You most recent purchase? (In general, not just music)

[jcnporter]

'kin hell, that's serious hi-fi gear.

Yeah, I've always wanted these speakers and needed an amp to do them justice, demoed them with the Rega and it was a lovely match. Hi Fi is an addiction I can't really justify with my current income though, soon I will have to let it be for a good few years. I'd like to get a new DAC and CDP though. Always one more thing to buy.. still I have this Scotch.. all is well with Scotch.

At least with Hi-fi you can still be pretty sure that its a safe investment in terms of still working 10 or 20 years later - very few things you can say that about these days. My first separates system - Marantz CD player, Rotel amp and Tannoy speakers was bought probably 15 years ago now, moved around several houses, and still works perfectly - and they were considered budget components at the time. My current system is my Dad's old Arcam amp and CD player, again I think 10-15 years old, with the same Tannoy speakers. The amount of time I spend listening to music, an upgrade is long, long overdue.

[fujee]

For sure, the hi fi market is so crowded that the products have to be up to spec, otherwise the companies lose out big time. The budget market is especially competitive, but there are so many great products around its rare you can put a foot wrong, more so as the lower end market is designed to be very compatible with other separates. Its only when you get up to the mid and high end systems that component matching can become a bit tricky.. as my bank balance has found out (oops). But yeah, its an investment for the future and I have little doubt it will sound any different in 15 years, probably even better. My uncle has some vintage Naim amp/speakers and they sound so good its unreal, though if something goes wrong with the circuits or wiring its hard to bring back that authentic sound, especially tube amps.

I do love talking Hi Fi but forums dedicated to it are filled with people talking about very spurious concepts such as 'clean electricity' and 'dark sounding power cables' and seem to lose sight of the fact its about the music. I am sure there is maybe some truth to some of it but its really pretentious a lot of the time.

Rotel amps are great and Marantz always make solid products, never encountered Tannoy speakers though, must be pretty good if you've stuck by them!

Are you considering buying some new gear? Eye on anything in particular?

[jcnporter]

To be honest while I've always had an interest in hi-fi, I've always gone for the recommended budget gear, (or inherited my Dad's old stuff - luckily he's a tech freak) mainly because I'm no expert and over the last number of years I've been moving house, other expenses were a priority etc.
It actually just occurred to me recently that my music taste has changed quite a bit in the last 10 years, to more electronic, classical and ambient stuff and now we're settled in a house, it might be time to invest.
My Arcam CD-82 is actually a pretty good player, but it's currently twinned with an Arcam AVR350, which, while highly rated, is still really a home cinema amp and to be honest, the speakers (Tannoy Mercury M1s) are more budget and probably not making the best of the CD and amp, so I'll probably go for a gradual upgrade, getting them sorted first. Unfortunately the placing of the speakers is pretty much restricted to my desk in our 'office' room. The other issue is that I know once I start researching, then maybe demoing stuff I might not be able to stop...
It's hard to express what my system's really lacking, to be honest, but I'll know what sounds good when I hear it.
Bizarrely, the last owner of our house left a Pro-ject turntable and some serious cartridges in the basement, currently just sitting there, which I'm kind of scared to go near for fear of wanting to start a vinyl collection..

[Mexicola]

Bizarrely, the last owner of our house left a Pro-ject turntable and some serious cartridges in the basement, currently just sitting there, which I'm kind of scared to go near for fear of wanting to start a vinyl collection..

I'll save you. Send them to me

[fujee]

To be honest while I've always had an interest in hi-fi, I've always gone for the recommended budget gear, (or inherited my Dad's old stuff - luckily he's a tech freak) mainly because I'm no expert and over the last number of years I've been moving house, other expenses were a priority etc.
It actually just occurred to me recently that my music taste has changed quite a bit in the last 10 years, to more electronic, classical and ambient stuff and now we're settled in a house, it might be time to invest.
My Arcam CD-82 is actually a pretty good player, but it's currently twinned with an Arcam AVR350, which, while highly rated, is still really a home cinema amp and to be honest, the speakers (Tannoy Mercury M1s) are more budget and probably not making the best of the CD and amp, so I'll probably go for a gradual upgrade, getting them sorted first. Unfortunately the placing of the speakers is pretty much restricted to my desk in our 'office' room. The other issue is that I know once I start researching, then maybe demoing stuff I might not be able to stop...
It's hard to express what my system's really lacking, to be honest, but I'll know what sounds good when I hear it.
Bizarrely, the last owner of our house left a Pro-ject turntable and some serious cartridges in the basement, currently just sitting there, which I'm kind of scared to go near for fear of wanting to start a vinyl collection..

Sounds like its time to invest. Check out the Q Acoustics Concept 20s I have a pair and they are superb for the money.

[d e n]

I've just started to invest in a stereo system. going for something that can be a lifelong companion but also within reasonable means... yet still not sacrificing quality to save few hundred dollars, because that isn't going to matter when something is kept in use for a long period of time. after a couple months of research I've narrowed things down to,

Pro-Ject Xpression Carbon turntable , around 800 dollars ... there is a 400 dollar options but this is where the investment comes in

Wharfdale Diamond speakers, 350 dollars... I have been speaking with a high fidelity audio shop owner who has had his business since the eighties and he said he has never heard a speaker provide what this does in this price range.

as for amps, I'm still researching and ambivalent. the Marantz amp that is around 500-600 dollars is apparently great and there is also the more expensive Rotel RA-12... not sure if the Rotel warrants the higher expense.

Anyone have any experience with these amps?



Starting to listen to music through physical players, whether a CD player, cassette deck, or vinyl, and not computers, honestly feels like a technological progress... I mean it when I say I feel like I'm starting to listen to music properly. It intensifies the experience. Being born in 1990 I can say that nostalgia isn't much of a factor in this feeling since the first hardware I started actively listening to music on was an early generation iPod. There is a ritual there that doesn't happen when all you have to do is click around on a laptop!

[fujee]

I've just started to invest in a stereo system. going for something that can be a lifelong companion but also within reasonable means... yet still not sacrificing quality to save few hundred dollars, because that isn't going to matter when something is kept in use for a long period of time. after a couple months of research I've narrowed things down to,

Pro-Ject Xpression Carbon turntable , around 800 dollars ... there is a 400 dollar options but this is where the investment comes in

Wharfdale Diamond speakers, 350 dollars... I have been speaking with a high fidelity audio shop owner who has had his business since the eighties and he said he has never heard a speaker provide what this does in this price range.

as for amps, I'm still researching and ambivalent. the Marantz amp that is around 500-600 dollars is apparently great and there is also the more expensive Rotel RA-12... not sure if the Rotel warrants the higher expense.

Anyone have any experience with these amps?



Starting to listen to music through physical players, whether a CD player, cassette deck, or vinyl, and not computers, honestly feels like a technological progress... I mean it when I say I feel like I'm starting to listen to music properly. It intensifies the experience. Being born in 1990 I can say that nostalgia isn't much of a factor in this feeling since the first hardware I started actively listening to music on was an early generation iPod. There is a ritual there that doesn't happen when all you have to do is click around on a laptop!

Sounds like you've caught the Hi Fi bug too, you are right in saying these products are often lifetime purchases, if taken care of, but I do warn you it can be an addiction and the next step up purchase in the system can be a challenge to ignore! As I have found out. Glad you're choosing to spend a decent amount whilst you can though, that is a good way of saving money down the line

I'll give my two cents on your choices, might give you some options.

For the turntable, I have a Pro-Ject and they make fantastic products for the money, no problems there, but if you can, check out the Rega RP3 or RP6. Rega are a British brand who make some of the finest turntables at any price range, and have something a little different to offer than the Pro-Ject. If you do stick with your original choice, be sure to get hold of a Ortofon cartridge, preferably Blue. They sound great on the Pro-Ject range. Carbon tone arms are really interesting and carry loads of detail out from the vinyl, so I expect you'll enjoy that a lot

Wharfdale Diamond speakers are absolutely great for the money, no doubts there. My friend had some, and they are very detailed and musical. Though, again maybe consider another British brand, the Q Acoustics range of speakers are arguably the best entry to mid level Hi Fi stereo speakers going. They have an innovative, game changing cabinet inside a cabinet patented design which make them sound twice to thrice their RRP. The Concept 20s (which I also own) are absolutely brilliant, very textured and sonically exciting. They are a little more expensive than the Diamonds but you might want to hear them before you part with any cash, as they really are a cut above at this price range. The difference will probably be in the clarity of the bass, it will be tighter and that is what you want most from a budget speaker as the companies often sacrifice this at the budget end.

Marantz are one of the best Hi Fi companies around for sure, they make great products. The PM6005 is an amp you must check out as it falls in your price range and is probably the best around for this money. Good phono stage built in, and a range of digital and analogue inputs and outputs, very versatile. Rotel are also great, you can't put a foot wrong really.. but make sure you demo the amps before you part with cash as they are probably the most important piece of kit. Amplification is too often over looked, and the speakers are deprived of their potential if the amp isn't up to the job. If I were you, and going with the Diamonds and the Pro-Ject.. I'd definitely look into the Marantz. Though your ears will tell you what you like

If you do buy a CD-P, again the Marantz CD6005 make a great partnering product for the PM6005. One of the best built in DACs. Good in built headphone amp too.

I know separates seems like the straight forward path to best possible audio fidelity but don't underestimate the power of the DAC in making your computer music sound miles better. A good DAC can bypass the need for a CD-P if your digital music collection is of high quality (FLAC or WAV). Arcam make a great product for 400 pounds, the irDAC. You can hook this up to your PC with a optical cable (which has the capability for Hi Res music formats) and then link this up to your amp and speaker system. Check it out if you can, but there a load of great stand alone DACs out there for cheaper.

Might want to check out your local second hand dealers too, it is amazing what you can pick up for the money. Some hi end gear can be found kicking around at bargain prices, and some of it will be worn in through use with its previous owners so in theory, if working correctly, should sound even better than new! its also great to get down to the local and independent dealers for advice..

One more thing, be sure to buy good quality interconnects and speaker cable.. remember your system is only as strong as its weakest component! So be sure to hook it all up with audio focused products. Check out this site if you can, they are English but they do ship world wide, offer superb customer service, and stock the greatest range of cables. Shipping times are also super quick. http://www.futureshop.co.uk/

You're going to love when you get it all hooked up and listen to your favourite albums all over again, they will feel completely new! It is quite something, spinning your records, sitting back and hearing all the details and musical passages you never could hear before. This is especially true of BoC! It is so awesome just to grab a drink of something and listen to an album properly, Hi Fi gives you the best way to experience this!

Hope this has been helpful. Happy hunting

[jcnporter]

To be honest while I've always had an interest in hi-fi, I've always gone for the recommended budget gear, (or inherited my Dad's old stuff - luckily he's a tech freak) mainly because I'm no expert and over the last number of years I've been moving house, other expenses were a priority etc.
It actually just occurred to me recently that my music taste has changed quite a bit in the last 10 years, to more electronic, classical and ambient stuff and now we're settled in a house, it might be time to invest.
My Arcam CD-82 is actually a pretty good player, but it's currently twinned with an Arcam AVR350, which, while highly rated, is still really a home cinema amp and to be honest, the speakers (Tannoy Mercury M1s) are more budget and probably not making the best of the CD and amp, so I'll probably go for a gradual upgrade, getting them sorted first. Unfortunately the placing of the speakers is pretty much restricted to my desk in our 'office' room. The other issue is that I know once I start researching, then maybe demoing stuff I might not be able to stop...
It's hard to express what my system's really lacking, to be honest, but I'll know what sounds good when I hear it.
Bizarrely, the last owner of our house left a Pro-ject turntable and some serious cartridges in the basement, currently just sitting there, which I'm kind of scared to go near for fear of wanting to start a vinyl collection..

Sounds like its time to invest. Check out the Q Acoustics Concept 20s I have a pair and they are superb for the money.

I was considering them, and the new Wharfedale Diamond 220s, but the Wharfedales are huge for where I want to put them and I'm still thinking I need to go for more than a 'budget' speaker.
What worries me slightly about the concept 20s is placement - the stands for them are recommended and they've got a rear port, however they need to sit on my desk and realistically within 20cm of a rear wall and 30cm from room corners.
Where do you have them placed and have you found a huge difference?

Actually, Monitor Audio Bronze BX2s look quite good as well - and they're front ported.

[fujee]

To be honest while I've always had an interest in hi-fi, I've always gone for the recommended budget gear, (or inherited my Dad's old stuff - luckily he's a tech freak) mainly because I'm no expert and over the last number of years I've been moving house, other expenses were a priority etc.
It actually just occurred to me recently that my music taste has changed quite a bit in the last 10 years, to more electronic, classical and ambient stuff and now we're settled in a house, it might be time to invest.
My Arcam CD-82 is actually a pretty good player, but it's currently twinned with an Arcam AVR350, which, while highly rated, is still really a home cinema amp and to be honest, the speakers (Tannoy Mercury M1s) are more budget and probably not making the best of the CD and amp, so I'll probably go for a gradual upgrade, getting them sorted first. Unfortunately the placing of the speakers is pretty much restricted to my desk in our 'office' room. The other issue is that I know once I start researching, then maybe demoing stuff I might not be able to stop...
It's hard to express what my system's really lacking, to be honest, but I'll know what sounds good when I hear it.
Bizarrely, the last owner of our house left a Pro-ject turntable and some serious cartridges in the basement, currently just sitting there, which I'm kind of scared to go near for fear of wanting to start a vinyl collection..

Sounds like its time to invest. Check out the Q Acoustics Concept 20s I have a pair and they are superb for the money.

I was considering them, and the new Wharfedale Diamond 220s, but the Wharfedales are huge for where I want to put them and I'm still thinking I need to go for more than a 'budget' speaker.
What worries me slightly about the concept 20s is placement - the stands for them are recommended and they've got a rear port, however they need to sit on my desk and realistically within 20cm of a rear wall and 30cm from room corners.
Where do you have them placed and have you found a huge difference?

The stands aren't absolutely imperative, they do show the speakers off to the best of their ability as they use the same gel core construction method as the cabinet themselves, but they do sound great without too, the bass is just a little less refined. I'd say the same applies to any bookshelf speaker.. they sound best with stands but you can get away quite well without them.

I have used mine on these stands when placed on my desk and they worked really well.. very neat looking product too.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008GOP79G/r ... 2F50N286JJ

They don't sacrifice the bass all that much either, just make sure other desk items are secure! The 20s chuck out a load of low end for their size. In any case if you're worried about the placement, you are supplied with foam bungs to help hold everything together. They are very clever speakers and are quite forgiving about the conditions you set them up in.

What budget were you looking at for the speakers? Dali Zensors are also very nice, but quite big too. Q Acoustics make a very compact but powerful speaker in the 2020i - worth checking out, but these are entry level..

http://www.whathifi.com/q-acoustics/2020i/review

This is how I currently have my 20s set up, I have the stands which makes life easier and the room to play with, though it did take some fiddling around... the image makes them look closer to the wall than they are.. they're about 30cm from the wall and a good 1.5m from each corner.



Though now I need to configure it something like this with the KEFs now, which might prove tricky as they throw out a tonne of bass..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xUHP8I ... -uilCcq7Gg

[d e n]

thanks fujee!

i recently inherited an technics CD player from 1988... of course it can't hold up to a high fi CDP but I am amazed at how perfectly it functions... technics stuff really holds up.

i definitely going with the wharf dales since the local shop has them and I like the older look of them and how deep they are... and that they can function without stands.

I'm going to look into the Rega, the RP2 or 3 may be a good options.

I've heard somewhat sounds like vague and deficient criticism on both the marantz and the rotel... the marantz being too smooth and the rotel having almost too much detail to where sounds can become 'glassy'... that kind of critique sounds highly subjective so I may just go with whats less expensive if both are great amps.

[jcnporter]

Thanks, those desk stands look good. I'm probably looking to spend £250-£350 on a new pair and I think it might be between the Concept 20, Dali Zensor 3 and Monitor Audio Bronze BX2, so I guess I'll have to give all of them a listen.

[fujee]

Thanks, those desk stands look good. I'm probably looking to spend £250-£350 on a new pair and I think it might be between the Concept 20, Dali Zensor 3 and Monitor Audio Bronze BX2, so I guess I'll have to give all of them a listen.

All great speakers, I've tested the Zensors and really liked them, and obviously the 20s.. haven't tried the BX2s, let me know how you get on

thanks fujee!

i recently inherited an technics CD player from 1988... of course it can't hold up to a high fi CDP but I am amazed at how perfectly it functions... technics stuff really holds up.

i definitely going with the wharf dales since the local shop has them and I like the older look of them and how deep they are... and that they can function without stands.

I'm going to look into the Rega, the RP2 or 3 may be a good options.

I've heard somewhat sounds like vague and deficient criticism on both the marantz and the rotel... the marantz being too smooth and the rotel having almost too much detail to where sounds can become 'glassy'... that kind of critique sounds highly subjective so I may just go with whats less expensive if both are great amps.

Technics gear is built to last, quality brand, though like you said not Hi Fi as such. The criticisms of any audio product is of course subjective so take most things with a pinch of salt. Marantz do have a smoother sound, but I don't think Rotels sound glassy.. at least not in my experience. I love transparency though so that could be my taste!

Yeah, have a look into Rega, they are a British made brand, so sometimes hard to source out of the UK. Their advertising is very minimal for some reason, though you do kinda get that with bespoke audio products.. Naim are the same. But if you find a dealer, definitely try it out before you part with your cash.. let your ears make the decision. Let us know how you get on

[vballs]

Bought this cool folklore tape from bleep https://bleep.com/release/55562-various-artists-fore-halloween

[Waterbagel]

I'm not sure how many instrumentalists we have here on Twoism, but if you're a trumpeteer in the market for a harmon mute.. you CANNOT beat this thing.

The Jo-Ral Copper Bubble mute.





This thing feels free, plays that low register without any intonation problems, and if you take the plunger out.. I don't care how long it's been since you've played; you'll sound just like Miles Davis.

Birthday present to myself. Worth every penny.[/img][/url]

[d e n]

yeah!

do you listen to Ron Miles? He plays with Bill Frisell a lot... he is a magician in the lower register. Just put out a new record called Circuit Rider.

[Waterbagel]

I love Ron Miles! Might be a weird thing to say, but somehow his music has managed to stay completely relevant. He's no stranger in my collection.

[d e n]

Ron is the truth!

of his solo albums I only have Quiver... the interplay with him and Frisell and Brian Blade is awesome.. so much space...

[Cupz]

A Wilhelm Steinberg piano and an Eminent 1500 Concerto Together just 50 euros. The piano lost his front so I can see the hammers while I play and the organs only fault is that only a few bass-pedals work, nothing I can't fix I presume.

[ONTHE88]

Just picked up this gem, and for INSANELY cheap after a pricing error on behalf of Amazon!






Can't believe there hasn't been more of a discussion on here about this album. Definitely one of my AsOTY.

[skam]

coming back to this

aphex twin - donkey rhubarb 12".

just found out this is a promo. yay, now i have something special.
too bad pancake lizard loops and sire records makes terrible quality records.