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Can I get some advice on my first and current set up ever

Newjin

Newjin

Active Member
So I've done what I feel like a crazy amount of research before piecing my first ever vintage stereo system.
Take it easy on me as I'm sure there are many things that I have missed but I am all for any recommendations that could be better for my next setup for my basement.
Currently running :
Marantz 2245
Dynaco A25 8 ohms
Bang & olufsen beogram 1602 MMC 20 cart
Paradigm mini mk3 4 ohm
Any feedback good and or bad would be much appreciated
 

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Nice system! How does it sound to you? I like B&O tables and their MI carts.
I’d possibly recommend playing with speaker placement a bit. Also might want to keep an eye on the receiver temp with the TT on top. People have been putting them up there forever and it’s usually not an issue but it’s something to be aware of.

Welcome to AK!
 
Newjin said:
Take it easy on me as I'm sure there are many things that I have missed but I am all for any recommendations that could be better for my next setup for my basement.
Click to expand...
There is always better in audio, knowing your own limitations and needs is the best recommendation I can give you.

Newjin said:
Any feedback good and or bad would be much appreciated
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It really doesn't matter what I think if your enjoying what you have and listening to music. What can be better than that?
 
OMGCat! said:
Nice system! How does it sound to you? I like B&O tables and their MI carts.

Nothing to criticize here. I’d possibly recommend playing with speaker placement a bit. Also might want to keep an eye on the receiver temp with the TT on top. People have been putting them up there forever and it’s usually not an issue but it’s something to be aware of.

Welcome to AK!
Click to expand...
Thanks for your advice and quick reply OMGCat
I very been babying the system as it is my first introduction to records and systems like this in general.
So I haven't played anything past 1/4 volume .
As far as sound to me it has a super warm yet clear sound I am vary impressed with how well things where built back then.
Definitely going to play around with placement and get a better stand for the set up so not to stack on each other. Thanks for the input much appreciated .
 
4-2-7 said:
There is always better in audio, knowing your own limitations and needs is the best recommendation I can give you.


It really doesn't matter what I think if your enjoying what you have and listening to music. What can be better than that?
Click to expand...
I am really enjoying the whole experience of playing records listening to music on a totally different spectrum then head phones and bluetooth speakers . Thanks I agree it's pretty subjective
 
Blue Shadow said:
Don't play both sets of speakers at the same time. Impedance is too low and can damage amp
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I did read that in the forum and have not ran both a and b at once .
I've just scratched the surface when it come to fully understanding ohms loads and running 2 speakers in parallel and what it can do to an amp.
Thanks this is super helpful
 
This isn't a criticism.
Many of us have had A25s (which should speak loudly to the fact that they're well liked and respected.
They may be all the speaker you ever need.
That said , IMO ( which for the most part has been shared) while A25s don't really do anything wrong, they don't necessarily excel at anything. Good listening , non fatiguing.
No rush, I encourage you to listen and evaluate what you have. If you get the opportunity to hear other speakers (systems?) I think that'd be the lowest hanging fruit going forward.
I think you did very good out of the gate. Enjoy your new system and welcome to AK.
 
That seems like a very well-thought-out entry into the vintage audio hobby!

if nothing seems off or wrong, I might think of recapping the A25 with some inexpensive polypropylene capacitors next.

After that, before you jump on the nigh-inevitable upgrade merry-go-round, invest in a vacuum or ultrasonic record cleaning machine and some “rice paper” sleeves. Best single upgrade for analog playback, and if you later decide vinyl isn’t for you, the RCM will hold its value pretty well.
 
nj pheonix said:
This isn't a criticism.
Many of us have had A25s (which should speak loudly to the fact that they're well liked and respected.
They may be all the speaker you ever need.
That said , IMO ( which for the most part has been shared) while A25s don't really do anything wrong, they don't necessarily excel at anything. Good listening , non fatiguing.
No rush, I encourage you to listen and evaluate what you have. If you get the opportunity to hear other speakers (systems?) I think that'd be the lowest hanging fruit going forward.
I think you did very good out of the gate. Enjoy your new system and welcome to AK.
Click to expand...

The A25s do have more bass for their size than anything I have ever heard, period. My set stayed around for about six months. But other than the bass, they were only average everywhere else.

But overall a very nice first system!
 
Looking at your system pic, I have a couple of additional suggestions.

Speaker placement: You never want speakers resting on the same surface as your turntable, for reasons of acoustic feedback. Also, your A25 won’t sound their best with the tweeters aimed at your shins. I recommend figuring out which pair you like best and then buying an adequately stout pair of stands that puts the tweeters at ear level. Good stands might run $300+. I’d argue that’s justifiable, but still a good incentive to browse the classified ads.

Turntable placement: As of right now, your turntable is blocking the vents on your 2245. That’s a serious no-no - those vents are there for a reason. You might consider mounting a shelf on the wall, especially if footfalls make the record skip or you can hear them through the speakers.
 
Great starter system. Much better than many people start with.
Just in case no one has mentioned it*, I'd suggest moving the turntable.
Might be hindering ventilation for the receiver and if you decide to ROCK ON some time you may get feedback issues from the speakers.



*Yes, I know it's been mentioned. It's important enough that I seconded and thirdered what the others said.
 
nj pheonix said:
This isn't a criticism.
Many of us have had A25s (which should speak loudly to the fact that they're well liked and respected.
They may be all the speaker you ever need.
That said , IMO ( which for the most part has been shared) while A25s don't really do anything wrong, they don't necessarily excel at anything. Good listening , non fatiguing.
No rush, I encourage you to listen and evaluate what you have. If you get the opportunity to hear other speakers (systems?) I think that'd be the lowest hanging fruit going forward.
I think you did very good out of the gate. Enjoy your new system and welcome to AK.
Click to expand...

I truly appreciate everyone's input and taking the time.
As you know already what a deep and mysterious rabbit hole this whole thing can be regardless of personal preference in sound and looks.
Makes sense what you are saying thing will always evolve in one way or another.
And one peice may not be the right peice going forward on a new build.
Thanks man
 
winters860 said:
Looking at your system pic, I have a couple of additional suggestions.

Speaker placement: You never want speakers resting on the same surface as your turntable, for reasons of acoustic feedback. Also, your A25 won’t sound their best with the tweeters aimed at your shins. I recommend figuring out which pair you like best and then buying an adequately stout pair of stands that puts the tweeters at ear level. Good stands might run $300+. I’d argue that’s justifiable, but still a good incentive to browse the classified ads.

Turntable placement: As of right now, your turntable is blocking the vents on your 2245. That’s a serious no-no - those vents are there for a reason. You might consider mounting a shelf on the wall, especially if footfalls make the record skip or you can hear them through the speakers.
Click to expand...
That's my next order of business is getting proper stands for it or at least working on my sound projection and placement to find the rooms sweet spot.
I agree not the most ideal placement of tt and speakers at the moment but is like that because I'm a noob at this and will work on a better designated locations for proper venting etc...
Really appreciate the input.
 
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