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Need Advice: Setting up a basic analog system

Hello, newbie here, I just inherited a Technics SL1200mk2 w an Orsonic headshell w an AT31E cartridge; and a Mark Levinson LNP-2 Preamp. I am now planning on setting up a basic system to listen to my old vinyl. I've been going thru the forums and websites and I'm planning on getting an Adcom 535 power amp, Polk Audio RTi 1A speakers and maybe a TCC TC-760LC phono preamp. Was also toying with the idea of getting a new phono cart like the Audio Technica AT95e or the Shure M97, or maybe even a budget tube amp.

I am after a decent analog setup, something like a basic audiophile system (budget). My listening room is probably 10' x 12'. I would appreciate your inputs, comments, suggestions. Cheers!
monako
monako OP
10 posts
 
Thank you again for the info, much appreciated. Would you know the website of DB Systems, or contact info?

Available at KAB is the Music Hall PA 1.2 Phono Preamp with the specs that I need, any experience with this one?

As for the condition of the equiptment, not sure really what kind of use (or abuse) they sustained. What should I look out for? I know the TT works, not sure about the cartridge/stylus.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,996 posts
 
The Levinson LNP-2 preamp should have a KILLER phono stage already installed? I'm pretty sure that this preamp was a Mark Levinson/John Curl designed piece. If working properly, you won't find a much better phono stage.

The LNP-2 preamp was one of the first, true super high end products. Retail was around $2000...back in 1973!
monako OP
10 posts
 
Mofimadness - I really have no idea about this ML pre-amp, not sure if the phono stage is sufficient for an MC cartridge. Also not sure if it is in good working order, last time it was switched on was like 15yrs ago!

Hdm - Re LNP-2, beside one of the input level knobs, is a knob labeled "db Gain" and has increments of 0, 10, 20. Any connection to the phono stage of the preamp?
hdm
1,062 posts
 

Good pick up on that Mofimadness. Never thought to check on a phono stage on that preamp. In looking at it, though, it appears to be MM only (although it is probably an outstanding phono stage). This changes things considerably.

So in this case, just to complicate manners, presuming everything is working ok with the preamp and phono, Monako would just need to find a step up or head amp for the AT.

Alernatively, he could switch cartridges to a MM which might be a better proposition.

I'd probably go that route under the circumstances and put a few hundred into a MM cartridge to start off with and then upgrade perhaps if you feel vinyl is for you. No step-up or head amp to buy and no extra set of interconnects to worry about. I would definitely try to have the ML tested, especially the phono stage by hooking up to any phono with a MM cartridge to see if it is in good working order before doing anything if it's been in storage that long.

But that is a pretty impressive preamp if it is in good condition!!
monako OP
10 posts
 
Guys, if I go the MM route, what would be an acceptable cartridge to try?
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