2. analog
  3. 1139157781

SME Model 10 How much should I spend on speakers?

I know this sounds like a speaker question but I wanted the Analog types to answer it.

Background:
Currently I have Revel M20s and a Revel B15 sub for speakers. I just got a new PS Audio phono preamp GCPH, this is to hold me back from trying to get a Manley Steelhead phono preamp for a year or so. AMP is a Sony N90ES which is a SS MOSFET amp, with XLR inputs and build quality is amazing. Turntable is pro-ject debut III which was bought to allow me to listen to my records while I search for a great turntable.

Question:
I think my speakers are pretty nice considering I use a pro-ject debut III as a source. I guess I am wondering if I do spring for a SME Model 10 should I be using a 10-15,000 dollar speaker? Would it be odd to see a SME Model 10 with Revel M20s and a B15 as speakers? I'm still pretty young and move apartments approx every year and I don't know if I should get floor standing speakers yet.

Tastes:
I pretty much listen to vinyl only now if I have the choice. Right now I listen to a lot of stuff from www.insound.com indie stuff. Sufjan Stevens, Clap Your Hands Say Year, The Postal Service, Her Space Holiday, Sleater-Kinney. I also love Bob Dylan and my favorite is female vocalists. So I want everything to sound amazing I would pick female vocalists or vocalists in general to sound the best.

Ok I've written too much. So should I keep my turntable and get some floor standing Revels Studios or Marten Design Miles III or Sonus Faber Cremona or Von Schweikert VR 5.

Or Keep my Revel M20/B15 combo and get a SME Model 10 or VPI super scoutmaster or Nordic Concept Reference.

Thanks for reading if you got this far.
rhohense
rhohense OP
22 posts
 
Yes I am going slow and probably doing too much research.

I am getting a VPI cleaner at some point.

So I have decided I'm not going to upgrade speakers right now.

I think I should probably get a nice 2 or 3 shelf stand for my current table. I am think Zoethecus. Top shelf for turntable then one shelf for my phono preamp. I think in the end I want two 2 shelf Zoethecus Stands. 1 rack for my turntable and external power. And another rack for the Steelhead and power supply.

Any thoughts?

-Russ
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,235 posts
 
A good quality rack and a cleaning machine are excellent choices.

Once you've had it for awhile, please post your impressions of the PS phono stage. One paper it looks quite impressive.

Good luck!
rhohense OP
22 posts
 
Onhwy61,

I wish you had some pictures of your setups.

-Russ
perose
40 posts
 
"Cart:I think I am going to get a Lyra Helikon, will that be good with a SME 10?"

I have the Helikon in my SME 10 and it works very well. I don't have the exact numbers but, recall that the compliancy and mass was just about perfect for the arm. If you are attentive to details, setup of the cart/arm is fairly straight forward and produces very good results. If you like the sound of the Helikon it's a good match for the SME 10.
More to discover