Upgrade Advice please

[jodaki]

Hi,
Ive got a small setup that I want to improve. It looks like this:

- AE1 Active speakers
- Linn Intek integrated amp
- Planar 3 turntable with a Rega Exact MM cartridge
- Marantz CD6007 CD player
- Old Denon Tape deck.

To clarify, I use the Intek (which is 35 years old!) as a preamp, then I line out to the speakers.

I mainly play Vinyl so that is what I want to improve the most. Im aiming eventually for an entry-level-high-end system (total system cost between £5k-£10k). I want to upgrade gradually over the next 5 years or so. Im aware that significant upgrades from here get pricey, so I want to get the best bang for my buck upgrading one component to the spec Im after. Or should I just stick to what I've got until I've saved enough to buy a whole new system?

The upgrading advice I've had so far, in no particular order is:

- get a better cartridge
- get a phono preamp
- get a better amp
- better turntable
- better speakers

Which if any would give me the biggest benefits and would fit the overall plan of achieving a basic high-end vinyl-focused system?
thanks, John

 

[daytona600]

£10k budget
Source 1st Rubbish in Rubbish out
Buy a £6k TT/Phono Stage , 2k on amp & 2k on speakers & £500 on a RCM pointless playing dirty records

Upgradable TT ideal , as funds allow improve

Xtension 9 Evolution – Pro-Ject Audio Systems

www.project-audio.com

 

[Al ears]

Hi,
Ive got a small setup that I want to improve. It looks like this:

- AE1 Active speakers
- Linn Intek integrated amp
- Planar 3 turntable with a Rega Exact MM cartridge
- Marantz CD6007 CD player
- Old Denon Tape deck.

To clarify, I use the Intek (which is 35 years old!) as a preamp, then I line out to the speakers.

I mainly play Vinyl so that is what I want to improve the most. Im aiming eventually for an entry-level-high-end system (total system cost between £5k-£10k). I want to upgrade gradually over the next 5 years or so. Im aware that significant upgrades from here get pricey, so I want to get the best bang for my buck upgrading one component to the spec Im after. Or should I just stick to what I've got until I've saved enough to buy a whole new system?

The upgrading advice I've had so far, in no particular order is:

- get a better cartridge
- get a phono preamp
- get a better amp
- better turntable
- better speakers

Which if any would give me the biggest benefits and would fit the overall plan of achieving a basic high-end vinyl-focused system?
thanks, John

Interesting.
If amp is perfectly serviceable why active speakers?
This could hinder future upgrades.
Are you happy with speakers in your listening room?
A phono preamp will not really help matters as you will still need to keep your amp as the preamp and you're going to have to spend a fair bit to better the internal phono preamp it has.
Concentrate, as always with a vinyl based system, on the source first so replace the cartridge with something better. The Exact is pretty good but think you could do better.
Personally I would stick with what you have until you can buy a complete new system that you can audition all together.

 

[jodaki]

Interesting.
If amp is perfectly serviceable why active speakers?
This could hinder future upgrades

Thanks for your reply. Trying to remember - I think I was influenced by What Hi Fi reviewers who said they were a very good option for a mid-range system. Maybe that was a mistake.

 

[matthewpianist]

A worthwhile step up from your Rega is going to need some spending, and very careful auditioning. The obvious route would be to go up to a top-end Rega, but other options are available.

I would start with a new cartridge and take it from there. You may need to buy some Rega arm shims to adjust the VTA depending on what cartridge you choose.

 

[Al ears]

A worthwhile step up from your Rega is going to need some spending, and very careful auditioning. The obvious route would be to go up to a top-end Rega, but other options are available.

I would start with a new cartridge and take it from there. You may need to buy some Rega arm shims to adjust the VTA depending on what cartridge you choose.

I would agree and suggest, if it's going to be the main source the OP moves up and away from a Rega deck to something more flexible when it comes to upgrading.
If his amp is sound I would keep it and sell the active speakers to go for some passive alternatives.

 

[Al ears]

Thanks for your reply. Trying to remember - I think I was influenced by What Hi Fi reviewers who said they were a very good option for a mid-range system. Maybe that was a mistake.

Possibly, don't know why you just didn't go for the passive AE1 when you already had an amplifier.
What size is your listening room?