Just retired and want to get back to vinyl listening

Thanks all for the discussion...

I think I’m going down a reasonable path and balance for a restart in this hobby to enjoy some music.. I do not think I’ll get to the stage of say the "cartridge" discussion level of expertise details.. some of the discussions go further than my current needs, but are helpful in seeing what other say. I expect I will stay with an integrated amp for a long time - just not sure I will get to complete separates.

I’ve gone to 2 places here in VA just prior to the move.. felt comfortable enough to buy the starting new TT - arm - cartridge clearaudio setup -- I plan to go to some other place in the Northwest after I get moved and settled as I work to may final choices on other parts of the setup.. the thread illustrates what I’ve auditioned. I pick up the TT setup today, but for some hours in the shop it will be setup for some extend listening with Devore speakers and a few different integrated amps in my last audition prior to hitting the road for spokane next week.. I have the time to do some more auditioning, but it will require many hours of travel from where I will be living

Fson... in your paradigms - where are the Luxman - Accuphase SS class A types fit -- These are SS but do not seems all that "powerful" relative to most of the other SS offerings

again thanks all for the info and advice

so far $3200 for TT - arm - cartridge....

Fson... in your paradigms - where are the Luxman - Accuphase SS class A types fit -- These are SS but do not seems all that "powerful" relative to most of the other SS offerings

That's a great question. When I brought up the concept of "tried and true paradigms" I am aware that I am opening myself up to criticism for making broad brush generalizations bordering on stereotypes. That was not my intent. So as to Luxman and Accuphase, both are actually "high power" compared to many Japanese high end set-ups, which tend to be vinyl front ends, SET tubed (8 watts or so) gear and AN style corner loaded speakers.Corner loaded speakers maximize room space and assist with managing bass response in thin-walled construction homes. Obviously there is a dichotomy between something like Shindo with absolute simplicity of circuit design using selected NOS caps and resistors and something from Luxman or Accuphase which offer a ton of switches and selectors much like the receivers of the 70's. Luxman tubed gear is drool-worthy both from the standpoint of construction/tactile feel and sound. More affordable than Shindo and probably Luxman and just as lofty is Leben http://lebenhifi.com/aboutus.html. By and large, Japanese and British gear is designed with the typical small listening room in mind, but the paradigms are different with the Brits tending moderate power solid state integrateds (Sugden, Croft) and standmounts derived or evolved from the BBC LS3/5A.

I think the Leben CS600 is a worthy piece -- but that gets me into a separate phone stage in my starting setup -- still not sure I'm quite ready to go there...  I know the "looks" are not the "sound', but I the retro look matters a bit to me for my starting project.. Already I may end with a mapleshade stand "industrial" looking to sit the TT and amp etc upon..

so far the acutal listening is been with "tubes" -- I going now to listen some more -- and they will swap in some SS amps

I just cannot really find a place yet to actually "hear" a luxman or leben even when I move -- I find nothing drivable within a day...

although it would be a secondary project --  I may well get a set of the smaller Harbeths or Audio Notes to listen to in the bed room setup -- maybe run from the same integrated amp in some way -- "b" speakers or via the pre out to a small amp with speaker -- again it would be a potential secondary project after the primary is done depending on what I-AMP I end up with...

steventoney, you're welcome to come hear mine. Still a long drive, I'm another 1½ hours past Portland. Nothing fancy, and not an ideal room, but would probably still give you an idea.
L.