One thing you may want to investigate is whether you Linn is properly "tuned". It may be that your disappointment with the table can be cured by having the dealer check the setup, which can go "out" over time. Also, you say that the Linn "looks" out of place which makes me wonder if your feelings toward the Linn have more to do with aesthetics rather than performance--which is fine--but it might be helpful to explore your motives behind the change so you are not disappointed on the other side. Finally, the Linn/Naim setup is a great one--I'm wondering if the "fatiguing" sound has to do with other components in the signal chain--speakers perhaps? As for tables, the one brand that you do not list but which is within your price range and does offer the type of sound you say you want would be the Sota/SME combination perhaps with a Koetsu or Shelter. This might be worth investigating.
Turntable/cartridge/tonearm suggestions
My current system:
Linn LP12 with Lyra Argoi cartridge
Art Audio Vinyl reference phono
Aesthetix Calypso signature preamp
Jeff Rowland 501 mono blocks
Wilson Duette speakers
The issue:
I had initially paired the Linn with NAIM audio gear and the fit was fantastic. As I got older, the in-your-face forward NAIM sound was getting a little too faitguing. Accordingly, I switched my gear towards the tube based art audio and aesthetix, and I like them very much. Unfortunately, the Linn looks a little out of place with the rest of the setup. Hard to describe the problem...it seems to have lost its musicality...the sound is very flat, uninvolving and seems to have lost timing.
The solution:
That's what I am hoping some of the analog veterans can come up with. I am ideally looking for a sound that is smooth, lots of separation between instruments and a little on the romantic side. While detail is important, I am willing to not be able to hear the drummer drop his handkerchief if that means the overall sounds is musical and easier on the ears. I do intend to demo as much as I can but some of the brands are not that easy to set up. I was hoping that you all can give me your first hand impressions on the following brands (and any others that I may have missed) and help shortlist the ones that will fit my preferences the best. I am hoping to spend under $10k and can go up to $15k if it makes sense.
Turntables:
VPI Classic
Avid Volvere
Acustic Raven One
Teres
Cartridge
Dynavector
Koetsu
Thanks.
Linn LP12 with Lyra Argoi cartridge
Art Audio Vinyl reference phono
Aesthetix Calypso signature preamp
Jeff Rowland 501 mono blocks
Wilson Duette speakers
The issue:
I had initially paired the Linn with NAIM audio gear and the fit was fantastic. As I got older, the in-your-face forward NAIM sound was getting a little too faitguing. Accordingly, I switched my gear towards the tube based art audio and aesthetix, and I like them very much. Unfortunately, the Linn looks a little out of place with the rest of the setup. Hard to describe the problem...it seems to have lost its musicality...the sound is very flat, uninvolving and seems to have lost timing.
The solution:
That's what I am hoping some of the analog veterans can come up with. I am ideally looking for a sound that is smooth, lots of separation between instruments and a little on the romantic side. While detail is important, I am willing to not be able to hear the drummer drop his handkerchief if that means the overall sounds is musical and easier on the ears. I do intend to demo as much as I can but some of the brands are not that easy to set up. I was hoping that you all can give me your first hand impressions on the following brands (and any others that I may have missed) and help shortlist the ones that will fit my preferences the best. I am hoping to spend under $10k and can go up to $15k if it makes sense.
Turntables:
VPI Classic
Avid Volvere
Acustic Raven One
Teres
Cartridge
Dynavector
Koetsu
Thanks.
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- 18 posts total
- 18 posts total