Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

ranbalam said:
I'll be setting up the Fluance this week, maybe even this evening if I can get to it. I can't decide what the first album to spin will be. Probably something that I know really well...
What do you folks use for your 'system test' record?
Click to expand...
When I grabbed my Studiodeck at the end of last year, my "test" spins were Otis Redding's "The Immortal...", Radiohead's "In Rainbows", Daft Punk's "Random Access Memories", Darkside's "Psychic", and the VMP pressing of Charlie Rouse's "Bossa Nova Bacchanal".

Exciting stuff! Would love to hear your thoughts on the RT85, as I was considering it at one point in time before the pandemic.
 
Mjpp68 said:
I have been rounding out my two systems and feel I am getting close to a good place that will keep me satisfied for awhile, with the exception of potential speakers/new phono.

On one system I have a dual 1229 with an AT vm95ml/mofi studiophono/marantz hd-amp1/Wharfedale lintons. I do not plan on making any changes to this setup anytime soon.

On the other system I have a dual 1249(1219 that I need to service) with an at120e/pioneer sa9100 (internal phono or uturn phono)/Kef q100 and Elac b6 into another room. I will probably at some point upgrade the phono to a studiophono or darlington, but am not sure on speaker. Space is more limited, so most likely will want a bookshelf. Also, it is in dining room/kitchen, so I want something that is not picky about placement/listening position. Overall budget is open, most likely would not go over 2k, would like to stay closer to 1k, but offer a decent improvement over the q100. Right now looking at Wharfedale Denton 85 or Kef ls50meta, but am not sure if there is a better option in that price range.
Click to expand...
As a Dual 1219 fan, I'm loving your two Dual-centered systems. Regarding speakers, Steve Guttenberg has really positive things to say about the Klipsh RP600M. He describes them as magical, though a bit spare on bass. I've never heard them, nor either of the ones you've listed, so can't be of help beyond what I've read. I suspect those KEF's would be sweet, but as always, there are so many variables...
 
So I recently upgraded headphones and have been listening to headphones a LOT more than speakers lately anyway due to shared space. To the point I've kicked around getting a really nice headphone amp and potentially using it as a pre for a dual mono system in the future.

1. Should someone talk me out of it?
2. What are some affordable decent (say less than 1000$ options for power amps stereo or dual mono) for now while I make the switch?
3. Moving forward some fantastic say 2-3k options in the future?
 
VMPKJ said:
So I recently upgraded headphones and have been listening to headphones a LOT more than speakers lately anyway due to shared space. To the point I've kicked around getting a really nice headphone amp and potentially using it as a pre for a dual mono system in the future.

1. Should someone talk me out of it?
2. What are some affordable decent (say less than 1000$ options for power amps stereo or dual mono) for now while I make the switch?
3. Moving forward some fantastic say 2-3k options in the future?
Click to expand...
I feel obligated to recommend my current integrated amp, the KingKo KA-101 Pro. It's got enough output (12W) to power your Zus happily, and has an excellent headphone amp. Acquiring one is a little harder than it used to be due to supply chain disruption, but it's a really great little thing.

Kingko Audio

Kingko Audio
kingkoaudio.com kingkoaudio.com

Admittedly, it doesn't meet your initial requirements, but it is affordable!
 
kvetcha said:
I feel obligated to recommend my current integrated amp, the KingKo KA-101 Pro. It's got enough output (12W) to power your Zus happily, and has an excellent headphone amp. Acquiring one is a little harder than it used to be due to supply chain disruption, but it's a really great little thing.
Click to expand...
I understand. I wanted to clarify that my Integrated currently has a headphone amp that sounds just as good as my Magni Heresy. So this would be a move to class A stand alone Pre/headphone amp. It's not like my situation is bad. I'm just wondering if the money in my current integrated could be get me more from a dedicated headphone amp while I save for more.

I'd say I'm listening to headphones 4x's as much these days.
 
VMPKJ said:
I understand. I wanted to clarify that my Integrated currently has a headphone amp that sounds just as good as my Magni Heresy. So this would be a move to class A stand alone Pre/headphone amp. It's not like my situation is bad. I'm just wondering if the money in my current integrated could be get me more from a dedicated headphone amp while I save for more.

I'd say I'm listening to headphones 4x's as much these days.
Click to expand...
I think you should just go all in ;)
I would love to give one of these a go
1617812181566.png
upscaleaudio.com

Manley Labs Absolute Headphone Amplifier

Manley Labs Absolute Headphone Amplifier “I have reviewed countless headphone amplifiers and the Absolute is absolutely the most elegantly designed, intensely musical, and extremely flexible of them all!” — BOB LEVI, POSITIVE FEEDBACK With over three years of development in its creation...
upscaleaudio.com upscaleaudio.com
 
AnthonyI said:
I think you should just go all in ;)
I would love to give one of these a go
View attachment 94667
upscaleaudio.com

Manley Labs Absolute Headphone Amplifier

Manley Labs Absolute Headphone Amplifier “I have reviewed countless headphone amplifiers and the Absolute is absolutely the most elegantly designed, intensely musical, and extremely flexible of them all!” — BOB LEVI, POSITIVE FEEDBACK With over three years of development in its creation...
upscaleaudio.com upscaleaudio.com
Click to expand...
That's about 2k more than I wanted to spend on the head amp. LOL Thanks. I was eyeing the Focal Arche as it also has a dac. I've avoided tubes to date for my own reasons, but I will give this a look.

I'm also for a recommendation on a power amp in the 1k range that won't sound like total poo when I do need speakers in for the time being. My current rig has my TV through it as well, so I need something passable.
 
AnthonyI said:
I think you should just go all in ;)
I would love to give one of these a go
View attachment 94667
upscaleaudio.com

Manley Labs Absolute Headphone Amplifier

Manley Labs Absolute Headphone Amplifier “I have reviewed countless headphone amplifiers and the Absolute is absolutely the most elegantly designed, intensely musical, and extremely flexible of them all!” — BOB LEVI, POSITIVE FEEDBACK With over three years of development in its creation...
upscaleaudio.com upscaleaudio.com
Click to expand...

Well Kev rapping is something I can never unsee or unhear

Edit: I would like this Manley thing very much please.
 
VMPKJ said:
So I recently upgraded headphones and have been listening to headphones a LOT more than speakers lately anyway due to shared space. To the point I've kicked around getting a really nice headphone amp and potentially using it as a pre for a dual mono system in the future.

2. What are some affordable decent (say less than 1000$ options for power amps stereo or dual mono) for now while I make the switch?
Click to expand...
I gave strong consideration to pairing my DWs with a Schiit Aegir class A power amp, but ultimately decided to try a tube amp (still awaiting my unit). The Aegir is well-regarded, costs only $799 per unit and should easily drive your Omens. Also, if you decide to upgrade in the future per #3, the Aegir appears to retain most of its value based on the eBay sales I've observed.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top