Help Needed - Improving Current System

[Jerry86]

Hi

My current system comprises a Yamaha RX-A3010 AV receiver, a mixture of Q-Accoustics 2010i and 2020i's in a 7.1 configuration, Sony BDP-350 blu-ray player, BenQ W6000 projector, Project Debut III turntable and a home media centre which I built myself.

I'm happy with the AV side of things and have reached a happy medium between performance and working round wife/young kids etc.

I have an extensive range of vinyl and currently listen to it in pure direct mode, but was wondering whether I would benefit from getting a dedicated stereo amp. I have around £100-200 to spend and would quite happily consider second hand. My record collection consists of over 1000 LPs going back to the lates 50's to the present day and covering a wide range of genres and all originals.

Any suggestions would be greatfully received

 

[Al ears]

I have never rate AV amps as a good stereo set-up (unless you have a lot of money).

Have a look on Ebay for a classic amp like the Creek 4140 / NAD / Audiolab or something that has a good phono stage built in.

Oh, andwhile your at it budget for a better cartridge for your turntable.

 

[Jerry86]

Any particular models for the NAD and Audiolab? I was also thinking of Marantz as well. There;s a few Creek 4140's on ebay at the moment at around the £40-50 mark, so might consider one of those.

The cartridge upgrade would be the next consideration after the amp.

 

[Jerry86]

What about the Marantz PM6003? Is that worth considering?

 

[Al ears]

The Marantz range alays seems to get good reviews. Not heard the 6003 but 6004 was very good.

How are you connecting your turntable to an AV receiver?

 

[Jerry86]

The Rx-A3010 has a phono input, so no problems connecting the turntable. For the cartridge upgrade I was thinking of the ortofon 2M blue.

Would the stereo amp offer a significant improvement over the Yamaha?

 

[alienmango]

Nad c370

Arcam alpha 9, 10 (10 may be out of budget)

 

[JoelSim]

Bear in mind that many amps scrimped on the phono stage in order to keep costs down, so if you listen to a lot of records, do lots of research on this.

 

[davedotco]

Unless your Yamaha reciever is truly awful on music I would keep it.

Given the number of records you own I would spent every penny I could afford on the record player.

 

[the record spot]

All I'd do - assuming you have a couple available - is to bi-amp your speakers and stick with the Yammy. I doubt you'll find anything at your budget that'll improve what you have. The Yamaha is an excellent amp, great spec and I'd stick with that. Use the money to go towards either a dedicated phono stage, or a better cartridge.

 

[Jerry86]

I'm more than happy with the amp itself and would only consider a stereo amp for the turntable if there was a clear benefit. As far as I can see my options are:

1. Bi-amp the speakers. Easy enough

2. Try a dedicated phono stage (I've got a spare Project box)

3. Upgrade the cartridge. I was thinking of the ortofon 2m blue, unless anyone has any better suggestions.

4. Upgrade the turntable.

5. Get a dedicated stereo amp.

1,2 and 3 look favourite to start with.

The turntable upgrade is a possible in future, but would need to consider what the best option would be assuming I was going to stick with the Yamaha, and save my pennies.

 

[Jerry86]

Quick question. If I were to use a decicated phono box, would I plug it into the existing phono sockets on the Yammy or elsewhere?

Thanks