Suggestions for improvements in my system

[lbgrrl]

So if I were to improve my setup, what suggestions would you all have, keeping in mind that my budget is not unlimited. Say, for $500 or less, what would make my stereo system really amazing?

Here is what I have:

Technics-SA-EX140 receiver--it has a built-in phono amp, so I am using that. Is that sufficient? Would a stand-alone preamp make a lot of difference? What about a tube preamp (I like the vintage sound). I used to have a Kenwood KR 6160 and I hate that I got rid of it, though the Technics is a good receiver. But the Kenwood had such a great sound (I also miss the midrange). Unfortunately, it did not have nearly enough input/output in this day and age of home theaters. The Technics has 100 watts x 2 (stereo) into 8 ohms (40-20,000 Hz) at 0.8% THD. I also have a CD player and DirecTV plugged into it.

Dual CS 505-3 with Ortofon Red 2M. Just got this all tuned up and new cartridge, so am set for the moment. One day, I will own a pristine Thorens TD 124 that belongs to the 'rents. Have to wait on that

Sony SS-MF315 Speakers. I will one day have the 'rents Altec Santanas (cant wait for those!) but these Sonys are supposed to be decent. I've had them for 12 years or so. 3 Way Floor Standing Magnetically Shielded Speakers feature a 6 1/2" HOP Woofer, 3" Hi-Polymer Coated Cone Midrange, a 3/4" Tweeter, and 150 Watts Maximum Input Power.

I mostly play rock, but am beginning to enjoy some classical as well.

[lbgrrl]

40 views and no recommendations?

[lensmanMK2]

it depends!

your vinyl set up is pretty good,id even say the red is overkill for a 505.

if you like tubes id go for a cheapo chinese valve pre amp from the likes of muse,paired with a 2nd hand solid state power amp.you get all the fun of a valve with a decent bit of volume,but you'll also need a phono stage.

OR,go for an old 70's/v.early 80s unit,they have the nice "midrange/bass vibe" as opposed to modern amps,but bear in mind the capacitors in these will be nearing the end of their life,and a few of these amps (technics imparticular) use custom chips that you cant get anymore.. not good when your prized possesion tops itself from old age.

[A.Wayne]

Your TT is a good base to work with , funny I prefer the sound of Technics amplifers to that of Kenwood, I would look for speakers and later go for a recapping of your technics .

Not sure what can be had for your budget , but your speakers are the weaklink IMO ..

[lbgrrl]

I sort of suspected that. They distort when I crank up the volume. They have good reviews but I have never been all that impressed with them. They seem weak to me. Wish I could get those Santanas now... but my mother says no way, not as long as she lives. I will head over to the speaker forum and get some feedback there.

There is a Kenwood KR 6200--a little updated version of the KR 6160 that I no longer have--on eBay. Really tempted as I do love that midrange/bass sound that they so excel at. The Technics has always left me kinda flat but it might be the speakers.

[dlaloum]

My own approach to a starter setup (and the way that I helped friends get started when I was in the audio biz)

Speakers first - has the biggest impact on the sound
Choose speakers that are as efficient as possible while having a good smooth sound - bass is secondary, on a limited budget bookshelf two way speakers sound heaps more real than "full size" - also the more minimal the crossover the better.
Having the speakers super efficient also allows for the amp to cruise for longer in its "sweet spot" (first watt) - which is where any decent amp will sound its best!
Speakers that I have liked that are of this type:
Boston Acoustics A40, A60 (vintage mid 80's... the A60's with the soft dome tweeter are particularly nice.) - More current BA speakers may suit too, but I am not familiar with them, I used to sell BA speakers in the 80's... and still recall the TOTL A400 as one of my alltime favourite rock speakers.
PSB Alpha B1 - I have a pair of these that I use every so often - they are suprisingly good!
Gallo Nucleus Micro with T1 Subwoofer - OK the nucleus balls are not really useable on their own, but paired with the sub, the price is still very competitive and you can then run the Nucleus Micro speakers with a mere 10W amp and the whole setup still sounds fantastic. (my current spare room setup)
Note: I cannot comment on your Sony speakers as I have never heard them, nor have I seen reviews of them up against speakers that I am familiar with....

Receiver / Amp - you should only need around 25W RMS into 8 ohm if the amp is decent ... (a NAD 3020 does suprisingly well) - your Technics should be fine, and aslong as the phono is reasonable, I would not worry too much about the amp. (Keeping in mind that with older amps the Caps may be getting to the point where they may start playing up... )

The Dual 505 is another great classic, low mass 8.5g arm, usually matches up best with high compliance cartridges, but not too high.
Your 2M should be quite a good match with that table.

Hope that helps

Bye for now

David

[Travis G.]

I got a pair of Boston Acoustic A60s for $20, plus $15 for refoaming, and they're very nice. Not the prettiest speakers I own, but they sound good. Clear highs, smooth midrange and surprising bass for such relatively small speakers.

[dlaloum]

Yep I am very fond of that series! - Most of that series now need refoaming if they havn't had it done yet.

But omygosh you should hear the bass on the A400's - and nothing boomy about it, just tight accurate and all there.... A speaker that for the most part has been forgotten (along with the rest of that series I think!)

[bauzace50]

Hi,

I owned one Thorens TD-124 for about ten years, in the decade of 1970. A cautionary tale is pertinent.

The TD-124 is a magnificent turntable constituting a legend in its own right. But it has a complicated drive mechanism (combined rim-drive and belt system), which easily drifted out of speed (unless one kept a high-maintenance schedule). The early models had an IRON platter which attracted some cartridges to its surface. Mounting surface is also a critical consideration to avoid acoustic feedback.

By now it is a high-maintenance item because of its age. So, if you are willing to do the maintenance, and find the specialists who deal in parts and service: Good luck to you, and a budget for your purposes! I, personally would not go near one since owning an equivalent performer which is simpler, less expensive, and more reliable.

But owning a legend is priceless.

Regards,
bauzace50

[Boukman]

Get a pair of decent speakers..... See if you can find some technics ns1000 on ebay.