Just retired and want to get back to vinyl listening

back on track.... I will listen to some o/93 within the week.....before the move in 2 weeks..... I still have no options yet to hear Harbeth 40,2 and and o/96 -- I may well not have a big enough room for them -- we’ll see where I end up and measure room.

The earlier pointer to Chapman and Daedalus speakers may well be part of western part of WA multi-day soiund trip to see and learn other things before I buy -- I’m taking it all in and will be listening - audition more..... I have the time..

also well I am listening to and learn on tube integrated and still have luxman integrated in sight -- what are anyone thoughts on Mcintosh integrated like the MA6700 -- just a little OP redirection for all ;-)

BTW -- both dealers I have visited since my decision to invest in vinyl and some higher end stereo setup -- but suggest tube amps for the speaker types I have been most interested in -- I understand this advice -- I think both are straight shooters and willing to give time and discussion of various topics -- so the journey continues

thanks all

BTW -- it is a learning curve on the AN-E as they have variety of models in a large price range -- I think as I get through this - first round of speakers for the new setup will likely come in the 5K to 15K range depending on what I end liking best and whether I do new or used

I think the Luxman you are considering is a "can't go wrong" move. It will provide a baseline for phono, line stage, and power amp that will each be difficult to beat, and it gets you going right out of the box without agonizing over which other components might or might not appeal to you and still work well together.

Harbeth Super HL5 Plus speakers are no slouches - they sound a lot like Quads to me - I'd give them a listen too, if possible.

The Concept/Maestro combo seems like a good way to start on a vinyl journey - it should sound great without spending $20K, until you are sure you want to go further in the vinyl pursuit.  :)

thanks sql...

I think I’m good with starting with the clearaudio concept wood for my first foray back into vinyl after 35+ years...

as noted earlier in the thread -- I listen to Harbeths -- specifically the M30.1 with a synthesis A100T tube integrated -- it was really good and in the same shop I listened to Audio Note AN-Es and AN-Js again with tube integrated -- IT was close but I thought the AN-E were a little better for my taste that the M30.1s the AN-E is very much like the Devore O/93 that I will audition this Wednesday -- I listened to the Gibbon X on a line magnetic tube integrated amp at the shop last time -- they also were very nice -- I’ll to some other speakers mentioned after I move next week -- but the Harbeth - Devore - Audio Notes are real contenders for the new setup

The integrated amp part is still leaning to the Luxman, but I also like the looks of the Leben CS600 as a tube amp, but that puts me into having to get a phone preamp/stage - which I do not know if I quite there yet.. the whole tube versus a SS class amp like the Luxman is a hard choice.. would be nice if I could audition these as well -- but the amp and speakers will be on back burner until after I get moved to Spokane and find a new place to live.......... moving van comes next Monday

I do have a question -- if folks would be so kind -- about pro/cons on using the rca line inputs - outputs versus the balanced I/O on some of these equipment pieces -- I have no experience at all on the balance I/O - thoughts?

I do have a question -- if folks would be so kind -- about pro/cons on using the rca line inputs - outputs versus the balanced I/O on some of these equipment pieces -- I have no experience at all on the balance I/O - thoughts?

The simple answer is to not worry about it. Both work well. 
The more complex answer is that a huge amount of gear that offer balanced outputs and inputs don't offer true balanced circuits all the way through so the balanced option is more of a convenience thing allowing someone with a bunch of XLR interconnects the option to use them. True balanced circuits offer significantly less susceptibility to hum caused by various factors including grounding (mostly) but also rejection of EMI/RFI. 
I recently switched over from single ended (RCA) to balanced (XLR) interconnects hoping to take advantage of true balanced hardware and I don't notice much difference. Most of the Stereophile reviewers have made comments from time to time about noticing very little difference between single ended and balanced such that they mostly use singled ended interconnects. From a purely practical standpoint though, XLR is so much easier to connect and disconnect than locking WBT-style RCA barrels-I am happy to be away from those. Also, I don't know why it is, but cable manufacturers dwell over their choice of RCA connectors and often have very pricey options offered as upgrades and yet with XLRs they usually just have one option and leave it at that. I have seen obvious XLR "jewelry" on very expensive IC's but even the manufacturers don't seem to dwell much on the cost/quality of XLR connectors as being crucial.