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I walked into a dealer and got a shock....

I walked into a local Hi-Fi dealer with what I thought was just a turntable (Reaga P25 with Sumiko Blackbird Cart) needing minor repair. My vinyl sound has been a bit thin and the platter was making a grinding noise at startup and sometimes needing a push to get the platter moving. I described the rest of my system (Pro-Ject Tube Box SE II, Linn Kollektor, Mac MC402, Dali MS5's) and the size of my room (14x16) and the fact that the CD playback (Marantz DV7600)
It was suggested that my system was not matched and basically "too much electronics for a room that size". They recommended I replace the Linn preamp and the Mac Amp with an Audio Research VSi55 integrated (tubes). The price of the AR is about half of what I paid for the items that would be replaced. I understand price does not always equal performance. But I am shocked, especially since I just bought these items. Any thoughts on this suggested combination?
azmoon
bjesien
1,370 posts
 
I went from a MA6500 to an Ayre AX7e to the VSi-55 and am happy with my choice. I like the depth of soundstage of the Vsi-55 compared to any SS integrated I've owned. It has less power and is more neutral but it gets the depth and texture of instruments and vocals right. I find this important. I also prefer the Ax7e to the other Mac integrateds I've heard if that helps.

I'd imagine however that the MC402 with a good pre would be a tough act to follow. If you want to buy the C2200 and ship the combo over I'd be glad to send you VSi-55 for a few weeks :)

I think a good dealer will guide you toward a synergy that he feels you will appreciate. I think this takes time and some kind of trusting relationship to get right.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
I think a dealer will say just about anything, they can not be passive and so sometimes the comments can get pretty lame. "too much electronics for a room that size" is an example.

I sold furniture for a few years in the 80s and I found that the successful salespeople were the ones that pushed their ideas on others, whatever approach they used did not seem to matter as much as the fact that they tried something (no passive helpful types like myself did very well) and if they turned off 90% of the customers the remaining 10% bit and they made a sale.

Sorry to get off topic but it sounds to me like you had an insensative person 'helping' you. Ignoring the tt issue would make me uncomfortable as well.

sorry to get off topic, just my 2cents
mitch2
4,167 posts
 
You ever hear the story about the frog and the scorpion - same thing, except he's a salesman....don't take it personal, just play the game.

Response #1 - "lets get the turntable fixed first, then we can talk about some of your ideas for changes to my system."
Response #2 - "sounds like you have some interesting ideas about my system. I like the way it sounds now so any component change would have to sound substantially better before I would spend the money. If you really think I would like XYZ that much, let me take it home and play it for a week in my system, then I will tell you what I think."
Remember the golden rule... and you have the gold.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
What was that famous line in the movie, 'Amadeus' where, after hearing one of Mozart's longer works, the King remarked...

"Too many notes...."
azmoon OP
126 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses. You guys help quite a bit. I'm looking for another avenue to get the TT looked at and repaired. Hopefully its just in need of oil or some other easy fix. As for the AR, a free audition is tempting if for no other reason than to check out tubes. A way to learn with no obligation. I agree with the posts relative to the dealer.
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