Hi everybody!
So the story goes... After more then a decade of hi-fi abstinence I am in a market for a complete system. I am considering Croft pre-power combo (with phono input) or Naim 5si integrated + a phono stage (Stageline + SH power supply or Lejonklou Gaio). On the speakers' shortlist are Harbeth P3ESR, something form Kudos or PMC 21 (vinyl source is LP12, digital source is unknown ATM). That was the original plan.
The price of just phono+amp+speakers would be in the multiple 1000GBP department. Just phono stage costing around 500GBP or more.
Looking at the price of ex-demo Rega Brio-R, I thought it might be well worth getting the Brio - costing less then a phono stage alone - selecting the matching speakers and either live happily ever after or at least buy me some time before committing more serious money on amplification. In the meantime, I could also figure out exactly what I want from amp and phono.
Since Brio-R is already almost one of the big legends of hi-fi history, this option is very tempting (and in the past I was very much impressed with performance of Brio 2 with LPs - but it really sucked with CDs). The downside is a SH market in my country - I can not hope to get much (if anything) for a used Brio-R once I decide to move on.
For various reasons I almost dismissed the above plan, but now I saw a pair of SH Linn Tukans for a decent price. I am thinking of giving them a listen and buy them if I like what I hear. And then take them on a blind demo with Brio-R against Nait 5si.
Brio-R + Tukans could well be the end of my hi-fi line or could buy me even more time and give me even better reference to what I ultimately want.
What do you think of the plan? Any thoughts and experiences welcome!
ATB
So the story goes... After more then a decade of hi-fi abstinence I am in a market for a complete system. I am considering Croft pre-power combo (with phono input) or Naim 5si integrated + a phono stage (Stageline + SH power supply or Lejonklou Gaio). On the speakers' shortlist are Harbeth P3ESR, something form Kudos or PMC 21 (vinyl source is LP12, digital source is unknown ATM). That was the original plan.
The price of just phono+amp+speakers would be in the multiple 1000GBP department. Just phono stage costing around 500GBP or more.
Looking at the price of ex-demo Rega Brio-R, I thought it might be well worth getting the Brio - costing less then a phono stage alone - selecting the matching speakers and either live happily ever after or at least buy me some time before committing more serious money on amplification. In the meantime, I could also figure out exactly what I want from amp and phono.
Since Brio-R is already almost one of the big legends of hi-fi history, this option is very tempting (and in the past I was very much impressed with performance of Brio 2 with LPs - but it really sucked with CDs). The downside is a SH market in my country - I can not hope to get much (if anything) for a used Brio-R once I decide to move on.
For various reasons I almost dismissed the above plan, but now I saw a pair of SH Linn Tukans for a decent price. I am thinking of giving them a listen and buy them if I like what I hear. And then take them on a blind demo with Brio-R against Nait 5si.
Brio-R + Tukans could well be the end of my hi-fi line or could buy me even more time and give me even better reference to what I ultimately want.
What do you think of the plan? Any thoughts and experiences welcome!
ATB
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