Just retired and want to get back to vinyl listening

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.

builder3 -- thanks

I may do that once I get a place and settle a bit  - combine with trip west to visit some shops and listem more.  This is about your Luxman 590AX?

what speakers do you use with it? 

I'm still not opposed to used - keeping eye on the website, but I do need to move and get a place first..

Yes, an L-590AX, which is the version prior to the newest model. My speakers are the Paradigm S6’s, which are now discontinued.
One thing that I think I mentioned earlier, the 590 isn’t low-powered. Luxman’s literature is misleading, the amp is rated at 30W/channel into 8 ohms, but it actually switches from Class A at that point, and puts out around 90W/channel. Power isn’t really a concern.
If you get to Portland, one shop worth stopping at is Echo Audio. Nice gear and great people.
L.

builder3 - others

Are there any real differences -- improvements or problems of the newer 590AXII versus the older 590AX? what did they change that makes the new one most or less desirable?

Another question -- if I decide to try a tube amp -- say a Leben CS600 or a Line Magnetic 518A or other with a model of devore speakers -- BTW they are showing a new speaker this week - Gibbon Super Nine -- what are some suggestions for a phono stage between 500-1500 dollars -- if I end with a I-AMP without a phono stage

I’m still leaning to the Luxman -- but before buying -- I’m still learning and will try to get to some other places to listen directly and hear..


thanks