|
|
Rank: HIFI Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 3/12/2010
Posts: 1
Location: Melbourne, Australia
|
I'm in the process of upgrading a classic but ageing sound system and decided to join this forum to get some advice before making some tough decisions:
THe system comprises:
1990 vintage Linn Sondek LP12, Koetsu "Silver" MC cart, Ittok tonearm
Sony XA7ES CD Player
Audio Research SP11 pre-amp
Audio Research D125 power amp
Apogee Duetta Signature loudspeakers
Stax Lambda pro SRMT1
My system occupies a good sized room that is accoustically a bit "dead" and the sound has become uninspiring - lacking resolution and dynamics.
The amps have been re-tubed but this has not solved the problem and I feel the ARC amps are due for an upgrade.
The D125 is under powered to drive the Ribbon speakers and after looking at the MC ratings on this site I now realise that this equipment has been well and truly eclipsed.
I feel the Apogees are unique and still capable of superb results and i am loathe to part with them..... so I am considering giving the system a "lift" with a l more powerful but affordable amp and considering a good used Krell FBP 200/300 which seem to get very positive ratings. Based on the MC ratings these amps should indeed provide an upgrade.
I intend to also change the preamp as well and I would appreciate some suggestions on how the associated Krell pre-amps are rated. by this forum?
Oh yes the Koetsu has lost dynamics too - but has provided a lot of pleasure over the years. I am considering one of the new Ortofon Rhondo cartridges (Bronze) but not sure if this would be compatible with the Ittok arm?
And finally, I have a complete dilemma with upgrading the Sony CD PLayer, ....... I wanted to invest in a SACD player (Marantz 11S2) but the format is looking uncertain and wander whether this direction is still considered to be a good investment? An alternative is to consider a new outboard DAC - I would appreciate any suggestions on a suitable DAC.
|
|
Rank: HIFI Guru
Groups: Member
Joined: 9/26/2008
Posts: 277
Location: Hasting/Crete/London
|
Hello, You certainly have a nice system. It may be that your kit needs a good service. With the Cartridge I would go for a Benz cartridge preferably a wooden body version Yes certainly a Krell is a good match with the Apogee's the older Mark Levin amps are also worth a listen the 336 sounds great but I have had a few and every one has had problems but the older 20.6 monos are superb. The apogee's my need a service. I see your down under so it may be worth speaking to Graz at Apogee Acoustics which are now in Australia http://www.apogeeacoustics.com
|
|
Rank: HIFI Guru
Groups: Member
Joined: 2/2/2009
Posts: 267
Location: uk
|
Does the system sound much the same through the Stax? If so the speakers should be fine.
For me its first things first, look at bringing the Linn up to date- getting it serviced is your primary action. If you like the magic of the Koetsu then try a new one rather than jumping ship to Ortofon. The Ortofon wont add life to the system over a Koetsu.
|
|
Rank: HIFI Novice
Groups: Member
Joined: 2/27/2009
Posts: 46
Location: Bristol
|
What cables and mains equipment are you using? It could be that the mains quality has deteriated over the years and that may be sapping some life out of the system. Perhaps the room could do with some changes as well. Changing equipment is an expensive place to start!
|
|
Rank: HIFI Guru
Groups: Member
Joined: 11/18/2008
Posts: 329
Location: Indiana, USA
|
I also have the Duetta Signatures, unfortunately not currently in service. One if the things I did was to replace the supplied spikes with small cones but the whole of the stock supports can be changed to give a more rigid support fairly easily. Have you looked at the Apogee forum on line? http://www.apogeespeakers.com/ The large Musical Fidelity amps provide a lot of current into low impedance loads and my M3 sounds quite good. They are not that difficult a load, I used Meridian 605s and a custom hybrid MOSFET of about 150 watts in the past. I would have the cartridge rebuilt. Don't forget to update the Linn mat if you haven't, I have done that with a new belt also. I have been looking at the Cetech replacement sub chassis and arm board or the Sole sub chassis but the whole Linn upgrade thing gives me a headache just thinking about it. ICs and Cables do make a considerable difference but are system and taste dependent. Good luck.
|
|
|
Guest |
