Geoff1611 said:
Thanks all. Lots of information ....
1. My current speakers are 20-year old JPWs with 8" drivers - just looking at the Q Acoustics 2050is would they be much of an improvement?
2. I had sort of decided on s/h Linn pluc an MC pickup. What is the argument against the s/h Linn? Also I have a wooden floating floor - the Clearaudio Concept would need some additional isolation I guess: wall mounted shelf? Lots of cushioning beneath?
3. I had also been looking at the Icon amps - and pre-amp.
I think my budget will have to grow - maybe upgrade the speakers at a later date?
Hi Geoff.
The big diffeence in the speakers will be in the midrange, (2) smaller bass drivers will be far more controlled than a 20 year old 8 inch, should improve voice a lot, kind of important for opera. These speakers are pretty cheap, providing you can keep them away from the wall and give them a little space they will sound really good. Not the most refined, that will cost a lot more, but for scale and presence they will be difficult to beat at anything close to their price.
Unless you are planning to spend a lot more, the Icon Audio Stereo 40 and Stereo 60 are probably the best value, I recommended the cheapest to fit the budget but better versions are available, my particular favourite is the EL34 based Stereo 40.
Used Linns are something of a lottery, there are a lot of very 'dodgy' arms about, poor handling, quite common sadly, leaves the bearings in a mess and then there is the isue of setup, unless you have someone very competent to do it, sound quality will be very ordinary and vary a lot over time. Not for the fainthearted.
The Clearaudio Concept is as near to plug and play as you can get with a turntable, though you are right about the support but this will be important whatever the player. Depending just how much your floor moves, you might get away with a floorstand, footfall may be the problem, get your dealer to lend you something simple and light, an old Sound Organisation table will be good enough to show if it is going to work and set abasic standard. They can be picked up very cheap if you look around.
If footeall is a problem then wall mounting is the best option. Bit of pain but if you are going to spend real money on a record playing system, you absolutely have to get the basics right.
The Clearaudio front end with the Icon amps can handle much better speakers but if you want to keep close to your budget, using the 2050is will help price wise. Should you want something better down the line they will give you a very listenable system in the medium term and be easily resaleable later when you decide on something better.