Just retired and want to get back to vinyl listening


I'm reeducating myself.... after years of no TT and focusing on just stereo listening.. I had a some early Klipsch Hersey’s and some GENESIS speakers pair with Yamaha receiver and low end turntable 30-40 years ago -- I can afford a higher end setup this days -- so what are thoughts on pairing a luxman l-550axII with Klipsch cornwalls?

I like the Herseys for music in the day.. cornwalls seem to be larger herseys but may well need audtion some of the tower types folks seem to tout..

I still thinking on TT -- but may get a VPI scout or prime -- thinking through the cartridge choices and other things is still a serious education -- recc?

music taster are varied -- jazz to singer vocalist miles davis - linda Ronstadt and a host of others for vocal musics and instruments- soft rock of the 70-80s- to some classical

thoughts -- looking to 15-20K for the refit for stereo listening - but could stretch some if I like the setup

steventoney
Steventoney

Many good pieces of advice here.
From me; I would be in the pick your speakers First camp. Everything else will fall into place after you pick your speakers.

 I am a vinyl guy myself; 3000 LPs - 83 CDs 

Enjoy and Best to you
@steventoney,

The tube replacement would be around $300.00. If you're patient, you may find one around $10K. 

I realized it's on the other end of the spectrum but I wanted you to hear before you pull a plug anything else.  

PS: You can thank me later 😊


Not really. I just know that many choose Accuphase after listening to both. Could be more expensive. And you would want to audition the phono sections too. I understand, you want your integrated to last a long time before you upgrade.
But that's "Japanese" sound, there are other kinds of sound. Why not get aquainted with them all if possible? You can't really be sure what you will like most.
@steventoney, 
If you like the retro look of the Luxman.  Not sure if a tube amp is an option, but you should definitely also consider the Leben CS600 integrated.  It's made in Japan and they sound wonderful. I believe the amp designer is an ex Luxman engineer.  Detailed, yet it has that tube quality warmth.  Pair it up with a pair of Devore or Harbeth, Spendor speakers.  I recently listened to a Leben CS600 powering up a Devore O/96 and it was a fantastic combination.   You have a lot of choices with your budget.  Listen to has many speakers and amps as you can and buy the one that sounds the best to you.  Good luck!
Steven,

There have already been some very good recommendations. Now, I don't want to rain on the parade, but until you find out what kind of space the system is going to be used in, this is all pretty pointless. Doing your homework in advance is valuable and you will gain some knowledge regarding what is available in today's market. However, until you determine what the room is going to be, choosing speakers should be out. Some speakers are just going to be plain unacceptable, undersized, overkill, etc., depending on the room. And since speaker choices can't yet be made, amp choices are also out. You could decide on your front end though, but do you really want to have a moving company handle your new TT?

Anyway, just my thoughts. Get an idea on what you want for front end components, then wait until you get to WA to buy anything. Visit dealers in VA and WA to see what brands interest you and buy the stuff after you know what kind of room they will be in.

Good luck on your retirement, your move and your future audio bliss. With your budget, you should be able to build a really good system. Heck, for half of your budget you could build a killer system buying quality used items, especially if the room is not too big.

Enjoy!!!!!!