.
- Marantz 2216B. My music major days receiver, but it's not working.
- I put an Outlaw Audio bluetooth device on my Christmas list.
Speakers:
- PSB Alphas. I have an early version with non-removable grills and I believe paper-coned woofers, back when they were made in Canada. They have lasted for quite some time and work very well.
- Paradigm 5SEs. One has the woofer separated from the surround, which I plan to repair soon.
Any advice would be helpful. From my research I'm intrigued by Rogue Audio, Axiom, Totem and Rega products, in addition to PSB and Paradigm. Thanks.