Recent content by record_spot

  1. record_spot

    The Roksan Blak total power and the misleading WHF review

    First things first, have a look at the manual. Gives all the ratings in there. If you don't have the component, just g to the manufacturer's website, they'll have it in there if it's a current item and might hold an archive if it's an older one. Review sites that provide measurements as well...
  2. record_spot

    Question Three phono stage, which one ?

    Never tried it, just passed on another owner's opinions. Good luck with your choice.
  3. record_spot

    Question Three phono stage, which one ?

    I can't really add anything to the "what phono stage should I buy" query, however, some years ago (maybe in the last 5 or 7 years), I bought a turntable from a guy down in Dumfries and Galloway and on arrival it turned out he had a pretty impressive collection of gear. Some really serious...
  4. record_spot

    Downsizing: can I get a similar sound for much cheaper?

    Well you say that, but I setup my Cambridge Alva ST in 20 minutes. Done, dusted, playing records. Direct drive's great too - used to have a DD 1210 derivative a few years ago that was a truly stellar bit of kit. Rock solid, build, great arm assembly, VTA (get that on a Rega...!) put a good...
  5. record_spot

    service feature discussion for research

    Good app stability and regular updates. Absolute waste of time without the former and the latter gives confidence in the product. (The usual suspects like sound quality, etc, aside).
  6. record_spot

    Bristol Show discounts at other retailers too

    Discounts from Acoustic Energy? Always worth checking out, a fantastic marque IMO.
  7. record_spot

    Retro Amp 70s 80s 90s Shootout: Sansui AU-317 - NAD 3120 - Marantz PM 80 MkII

    So, we've got all three in the living room now. First up, the Sansui needs a service, and maybe a recap job. Boo... The clarity just isn't there which is one thing I recalled from the 217 and 717 I had before. I think the seller had given it a wipe down with a cloth, checked the inputs...
  8. record_spot

    Retro Amp 70s 80s 90s Shootout: Sansui AU-317 - NAD 3120 - Marantz PM 80 MkII

    It should be, but there's no question it has a very different tonal presentation and some quirks that surprised me during playback. I've a few test tracks that I like to run through and one or two of them came across with some instruments slightly suppressed (which is the best way I can...
  9. record_spot

    Retro Amp 70s 80s 90s Shootout: Sansui AU-317 - NAD 3120 - Marantz PM 80 MkII

    Yep, they still go for respectable, but not silly money. Build is pretty decent too.
  10. record_spot

    Retro Amp 70s 80s 90s Shootout: Sansui AU-317 - NAD 3120 - Marantz PM 80 MkII

    Yes, the very thing this forum needs with all its contemporary, height of the 21st Centruy tech - a retro-amp shootout with gear that's older than most of us combined! Some background - in recent months I acquired a pair of AVI DM5 active speakers which are pretty much old school actives - no...
  11. record_spot

    Random thoughts from the Bristol Show 2025

    It'll do here thanks. Call it the 2026 update. 🙂
  12. record_spot

    Fix or upgrade

    £35 Audio Technica AT-VM95C. Great cartridge for the money.
  13. record_spot

    Random thoughts from the Bristol Show 2025

    My thoughts being mainly the latter, although the tiny Neat floorstander the Iota Alpha II had reasonable space and still sounded a dose of bass too far.
  14. record_spot

    Random thoughts from the Bristol Show 2025

    I added my thoughts on another thread and the gear I heard, though my time was somewhat curtailed to Saturday afternoon and an hour or so on Sunday morning to get back up the road in a reasonable time. I was surprised by the number of rooms that I didn't particularly enjoy - usually down to...
  15. record_spot

    Looking to upgrade from Marantz PM 6003 ... Any suggestions?

    Are you able to move your speakers around somewhat? Before you start going out and auditioning new amps, try repositioning the speakers if you can. It's cheap, and just costs you a little time and you might be surprised. The RX2s apparently aren't exactly bass-shy so something's amiss...