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New to Vinyl and need immediate help

I'm new to vinyl, having just purchased my first TT, and can't wait to get started. Just received a New Rega P9 TT, RB900 arm, and Clearaudio Aurum Beta cartridge. I desperately need help with the rest of the system.
This system is going to be placed in my den/library (13' long by 14' wide by 14' ceiling) for MY musical enjoyment. I've got really good solid state gear in another part of the house for the rest of the family/Home Theatre (Krell amp; B&W 803 speakers; Theta Digital; etc.). Eventually, I'd like for the vinyl system to be all tube, but I would like to do it one piece at a time.

In the basement, I have a Bryston 2B SS amp I could use in this room, PSB MK II speakers, as well as a Rotel Pre-amp.

To complete the system, I guess I will need a phono pre-amp.

Basically, my budget only has about $1,500. Option #1 would be to buy a new/used phono pre-amp and use my old SS gear to supplement; Option #2 would be to buy a new or used tube pre-amp (that also has a phono pre-amp like the Cary SLP 98P) and use my Bryston SS amp; and Option #3 would be to buy a new/used tube integrated amp like the Cary SLI 80. [[The only reason I'm mentioning Cary gear is that the salesmen at the store keeps pushing this stuff at me]]

I listen mostly to jazz (bop and post bop; acoustic) classical and some blues.
Some have suggested just getting a phono pre-amp like the EAR 834; while others have suggested a used ARC or CJ.
Where should I start? What should I do? Where should I stay away from?

HELP!!!!!!
wksesq
winoguy17
1,119 posts
 
Look for a Conrad johnson pv10a. It is a nice tube pre with a decent phono stage. You could probably find one used in the $600. range.
mikec
199 posts
 
Hi Wksesq, before you put too much money into your new analog setup. I would strongly suggest you take a good look at the dimensions of your den. 14x13x14 are not desirable dimensions to be spending good money on. You will need acoustic treatment and bass traps in order to get any decent sound from those dimensions. 14x13x14 will create standing waves which will cause large peaks at the wall boundaries and dips at the rooms center points. If possible lowering the ceiling will help tremendously. Without treatment, digital correction devices or a 1/3 octave EQ those dimensions may cause a very uneven freq response and poor sound. Before investing the time and funds into the new setup a simple search and understanding on room acoustics will yield it's weight in gold for obtaining better sound from the room. The best components can be a waste of money if placed in a bad sounding room. The room plays the largest role in obtaining good sound and should be considered a very important COMPONENT. Maybe others can elaborate more. Good luck with the new analog setup.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Bryston has a good reputation and could certainly serve as (at least) an interim amp. For $1500 you can get a used ARC (SP9, 14), CJ, or BAT (VK3i)pre w/phono or even a line stage pre and a Lehman Black cube.
drrasta
224 posts
 
I would vote for starting with a Lehmann black cube, hook everything up and then decide on the tube gear. The Modulus can sound a bit bright; be aware that on the used market the 3A has been around for years with several upgrades. Rogue makes some very nice pieces as well. I prefer the Rogue to the AI sound.
geddie
27 posts
 
I have to agree with Mikec -- your room is going to be a major problem no matter what components you select. It's almost a perfect cube, and that does not make for good acoustics. Sorry to be another bearer of bad news ...
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