2. amps-preamps
  3. 1039334358

New system advice?

Howdy,

Well,
four weeks ago I set out to do a HT system.
Started out buying a Marantz AV receiver. Followed that with a pair of Matrix 805's, HTM center, DM602's for the rear channels, a CDMCSE for rear center, and a Sunfire Truesub MK4 to shake the windows. Nordost solar wind
cables, and an Onkyo DVD/CD changer.

Heard a friend's Tyler Linbrook monitors and was blown away.(Gotta have more!!!)
Ordered the Linbrooks from Ty, and figure the HT idea is not what I want to do now. (Five and seven year old kids) I never get to watch much more than Monsters Inc anyway.

My father in law has a room full of old jazz LP's, so
I am going to set up a decent 2 channel with phono instead
of the HT. (I wish I could do both, but budget and room prohibit)
I am probably going to sell everything that I already bought, and start over with the 2 channel in mind.
It was fun to buy, listen, and play.
Anyway to make a long story longer, The Linbrooks are on the way, I am considering ordering a Supratek Syrah for the pre and phono(4-6 month wait at this point) or a CAT pre used.
Any thoughts on the pre's would be appreciated.
In need of advice for the amp and turntable. I probably have $4K to spend on "quality pre owned" equipment.

Tubes or SS for the amp? Linbrooks are 92db 4 ohm.
Thinking about cary V12i, Rogue Magnum 88, Bel Canto EVO 200 or ????

I have no idea on where to go on the turntable arrangement.

New at this, but having lots of fun so far.
Can't wait to listen to the LP's!

Thanks for your thoughts
bigbottlebob
hpshps
66 posts
 
Do not forget to factor in some money for decent cables and good support for the TT. I am not trying to suggest any particular brand (I have my favourites, fo course).

Neither do I want to suggest what percentage of the total should go towards cables and stands; there are no firm rules although some people will tell you that you should spend ten percent on cables.

It takes a bit experimenting because the number of combinations are endless. I am sure that there are people here on 'gon who have experience with what works well with SETs.
bigbottlebob OP
5 posts
 
Thanks to all for the insight.
BTW the "Bigbottle" moniker originated with
my passion for large format bottles of wine,
but it seems to be a good fit here as well.
Any thoughts on the CAT vs Syrah pre?
If I do decide on the Syrah, I will probably
want to try something else in the interim until the
Supratek arrives.(Couldn't wait 6 months to listen) Any suggestions on a decent pre with phono, that resells well?
Rogue 66 maybe?

TWL, on the TT, would I be better off to buy used?
(More bang for the buck?) or is that a risky proposition, given the sensitivity of the equipment?

Thanks to all for the feedback thus far.
waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
581 posts
 

Hey Bigbottle,

I was in the same predicament, waiting four months for Mick to finish my Syrah. I spent $650 for an Audible Illusions Mod 3, and wound up selling it for just over $600 once I got the Syrah. In effect, I "rented" the Audible Illusions pre for several months for less than fifty bucks. The Mod 3 is a terrific preamp and will make a great stopgap for you until your Supratek is ready. You might also look at a Rogue 66, which can be had for about the same $$$ and is highly regarded. Both should hold their resale value.

I really was surprised by how good the Audible Illusions was. Good phono stage, too.

twl
3,251 posts
 
The used route is usually the one I take, when I can. In the case of this TT, I seriously doubt that you will find one used. Anybody that has one, knows what they've got and they have no intention of letting it get away from them. As far as performance goes, there is no used TT in the world that can match it for the price. So, if you go used, you may save some money, but you won't get as good of a sound. I think a used Linn would be a good buy if you want to keep it around $1k.
bigbottlebob OP
5 posts
 
TWL,
I found the Teres website.
That is a beautiful machine.

Where would you suggest that I go for the tonearm,
counterweight and cartridge?

Thanks,
bbb
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