• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

$300-400 Recomendation

AudioKeith

AudioKeith

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Putting a question out on AK always leads in directions I hadn't considered so ......
The wife has allotted me 300-400 of the tax refund to get some new toys so I decided to look for some electronics (SS) and a TT to go with a pair of PSB bookshelf speakers and an advent cass deck. My current choice would be Dynaco or maybe Heathkit with an AR XB TT or NAD with a ?? TT but am open to ideas.
Thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
get an Advent 300 Receiver, when rebuilt will make you forget about any other equipment, unless you want to spend alot of $$$$$$$!:music:
 
Why not a Sansui 4000 receiver? Sounds very fine and 45 honest WPC and still doable for less than $100 if you look. Very tuneful bass, excellent warm midrange and silky highs. Sweet listening. Beautifully styled and superb build quality. Good enough for me to replace a McIntosh MAC 1900 with issues and not be a letdown.
 
$300 - $400 for an amp or receiver (power) and a TT? I'd suggest something like a Technics SL1300 TT. A fraction of the price of the popular SL1200 but much closer in performance than price. You can probably find one for $100, more if it has a nice cart. Then you've got other options for power. An old AR XA or XB wouldn't be much good stock and a modded one would more than blow your budget. In Dynaco, all you'll get wil be a SS model like the ST120. Unless it's been upgraded, forget it. Stick to a nice, vintage receiver that's been gone over. For $400, you should be able to swing TT and a nice receiver if you're patient.
 
I know Im not answering your direct question, sorry but if it were me, Id be looking for some nice Maggies
 
Second the SL-1300. I've had mine since new. Still playing it, and it is stable. These models don't have the complications of later models.

Bill S said:
$300 - $400 for an amp or receiver (power) and a TT? I'd suggest something like a Technics SL1300 TT. A fraction of the price of the popular SL1200 but much closer in performance than price. You can probably find one for $100, more if it has a nice cart. Then you've got other options for power. An old AR XA or XB wouldn't be much good stock and a modded one would more than blow your budget. In Dynaco, all you'll get wil be a SS model like the ST120. Unless it's been upgraded, forget it. Stick to a nice, vintage receiver that's been gone over. For $400, you should be able to swing TT and a nice receiver if you're patient.
Click to expand...
 
A well cared for, pre-owned Pioneer PL12D + AT95E cartridge is a decent sounding starter turntable for very little outlay. A new belt should be all you need for a minter. 33 1/3 & 45 rpm at the flick of a switch is handy too leaving you a good chunk of your budget to sink into a Sansui AU-719. Older (but well respected) amplifiers sometimes benefit from a good service but the results are often worth the effort, even on a modest budget .
 
There are a couple of reasonably-priced NAD C-740 receivers in BT right now. Leave enough left over for a variety of TT choices; in your price range I'd probably consider Technics, Realistic, Pioneer or a bunch of others - for me it would depend upon two factors, condition and must be local.
 
Thanks AK. I knew I would get suggestions for paths I hadn't considered. Still working on my Pilot tube system and have a Sansui system (AU/TU) in the garage to dig out next so was just looking for something small to go in the office. Some great suggestions that I will check out.
 
NAD turntable 533 sometimes shows up on ebay, and they go for under $200 - it is very similar to the well regarded Rega TT.

Sansui is a nice brand for receivers, as is Marantz.

The NAD receiver doesn't have a phono stage, so you need an extra one to add to it...
 
You can get some sweet SS gear for $150, so I'd spend the bulk of the $400 on the TT and cart. Get a big 1970's Technics unit, as they seem to be under-valued. I sold a beast of a Technics for $150, and it took a while to sell. The guy walked away with a receiver that was equal to many of the Pioneers and Sansui's out there!
 
I am waiting for U-Turn Audio to release their Orbit TT.

For $130 I got a minty Kenwood KA-7100 integrated, and I'm planning on using them together.
 
SX-1250 - $200
Solder Iron - $45
Components to rebuild - $80
Face-wide grin = $Priceless

Been there, did it, still grinning.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom