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Share totally biased opinions of my setups here!

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acidjack:
I've got two audio setups at home, and basically, I'm trying to figure out why I prefer the sound of the less expensive one.

In my office I have a Peachtree Audio integrated amp, with an actual tube in it that you can turn on and off. TT is a Technics SL-1200mkII with an Ortofon Blue cartridge and the basic Rega phono amp. Speakers are Audio Physic Yara bookshelf speakers.

In my main room I run a Bel Canto integrated amp w/ integrated phono amp powering Dynaudio Focus 30s. TT is a Rega RP6 with the Exact cartridge.

Basically I find the office setup a bit "warmer" and just pleasant to listen to. A bunch of people will point to the tube in the integrated amp (which does make a difference) but I feel this way even with the tube off. There is something about the Rega I think I don't like, for one. I feel like the audio is balanced slightly to the right and the sound is more like a CD player than vinyl. The entire system sort of reminds me of what people say about DPA mics... it's kind of "clinical" to me. I was kind of biased against the Rega going in because the company sold me a bum RP1, but I got talked into it. The Dynaudios I also wasn't that familiar with, but they do seem to be focused mainly on "accuracy" rather than a more pleasant/warm sound. I do like having an integrated modern amp because I also have digital material running through it (a Sonos and my TV stuff).

I'll probably not do anything for a while, but I'm just wondering if these opinions strike people as common ones about this equipment.  If anything in all of it, I really, really love those Audio Physic speakers. They are maybe a hair bright, but to me they just sound great.

All opinions welcome.

raymonda:
I certainly can't tell you why you like one more than the other but you should figure it out so you can replicate it and then refine it. Swap out different components to see it you can narrow it down.

I have a Peach Tree in my office system and the tube buffer does really sweeten things up, as well as, taken the edge off things.

In my office I don't have the luxury of a proper speaker set up so my Celestions SL 6S sit in my desk, with acts as a bass booster. If you are doing the same it might explain the fuller sound your getting.

Enjoy and I'm jealous you have vinyl in your office.

acidjack:
^ I actually was hoping you'd chime in. My office speakers are on stands...funny enough I had SL6s before these, but I never felt like I was driving them properly and got rid of them (before I owned the Peachtree).

I'm especially wondering if I just don't like the Rega sound. I know you've heard about 100X or more TTs than I have... Do you have an opinion about the RP6 and the Exact?

nickgregory:

--- Quote from: acidjack on March 26, 2017, 10:53:54 AM ---^ I actually was hoping you'd chime in. My office speakers are on stands...funny enough I had SL6s before these, but I never felt like I was driving them properly and got rid of them (before I owned the Peachtree).

I'm especially wondering if I just don't like the Rega sound. I know you've heard about 100X or more TTs than I have... Do you have an opinion about the RP6 and the Exact?

--- End quote ---

my experience with Rega was a P1 and a P3-24.  I am currently running a Nottingham table.  My advice would be to change out the Rega cartridge.  I know they are spoken highly of in most audio circles, but honestly, when I replaced my rega cartridge (don't remember the model) with a benz micro gold, the music just opened up.  Change was so significant it was impossible not to hear it.  A level or clarity and separation was gained that wasn't there before.

So all that being said, I would upgrade the cartridge (I would recommend a Benz as I had great luck with a micro gold cart and am currently running a benz wood cartridge).  And once you do that, if the results aren't exactly what you want, you can upgrade the table and use the benz cart going forward. 

noahbickart:
The answer is simple. One room sounds better than the other.

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