Improve an existing system

[A good listener]

I am looking to improve my HI-fi system.

I listen mostly to Vinyl, on a Thorens TD160 super with a Rega RB300 arm. I have an Arcam Alpha 7 CD player.

I have a John Sherne phase 2 amplifier. In the past I had an Inca Tech Claymore (original Colin Wonfor design), which was my pride and joy. It eventually , literally burnt out. At the time that I acquired that in the mid 90’s I had the opportunity to compare it to a Linn Majik Amp of the time and found the claymore more to my preference.

I currently use Spendor prelude speakers, and have had Linn indexes in the past,

I am not particularly hi fi/electronics tech savvy, but know a good sound.

Years ago. an old friend and I used to go to the Hi-Fi Shows in London and I was in touch with the old products such as Linn. Naim, Systemdeck , Pink triangle etc.

I have around £800 to £1 000 to put into improvements. Most probably used equipment, which I have always been lucky with.

My first thought is to perhaps improve the amplifier, I always liked the Naim and Musical fidelity amps, but am not sure what would be an improvement on my current amp.

There is also the option of adding a power amp. Such as a John Sherne phase 3 or Naim or linn power amp, which I understand can improve sound quality. The phase 2 has a Pre out.

Secondly, as an improvement to the main source of the turntable, could the Linn Sondek LP12 be a contender. I know that it comes in many incarnations.

Although I have always had decent speaker an interconnect cables, I am going to investigate possible improvements there too.

I mostly listen to post bop jazz, blues influenced 70’s rock, and old Indian popular music which can be orchestra based or Indian classical based ……a real mixture.

I shall appreciate any advice.

 

[Gray]

...a Thorens TD160 super with a Rega RB300 arm.

That's what I currently own - with an Audio Technica VM-95E
Here it is, playing a horrible looking - but excellent sounding - 12" single:

I currently use Spendor prelude speakers

I thought I was the only one in the world to have ever owned that model!
An economy version of their SA2 model, brand new they cost me just short of £200.
I assume you're using bare wire connection (I replaced the spring clip terminals to allow the use of 4mm plugs)
But unless your speaker cables are really thin - I really wouldn't worry about changing them (or your interconnection cables).

You need to think carefully about the sound you've got - and how you think you can improve it.
No question, the biggest overall change will come with a change of speakers.

You may well be using an even better cartridge than I am - but that might be another thing to consider.

Can you describe how you think the sound you've got could be improved?

 

[RoA]

I had a Phase 2 in the nineties. Looks lovely and my then wife adored it’s sound which is big, lush and technicolour. I eventually changed it as I found it a little bit too much of the above, lacking focus. Shearne made Pre/power combinations which aleviated the shortcomings but they were too expensive for me at the time. An AudioInnovations amplifier was the replacement and I kept that for some time.

If your room gels with your speakers then the amplification is where I would invest first.

 

[Al ears]

You dont mention what cartridge you are using as this is the normal starting point....
Personally I would avoid the LP12 unless you really know what you are doing as can be tricky to setup accurately and can quickly become a money pit.