Need advice in coming out from the analog dead

I think there are way too many combo's for anyone here to give adequate suggestions. Nice stereos can be suggested, but it is a craps shoot for you. An easier approach would be for you to audition and find a speaker that grabs you, and then ask for amplification advice. Often a dealer will have amplification that will well match the speaker, but it is prudent to ask an independent knowledgeable person (like audiogon, usually) about it. You have a great start with that turntable. I would suggest that you pay considerable attention to the phono preamp. The smaller signals are delicate and easy to screw up. Perhaps, consider an integrated amp with an outboard phono pre. If not, probably the best phono-included line preamps in your range are older, used ones no longer in production. good luck and have fun.

Ohlala's advice is spot on, particularly the speakers first recommendation (one which is controversial here).

There are so many variables that you have to settle some or you'll drive yourself crazy solving your audio equation. You've got a good start with a quality analog rig, and your room flexibility is a great plus that many don't enjoy.

Like you, I awoke from my Rip van Winkle audio siesta of 20 years last summer. My first step was to play the monitor vs floor standing speaker game. In the end I went full range fs (Von Schweikert VR-5HSE) because, to me,they sounded better on classical symphonic music but still worked for chamber, jazz and vocals. I finalized on a hybrid phono pre (Herron) and tube line stage (Joule). Still haven't settled on amp(s) having tested 5 or 6 ss and tube units, but at least I've cut my variables down to one (ignoring cabling, a whole other equation).

My hunch is that a tube/ss combo will work best for you, ss punch for your classical rock and the tube warmth and delicacy for those female vocals.

But pick your speakers first. Monitors might demand a subwoofer for your classic rock, which could be difficult given your budget.

Come back to us when you've picked your speakers and perhaps we can provide some helpful suggestions on amplification.

You have a lot of fun ahead of you - when frustration builds, and it will as you search for your audio nirvana, remind yourself that it should be fun!!

4yanxs- If you are searching for a tube sound without the hassles of tubes, you may wish to consider some of the hybrid amps. I have a Counterpoint SA-220 (under $1000 used)that is outstanding- warm and detaile (yes, it can happen1)with plenty of power to drive the Maggies. The tubes are in the initial amplification stage, so there is not much strain on them and they last a good long while.

The pre-amp Audible Illusions M3A, which is also tube WITH a very respectable phono section for low output MC cartridges. (About $1500 used) The MC phono is an option, the standard phono section is also good and handles cartridges with outputs >.9 mV.

As with most tube gear, one has the ability to change the tonal characteristics by using different tubes, but maintenence expense is very minimal.

For the type of music you listen to, I wouldn't necessarily recommend the Maggies, although a powered sub will (sort of) turn them into a rock speaker. There are, no doubt, some other speakers that others could recommend to you that might fit your rock n roll needs better.

Lastly, your should be off to a great analog re-start with the TNT table- it doesn't get much better than that!

Regards
Jim

Hi,
I recently went through a major overhaul of gear after living with the same stuff for years. I don't have the time to hang out in stereo stores and endlessly audition, so I did my upgrade by looking at various Stereophile reviews and then picking my spots. My tastes in music are similar to yours.

I wound up with an old Threshold FET 2 preamp that I got for around $300. Very nice unit that includes a phono section. Rumor has it the later model might be even better and has more adjustments for cartridge loading etc. Threshold is built like a tank and should last for some years.

The speakers wound up being Proac Response 1.5's. I'd only heard good things about Proac's and I wasn't disappointed. In truth I'd probably like the 2.5's more as the 1.5's can be a bit shy in the bass, but they sound great and I got them for about half price here on A'gon and they look great too.

I did audition several amps. Mostly as loaners from friends. I thought that the Threshold S/150 was too polite. My old Adcom GFA 555 was too bright. Some Audio Research tube stuff was pretty neat but too expensive so I settled on a CJ/Sonographe SA 250. If you like to really rock out at high volumes you may want to go for more watts, but the sound is very nice.

Good luck.

Phil

Let me say that I very much appreciate all the input so far. I should apoligize upfront for my "shot in the dark" sounding inquiry. After 20 years "out of the game" I am a bit overwhelmed by the number of choices currently available and the wide range in pricing for components that are often reviewed to be of rather equal quality. I don't have the budget that would provide me with much of the equipment listed in other threads over which I, too, salivate. My intention was to stay within an overall budget of about $8-10K. I know that this will not allow the "audio nirvana" so many seek - I am only trying to come within arm's reach. After all, for the last five years I have muddled through with an Onkyo A/V receiver, a pair of Infinity Sterlings, a refurbished pair of my old Ohm C-2's, and a Klipsch sub - all of which are being moved to the "other" room to be exclusively used by the "rest of the family" as a "not to be upgraded" home theatre system! :-)

I have heard others say good things about the Proac speakers and I shall audition some. To let the proverbial cat-out-o-the-bag, here are my initial thoughts on specific components. Please, DO feel free to chime in with regard to plusses, minuses, and otherwise regarding this combination.

Preamplifier/Phono Stage

Audible Illusions Modulus 3A (recognizing that may/will need to trade/sell the Benz Glider for a more suitable cartridge)

Amplifier
Aragon 8008BB or Conrad-Johnson MV-55 or McCormack DNA-1
(maybe a Jeff Rowland Model 2 if I can muster a bit more dough)

Loudspeakers
Vandersteen 3A Signatures
PSB Stratus Gold i
(and I will give the Proacs a go)