System upgrade

[DelClark]

HI, I am new to this site, so please be gentle with me
🙂

My current (old) system is:
Linn Basik/Akito/K5
Linn Intek
Linn Index speakers 2 on Ku-stone stands (bi wired with QED Silver anniversary)
Marantz CD 72 SE.

I am looking to improve on this set up, but have a limited budget.

I am happy with the TT but thinking of upgrading. cartridge etc possibly AT-VM95SE or Goldring E3 ?

I also plan to replace the Intek, possibly with a Marantz PM6007
Also the replace Index speakers and am considering auditioning the Monitor audio bronze 200 G6 and Wharfdale diamond 12.3

I will keep the CD player for now, but may upgrade in the near future, possibly Marantz CD6007 to match amp.

I was just wondering on your thoughts and would welcome any advice from more experienced/knowledgeable HIFI enthusiasts.
Thanking you in advance
Del

 

[matthewpianist]

Welcome.

You are at risk of spending money for a sideways move here, a change rather than an improvement. You have solid kit, and it will take careful thought to get your next step right.

What do you feel are the shortcomings of your system, what size is the room and what music do you listen to? Are you seeking any additional functionality over what you have?

Also, which part of the country are you in?

 

[DelClark]

HI Matt,
Thanks for your reply.
Not sure that there any major shortcomings, but the kit is very old (bought in the late 90's) and I have recently heard (newer) kit that friends etc have and the sound is clearer and a bit more punch, so wondering if mine has got a bit tired with age (like me
🙂
The K5 on the Basik is very old and should probably be replaced anyway
Maybe I could just do that and spend the money on new vinyl instead. I did look at a new K5 stylus but for the price I may as well get the cartridge which includes stylus.
Someone selling a new one on that well known auction site for less than the price of a hangover.

The room is pretty standard sized 12x16 ft
and I am based in North Kent, near Gravesend.

I still think that it may be worth while auditioning the speakers anyway, against my Linn's as it want cast anything to do so.
FYI I did have the speakers connected with Linn K400 cable, but changed to the QED for tidiness, perhaps I should sell the K400, night get enough for a new cartridge.

 

[matthewpianist]

It could be worth having the turntable serviced and putting a new cartridge on it, and then doing some comparative auditioning of speakers against yours. There are good dealers who could offer both, and it would be time well spent.

 

[DelClark]

Thanks Matt, I have just acquired a brand new K5 with stylus, so will probably just replace the stylus.
I think a proper service on the TT is a good idea though.
Will wait until I get the CD player back first though.

 

[DelClark]

FYI, I cancelled the K5 cartridge as it will be old and probably no better than mine and have ordered an AT-VM85ML as a replacement instead.

 

[Jasonovich]

Welcome to the forum Del.
You have a beautiful TT setup, Linn is regal. Digital guy here, not best placed.

You are into your analogue setup and the Dali Oberon 3 speakers are possibly the most natural sounding in it's price range, seriously worth considering.

The Marantz PM6007 is an excellent amp but if you're prepared to go second hand you can aim for better, like the Atoll 80IN Integrated Amplifier, possibly the same price as the new Marantz.

Also, you might consider changing your interconnects, Mogami RCA cables are very good.

You already have an excellent setup, the old Linn speakers are a little tired, the Dalis will do a better job then MA and Wharfedale. 🙂

 

[daytona600]

Whats your budget !
K9 /AT-VM95/ E3 are all the same made by Audio Technica

 

[Al ears]

Whats your budget !
K9 /AT-VM95/ E3 are all the same made by Audio Technica

He says he has ordered an AT85ML, hope he means 95ML as the 85 is a P-Mount cartridge.

 

[DelClark]

Hi Jason,
My cables, amp to CD are QED ones, not sure exactly which ones as they are with the CD player being repaired.
Tonearm cable is the standard LInn one
I have spoken to a reputable HIFI shop and they said the best upgrade I can do with the TT was an AT-VM65ML cartridge, which I have ordered (mine is over 25 years old). An that the std Tonearm cable should be fine.

I don't want to go mad on the TT as to be honest. I listen to CD's more than Vinyl tbh (lazy
🙂 )
Also think I will keep the amp for now, but seriously considering new speakers Dali, QA or Wharfdale.
The Wharfedale 2.13's are probably favourite at the moment (subject to an audition of course) mainly on price.
I really like the look of the QA bronze 200 R6 as they are smaller, but are being superseded by the QA Bronze 300 Q7, which are a bit pricey for me at the moment. However I am in no great rush.

Many thanks for the input guys, it is much appreciated

 

[DelClark]

He says he has ordered an AT85ML, hope he means 95ML as the 85 is a P-Mount cartridge.

Yes, 95ML.. my fat fingers again

 

[Al ears]

Welcome to the forum Del.
You have a beautiful TT setup, Linn is regal. Digital guy here, not best placed.

You are into your analogue setup and the Dali Oberon 3 speakers are possibly the most natural sounding in it's price range, seriously worth considering.

The Marantz PM6007 is an excellent amp but if you're prepared to go second hand you can aim for better, like the Atoll 80IN Integrated Amplifier, possibly the same price as the new Marantz.

Also, you might consider changing your interconnects, Mogami RCA cables are very good.

You already have an excellent setup, the old Linn speakers are a little tired, the Dalis will do a better job then MA and Wharfedale. 🙂

Agree he might do better second-hand as the Linn was quite pricey when new (around £500 I believe) and Linn's first integrated so something more upmarket than the Marantz might be a better alternative.

 

[abacus]

Good advice above, and yes have a listen to some speakers (They make the biggest difference to the sound after the room) to see if they give you a better sound.
Don't waste money on cables unless the ones you have are faulty. (QED cables are of good quality)

Bill

 

[DelClark]

Agree he might do better second-hand as the Linn was quite pricey when new (around £500 I believe) and Linn's first integrated so something more upmarket than the Marantz might be a better alternative.

You are right.
I had a very interesting conversation with a very helpful chap at Soundcraft HiFi in Ashford today, who said similar, that the Marantz was not really an upgrade and that I should consider an Arcam (A15 !).
Should I upgrade Amp before speakers ?
Cant afford to get both at the moment

 

[Jasonovich]

You are right.
I had a very interesting conversation with a very helpful chap at Soundcraft HiFi in Ashford today, who said similar, that the Marantz was not really an upgrade and that I should consider an Arcam (A15 !).
Should I upgrade Amp before speakers ?
Cant afford to get both at the moment

I would say, go with the speakers first. Some may disagree, either will make the biggest improvement.

 

[Al ears]

I would say, go with the speakers first. Some may disagree, either will make the biggest improvement.

I might agree but you cannot guarantee what those speakers are going to be like with the new amplifier.
Get speakers auditioned in your own listening room will help.
If you can do that then speakers first in this case.

 

[Al ears]

You are right.
I had a very interesting conversation with a very helpful chap at Soundcraft HiFi in Ashford today, who said similar, that the Marantz was not really an upgrade and that I should consider an Arcam (A15 !).
Should I upgrade Amp before speakers ?
Cant afford to get both at the moment

As I said in a recent post it might be an idea to go speakers first, but only if you can audition in your own home.
Cheaper than the Arcam A15 I would also look at the new Fell Audio amplifier as its cheaper and better in some respects. They also do a matching CD player.

 

[DelClark]

I plan to take my existing speakers and amp and audition speakers on my amp, then on an mp that I am considering buying in the near future.
Possibly the Arcam A15 or similar..
Its all a bit tricky 🙂

 

[Jasonovich]

As I said in a recent post it might be an idea to go speakers first, but only if you can audition in your own home.
Cheaper than the Arcam A15 I would also look at the new Fell Audio amplifier as its cheaper and better in some respects. They also do a matching CD player.

If you're not far from Peter Tyson you can book a demo for the Fell and try the Dali's too against the MA speakers 😊

 

[matthewpianist]

I own Diamond 12.3 amongst others. I’ve put them on this evening, and they really are excellent all rounders.

 

[DelClark]

Thanks Jason, but Peter Tyson is miles away, I am in North Kent.
I have somewhere to do and will try the
MA Bronze 200's
Dali Oberon 5
and Wharfdale Diamond 12.3's

Although the Dali's are a bit over my current budget and the MA'S & Wharfdale's are within budget.
That said if the Dali's are that good, I might have to push it (or wait till pay day)..

 

[matthewpianist]

I’m familiar with all three, so will be interested to read your thoughts.

Personally I would drop the MAs from the list and consider the Acoustic Energy AE109/2

 

[DelClark]

I’m familiar with all three, so will be interested to read your thoughts.

Personally I would drop the MAs from the list and consider the Acoustic Energy AE109/2

I did have them on the short list too, but no Bi wire, not that it makes that much difference..
I will add them on again.