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?

 

[record_spot]

Active speakers with an integrated amp? Utilising pre-outs on the latter presumably?

I'd upgrade your deck, cartridge and get better actives. The AE1s are great, but you've got heaps of options with that budget. Maybe even chat to a couple of dealers that do a bit more than just Rega, Project, etc. You're into Acoustic Signature, Nottingham Analogue and Origin territory now. Check your options accordingly.