2. analog
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My jazz collection told me to get a *real* system

So I’m determined to put together my first serious analog system, having subsisted on entry-level NAD TT, integrated and phono amp for over 10 years. My tastes are very eclectic, but I’ve put together a nice jazz collection and that’s what’s really crying out. I’m looking at a budget of about $8K over the next 12-18 months. Yeah, that’s the trick: This ain’t gonna happen over night. But I’m willing to be patient with imbalances in my system as long as I’m headed in the right direction. And I’d rather go the route of buying the gear I really want for the long term rather than stop gaps and labor intensive upgrade paths etc. My life just doesn’t have room for that.

N.B.: Looking to stay SS, likely integrated+phono preamp configuration. Really just talking about the table, cart, and amplification ... speakers and ICs are OK for now.

Questions:
1) How would you divvy up the dough?
2) In what order would you buy the components?
3) Top 3 recommendations within each component category?
4) Other crucial considerations?

Appreciate the wisdom!
128x128jazztherapist
jszei
30 posts
 

offer $2500 for this table-http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649352700-vpi-prime-turntable-w-3d-arm/ 

Jump on this.  Great price for an amazing TT.  I recently updated my two channel equipment with jazz as my primary focus.  I bought the Prime retail with a Quintet Black cart.  I had a Project Carbon with Sumiko Blue Point No 2 and while that TT and cart helped me love vinyl again the Prime brought things to a new level.

I agree with the other comments about tubes.  I went SS for my amp and tubes with my pre.  I'd recommend the Atma-Sphere MP-3.  If you change two things to completely improve your sound the Prime and MP-3 would do that for you.  USA Tube Audio is having a sale on the MP-3 now.
chrisoshea
377 posts
 

Hello there....I too am a Jazz fan, collecting LPs for over 40 years, and another guy who recommends tubes but there are some great SS UK integrated amps that may do it for you. This dealer is in Campbell and really knows his stuff and stocks a great inventory of new and used LPs. He can help you put together a great system. Go with gear that give you a deeper connection to the music. The PL gear sounds fantastic and is reliable, real music makers that are mostly set and forget. The only thing you would need to watch is replacing the power tubes every 1/1/2 to 2 years depending on how many hours a week your listen.  

http://www.theanalogroom.net/ Enjoy the ride!

Chris O.


jazztherapist's avatar
jazztherapist OP
21 posts
 
Thanks very much for that tip, Chris! It so happens I have a consultation group I'll be attending every Thursday up in Campbell so that's totally doable.

As a fellow jazz lover, I'm curious about the system you've put together for yourself.
everstar's avatar
everstar
6 posts
 
fellow jazz lover but not exclusively a jazz person, like you I have very eclectic tastes. 

Never heard Epos but they are always mentioned as a very good match with Exposure electronics. The 2010s model got pretty great reviews and user feedback from most everyone. Probably could grab one for less than 1000 bucks. 

I have a VPI Prime/ Musical Surrounding Phenomena Phono/Soundsmith Aida. I love my system. 

I would go reasonable on Electronics like the exposure knowing that later a speaker upgrade might necessitate a amplification upgrade.

I would buy a really good TT/Phono and Cart that can grow with the system in the future. That is what I would do with the money. Plus living in SF you should be able to hear some pretty amazing gear before choosing. Take your time and listen before you leap.

sqlsavior
46 posts
 
If you are interested in performing some lower-cost experiments in the meantime, I would consider trying a Parks Audio Budgie tube phono stage in place of the PP2 ($400), and a pair of Magneplanar MMG speakers ($600). The latter can be auditioned for 60 days in your home, satisfaction guaranteed or return for a full refund. Call the factory directly to order. The MMGs should be revealing enough for any subsequent auditions of upstream components, and you will find out whether you are partial to the planar dipole "you are there" style of presentation.

Sometimes it is difficult to know what the bottleneck in an existing system is. If it is the speakers, it really limits the effectiveness of auditioning by masking or mis-characterizing real differences. If the Budgie preamp doesn't sound distinctly different than the PP2 with your current speakers, perhaps they are not resolving enough to make decisions by.
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