Topic: Turntable based listening system suggestions.

[Sanjay]

I could really use some help in doing this.

I have probably the most irresponsible roommates and I can't afford to leave my vinyl collection in the living room.  I need to create a second stereo since my primary is used for home theater (and is really not that fantastic anyways)  Right now my budget is very very limited since I also need to replace my stolen car and broken laptop.  I already have a good turntable. 

What I need

- Preferably under $600
- Used gear is fantastic and preferred (Where are those audiogon steals when you need it)
- A pair of monitor/bookshelf speakers.  No room for floor standing ones I don't think.
- An integrated amp (preferably with a phono stage so I don't need a seperate preamp.

I have a pair of sony bookshelf speakers of questionable quality, i'd prefer not to have to use them.  I was looking at a pair of VR-1's and maybe a cambridge audio integrated, but I'm not sure how that would sound and likely would be a bit over budget.  The focus of this system would be to listen to LP's and therefore the focus should be on that.  I might add a squeezebox in the future.

Addition: I was also thinking about keeping in the "vintage theme" and running vintage gear (except for speakers) Suggestions to this tune are welcome.

Any suggestions more than welcome!

[audBall]

Sanjay, VS is selling a brand new pair of (discontinued) maple VR-1's for $540 on their website.  This doesn't really leave room for the other items mentioned, but...

[Sanjay]

Sanjay, VS is selling a brand new pair of (discontinued) maple VR-1's for $540 on their website.  This doesn't really leave room for the other items mentioned, but...

I did see that, which is what sparked my interest.....

[audBall]

I did see that, which is what sparked my interest.....

Good eye     I actually contacted them last week about it and was going to pull the trigger until I noticed a local hifi store selling the same exact thing on agon.  I picked `em up last night and saved on some shipping. 

[cshepherd]

The Rega Brio 38 watt integrated has an internal mm phono stage and is built like a tank (in England).  I think this would work quite well for your situation if you can stretch the budget just a little bit.  Used / demo units are available for around $400 since it's recent updating to the Brio 3.  We have one in our demo specials thread in the retail forum at http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,77348.0.html .   Satisfaction Guaranteed. 

+T for taking care of your records.

Chris

[nickgregory]

Sanjay, VS is selling a brand new pair of (discontinued) maple VR-1's for $540 on their website.  This doesn't really leave room for the other items mentioned, but...

I did see that, which is what sparked my interest.....

I just bought a pair of VR-2s through the B stock program and while I can see a couple of finish blemishes (hence why they wouldnt make it A stock) it is far from taking away that it is a sick ass deal...

[scervin]

Since you're going get get many saying the VR-1's are the way to go, for half the price these are great sounding speakers

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=82.1

They are based on the GR-1 and designed by Danny Richie.  Audioholics product of the year.
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/onix-x-ls

[Sanjay]

I have a Harman Kardon HK 430 which I think is a pretty fantastic old receiver.  How off base would I be by purchasing some VR-1's or the aforementioned speakers to pair them with a 30 year old amp?   I'm kind of intrigued with going a vintage route, and the build quality on older stuff seems to be fantastic compared with today.

[carlbeck]

How does the HK sound? Probably sounds pretty good, you have nothing to lose by trying. Get the VSA's, they are great speakers no doubt, I know someone on this board who has a pair he needs to sell. I have heard them & they are very nice. I bet the HK has a great phono stage too, give it a shot.

[som]

I have a pair of Ascend Acoustics CBM-170's that I need to get rid of. I've been very happy with them, but recently upgraded. I'll let them go for $200 plus shipping. They get great reviews. PM me if interested.

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170.html

[Sanjay]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I *think* I may stick with the harman kardon, clean it up a bit and try that.  Its got seperate amps for each channel and seems to be designed quite well.   I think it may compare well to something like an entry level cambridge audio.  What I really like about it is its ability to have good clean bass as well as keep the highs from becoming too brittle. 

I would like to get a pair of speakers which complement this.  Everyone raves about the HK 430 with Klipsch heresey's and their older horn models.

I appreciate the suggestions on the Ascend Acoustics, and the x-ls's .  I'm somewhat hesitant on these since they don't have much of a reputation in terms of name recognition.  However their price is attractive.  Im very seriously considering the VR-1's since I know I can grow with those.  Carl would you mind forwarding me the name of the member who has a pair to get rid of?  I know there is a deal on the VSA site, but any money I can save and I am not a fan of the finish that is available.   

What are ya'll's opinions on the B&W 600 series, I know they have a good reputation and I can find a pair on audiogon for 250-300.

EDIT:  To throw another idea out i've also re-arranged the room and found that I CAN use floorstanding speakers.  So thats another thought if there's a knockout full range pair I should look at.

[scervin]

Never heard of Danny Richie???  GR Research?  Go check over on audiocircle.  The president of AV123.com Mark Shifter was president or co-founder of Genesis, Audio Alchemy, and Perpetual Technologies.

I've had the B&W 602 S3 and think the VR-1, x-ls, etc are much better.

[Sanjay]

Never heard of Danny Richie???  GR Research?  Go check over on audiocircle.  The president of AV123.com Mark Shifter was president or co-founder of Genesis, Audio Alchemy, and Perpetual Technologies.

I've had the B&W 602 S3 and think the VR-1, x-ls, etc are much better.

Thanks, I'll check it out.  I admit fully im rather green o n playback.  I only have heard a few nice systems and those were what was in them, I'd love to learn more manufacturers who are cheaper than some of the best but have comparible sound.

+T's