2. amps-preamps
  3. 1081361932

Please help an aging, music deprived mom

Many (actually 18) years ago when I was back in England and didn't have children wanting to listen to "their" music all the time I had a system. A & R Cambridge A60 amp, Linn sondek LP12 turntable (don't remember the arm), Linn Index speakers with stands, Denon CD player (don't remember the tuner).

I then moved to USA - left behind the vinyl records and Linn turntable (temporary insanity I know). Ran the amp on a transformer for many years until it just fried. I do remember the deonon cd player died because my oldest daughter (bless her cotton socks) wanted to see how cheese would sound - I think we all know the answer to that!!

A tape deck found it's way to landfill after a second experiment by daughter number 1 was tried investigating the sound produced from a slice of apple (as if information from the first experiment wasn't enough - sigh). By the way smart children will always figure out any childproofing you try unless it's packaging stuff up and putting it in storage!!

To add insult to injury the movers just lost my speaker stands - another sigh!!

SO... I have my Linn Index speakers and a Marantz cd 67SE. I REALLY would appreciate advice on an amp and tuner. I'm rather inclined to go with vintage pieces (being a bit of a vintage model myself). I listen to classical, mainly piano and jazz (cd) and radio. This will be MY system (no Wiggles music will be played on this!!) in My space, a room about 20 X 15 X 8.

Valves, or solid?
Vintage or new? (not so keen on the too bright sound of most new)
Suitable replacement stands?
I'm willing to spend about $750 on an amp and $350 on a tuner - but would go a bit higher if convinced it would be worth my while.

I am swimming in indecision and would really appreciate advice in clarifying brands, models etc. This site has been so helpful in bringing me a little up to date, but I would like help narrowing down the choice.
kayandemma
basement
245 posts
 
I am not sure if it is exactly proper to recommend a particular person or store on this sight, (so sensor me if I am out of line), but I would recommend Kirt at echo audio ( www.echohifi.com ). He has a lot of quality used stuff there in his store, is familiar with the sound of a lot of components, and you can have a comversation with him on your taste and budget. (I have recommended him to evan my mom). This may be a quick and easy way to get you going.
As far as a better sounding apple, there is a fruit stand nearby that has all organic fruits and vegetables and uses no chemical pesticides. This may be better on your equipment as well. I would be happy to refer you....
jeffloistarca
1,004 posts
 
How about a Linn Classik (75 watt integrated with tuner and cd player all-in-one)? Sell your Marantz 63SE and be happy. Simple is good, and if you choose you can always add a different preamplifier (Classik has pre-out jacks) or other sources as time goes on. You can find Classik's used for under $1000. Good listening, Jeff
bemopti123
303 posts
 
A Creek integrated for drive. Maybe one of the 4330 MKII can be found at around $450 as well as any competent tuner, even a vintage Scott that has been aligned will give you music 'til other things might go.

PS: Unbelievable that others did not recommend the Audio Refinement Complete, which I had twice and sold. The last one had a strange lemon syndrome, shut down on me twice, with a loud buzz....asked the US and Canada rep for advice and they simply gave the run around saying "Oh, you are making it drive a load it was not designed for" Yeah right. I would stay clear from this highly rated unit.
restock
831 posts
 
For the amp I would go with a Linn Majik (about $500 on Audiogon) or Classik, which should fit really well with the Linn speakers. Creek would not be bad either. Im not sure wether the speakers will be an easy load for a tube amp.
The Classik of course comes with a tuner in the newer model. Otherwise I would just connect a Tivoli Audio Model One table radio to the amp. That one looks like a vintage model and on top of that has pretty good sound for $100 (i.e. if you don't mind mono and that you still have to turn an old fashioned know to find your favourite station). It can be used as table radio alone. I certainly like the one I have in my system as tuner.
mfkeleher
146 posts
 
I would second the idea of a used Luxman tuner, I had a T115 and thought the sound was great, and I've seen them for under $250 . I also second the concept of a Classik, while on remote assignment I used one of those for a year and was very well pleased. Also that year I went to a Michael's craft supply shop and purchased plaster of Paris columns to use as speaker stands. I filled them with expanding foam, being careful not to spray too much in at a time. The added a nice classical touch to my executive appartment.
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