Getting a new system and or TT

[LucasA]

Hi guys,

I've been reading the forum for a while now, but it is my first post. So, first I just want to say hello to all of you!

Now, my situation :
I have an Akai AP-206 that was given to me by my grandparents. I changed the old cartridge for a AT95E. It was all going through my roommate's receiver and speakers. It was sounding fine, nothing extraordinary, but it was still far from sounding bad. Now, said roommate is moving out and I want to upgrade my setup to have a better sound.

So, with a budget of around $1000 (I could push it to $1500 for something really worth it), should I only replace the receiver and speakers (recommandations would be greatly appreciated)? Or will my bottleneck still be the TT (in that case, I would change it, but I would have to get a less expensive receiver and speakers). Basically, what combination would give me the biggest upgrade in sound quality?

 

[Nashou66]

Looks like a decent TT . There are better but I would look for a nice Vintage restored Receiver or integrated amp if you don't
listen to Radio much speakers and a better cartridge.

I like vintage Yamaha amps , integrated . Find one with both MM and MC phono inputs . That way as you grow into trying different carts your ready for Moving Coil as well.

So get a nice Amp, 300 - 400 bucks
Speakers same price range
and new cartridge same price range.

Then you'll be all set .

Nashou

 

[Montycat]

The above advice is good and I would tend to agree. We don't know what the other gear was, but the Akai is a pretty decent model.

You need the other pieces anyway so don't change the turntable...yet. Give it some time with new (even if old) gear. You can always upgrade it at some point down the road.

As mentioned Yamaha is good but Akai, Kenwood, Sony and many others did fine stuff too. I like my Realistic receivers too, the STA-7 (low power) and especially the STA-95. Brands like that often can be had for less than Yamaha or Marantz, for example.

 

[jd-audio]

I agree fully with Nashou and Montycat.
Reliable used/vintage reciever/amp would be my choice, any of the mentioned brands (I would add Sansui, but I am biased about that brand). You do not need high power top of the line equipment to get a good sound (even my 15+15w amp sounds very nice).
Best not to change the cartridge yet, first listen to your "new" setup and than decide if you want to upgrade your cartridge.

Have fun
-John-

 

[62vauxhall]

To the OP

Far be it from me to suggest spending money unnecessarily but coughing up for a $25 subscription to access Barter Town might be a good idea.

I've been dabbling in old audio (which had now been elevated to status - vintage) gear for a number of years and there is a lot of misinformation and plain BS out there from those just cashing in on a trend. Many self proclaimed experts whose offerings are all mint, restored and sound fantastic know less about the stuff than you do.

But I'm a bit of a cynic.

If I had no clue what was worth having and what was not, I'd be more trustful of the members here.

Many amps and receivers are offered up on BT that don't seem to last long so other subscribers are comfortable enough to by them.

If you see something interesting, chances are the vendors have good knowledge of what' they're selling and have much experience and knowledge of audio equipment in general. And likely more than eager to share.

There is also the option of starting a Want to Buy thread if nothing pops up that turns your crank.