Question What amplifier should I consider?

[reesb88]

Hi there, first time posting a message and complete Hi-Fi noob…

I’ve recently purchased an Argon Audio TT MK2 turntable on a deal at Richer Sounds as an entry point into the world of vinyl.

To go with this, I’ve purchased a pair of Mourdant Short Avant 902i speakers second hand. I’m now looking for an amplifier that would compliment these if possible.

I’ve spotted a few second hand ones including: Cambridge Audio AXA25, Arcam Alpha 6 Plus, and NAD C350.

Keen to get some guidance/reassurance from this community on:

1. Have I made a good choice with turntable/speakers as a starting set?

2. Would you recommend any of the above mentioned amplifiers and/or recommend other makes/models that better suit? Trying to keep budget relatively low as I dip my toe in the water, and if I get the bug I’ll look to eventually upgrade over time.

 

[daytona600]

Spherical Stylus VTF 3.5grams will wear out your records , would change the cartridge/stylus

 

[gasolin]

Denon PMA-900HNE ?

 

[Al ears]

Spherical Stylus VTF 3.5grams will wear out your records , would change the cartridge/stylus

If it's designed to operate with those parameters it will be fine.
My main concern is the OP trying to "enter the world of vinyl" on the cheap, considering the cost of a new LP.

 

[daytona600]

Stylus conical tracking @ 3.5g will be fine if replaced every 150hours
They wear out very quickly , then they destroy your records. Advanced profiles will last several hundred more hours
50+ years ago Shure V15s tracked @ 1gram

 

[record_spot]

I'd get rid of the cartridge and spend £35 on an AT-VM95C which is fantastic for the money. Have it track at around 2 grams max and you'll get 500 hours out of it.

As for the amps you listed, I'd go for the Alpha 6. From memory those 902i speakers had a keen treble and the Arcam, while being an excellent amp in its day, will help tame the treble somewhat.

All IMO obviously.

 

[JimLPM]

If you are willing to venture further afield beyond the big box stuff,, and expand your budget (based on what you listed) by $100 or so, you could look at a Rogue Sphinx (hybrid tube) or an Audio by Van Alstine CA1 (solid state) control amp. Both are really well reviewed. I own one of them and have a friend with the other.

 

[Al ears]

If you are willing to venture further afield beyond the big box stuff,, and expand your budget (based on what you listed) by $100 or so, you could look at a Rogue Sphinx (hybrid tube) or an Audio by Van Alstine CA1 (solid state) control amp. Both are really well reviewed. I own one of them and have a friend with the other.

You are assuming he is able to buy these at stateside prices even when You have no idea where he lives ??
From those he has mentioned he appears UK based and has no hope of thosew youw mention being available here.

 

[gasolin]

As for the amps you listed, I'd go for the Alpha 6. From memory those 902i speakers had a keen treble and the Arcam, while being an excellent amp in its day, will help tame the treble somewhat.

According to review (i have heard the amp) a Denon PMA-900HNE will do the same

 

[record_spot]

According to review (i have heard the amp) a Denon PMA-900HNE will do the same

I'm sure there's probably a few. Then again, the Denon isn't far off £600 and the Alpha 6 likely under £200.

 

[gasolin]

I'm sure there's probably a few. Then again, the Denon isn't far off £600 and the Alpha 6 likely under £200.

I actually don't see a budget

 

[record_spot]

I actually don't see a budget

I see three amps listed by the OP, none of which cost £600.

That and they're trying to keep the budget relatively low.

 

[James105]

Hi there, first time posting a message and complete Hi-Fi noob…

I’ve recently purchased an Argon Audio TT MK2 turntable on a deal at Richer Sounds as an entry point into the world of vinyl.

To go with this, I’ve purchased a pair of Mourdant Short Avant 902i speakers second hand. I’m now looking for an amplifier that would compliment these if possible.

I’ve spotted a few second hand ones including: Cambridge Audio AXA25, Arcam Alpha 6 Plus, and NAD C350.

Keen to get some guidance/reassurance from this community on:

1. Have I made a good choice with turntable/speakers as a starting set?

2. Would you recommend any of the above mentioned amplifiers and/or recommend other makes/models that better suit? Trying to keep budget relatively low as I dip my toe in the water, and if I get the bug I’ll look to eventually upgrade over time.

NAD 316BBE V2 £319 in the UK with 6 year warranty.

NAD C 316BEE V2 Integrated Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the NAD C 316BEE V2 integrated amplifier with phono stage and headphone jack. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $399. The unit feels just heavy enough to not feel cheap. Controls have a nice feel and can be managed with a remote...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[matthewpianist]

Look for a Audiolab 6000A secondhand. You'll find the original version at good prices now (not the new MkII), and it will grow with your system for a long time to come. It sounds excellent across the phono stage, analogue inputs and digital inputs.

 

[reesb88]

Thanks all for your comments and advice.
I ended up with the NAD C350 as it seemed to be in the best condition out of the options I shared. The others were a little bit worse for wear.

In terms of cartridge/stylus, I’m still with the one out of the box with the Argon TT MK2 turntable and (not that I know what I’m doing) I have it tracking at ~2.5g and records seem to be playing nicely. Will consider advice on here and look for replacement/upgrade in due course.

In terms of budget/location - I am uk based and I didn’t have a set budget, just knew I wanted to get a decent starting set up without paying the earth (hence going down the used market route). Ended up paying £189 for the turntable (that was brand new on offer), £85 for the NAD C350, and £50 for a pair of Mordaunt Short Avant 902i speakers.
To my pretty poor ears, the audio quality sounds good.

I also appreciated the concern about starting in the world of vinyl and the cost of this. Definitely had my eyes water and the cost of LPs compared to what they used to be and spent a couple hundred pounds on a mix of new and used records to give me a decent start. My dad also has a large collection that I’ll no doubt dip into..

Hopefully I’ve not made any massive mistakes/wrong decisions. Looking forward to enjoying my music 🙂

 

[Entrigo]

Thanks all for your comments and advice.
I ended up with the NAD C350 as it seemed to be in the best condition out of the options I shared. The others were a little bit worse for wear.

In terms of cartridge/stylus, I’m still with the one out of the box with the Argon TT MK2 turntable and (not that I know what I’m doing) I have it tracking at ~2.5g and records seem to be playing nicely. Will consider advice on here and look for replacement/upgrade in due course.

In terms of budget/location - I am uk based and I didn’t have a set budget, just knew I wanted to get a decent starting set up without paying the earth (hence going down the used market route). Ended up paying £189 for the turntable (that was brand new on offer), £85 for the NAD C350, and £50 for a pair of Mordaunt Short Avant 902i speakers.
To my pretty poor ears, the audio quality sounds good.

I also appreciated the concern about starting in the world of vinyl and the cost of this. Definitely had my eyes water and the cost of LPs compared to what they used to be and spent a couple hundred pounds on a mix of new and used records to give me a decent start. My dad also has a large collection that I’ll no doubt dip into..

Hopefully I’ve not made any massive mistakes/wrong decisions. Looking forward to enjoying my music 🙂

Was about to suggest a Marantz (less punch but more musical) but sounds like you have found a nice little amp.

As per vinyl, there's thousands upon thousands (more likely millions) of used records for sale online and in shops.

It takes some time to learn the standard gradings and a bit of patience in browsing and finding the right copy (but that is part of the fun IMO). Discogs.com is a good place to start, also as they have an accepted grading system and an OK marketplace - though I personally prefer eBay - there's pictures of the records, you can often bag a bargain if you find an auction that's gone under the radar and, most importantly, there is pretty good buyer's protection - so if the record is not as advertised, you can return at no cost and you WILL get a refund.

Enjoy!