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My vintage system is complete!

34dean

34dean

AK Subscriber
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And I am a happy camper! After 18 or so months of saving, watching, researching and then deciding, the hunt is now over. For now, at least. LOL!

Adcom GFA545II power amp
Apt Holman Preamp (recapped/restored)
Basis 2001 turntable with Rega RB900 arm
ADS 910 speakers on bespoke stands

I also have a McIntosh 4100 receiver, also fully recapped/restored, I’m swapping in from time to time.

I’m sure I will look to make some upgrades in a few months but for now I’m going to enjoy my current set up.
 
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What changed in the 17 days when you created this thread asking for upgrade suggestions that you decided to stick with what you have?

https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/i...step-up-calling-on-the-experts.1021552/page-3

34dean said:
In my desire to improve my system, over the past couple of months, I’ve added a pair of ADS 910 speakers, and now just recently, a Basis 2000/1 turntable with Rega RB900 tonearm. I have an Apt Holman preamp (restored/recapped) and Adcom GFA545II power amp.

Where do you feel my weakness is? What should I upgrade next?
Click to expand...
 
These stands, make a massive, massive difference in the sound of my system. Getting them off the ground 10 or so inches made a world of difference.
 
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That really is some nice gear! I hope it all plays well together for you. It will likely sound a little bit better every time you listen, a little more 'right', at least for awhile, as you grow acclimated to the sound, and the sonic signature, of those pieces in your room.

I'd be jealous, if that were my nature....
 
That looks like a solid rig to me. No reason why just about anyone shouldn't be able to enjoy that for a good period of time. Could it be better??? Yeah sure...most any rig has the potential to be better. But you're very well positioned to take a long, enjoyable journey with what you have. Just make sure your room isn't an acoustic mess.
 
Great to hear things are working out well for you. A couple of questions.

Have you ever tried moving the speakers off the wall and getting them a bit into the room? Early reflections from the wall and having the cabinet in the plane of the drivers can compromise the image the speakers can create. Some speakers are meant to load off the front wall, but there are not many of them and the cabinet still creates its issues.

Secondly, what have you used for wire? I know its a hot button topic, but wire does play a role in the overall sound of the stereo. Once you have components selected it makes sense to ensure you have reasonable wire installed. It does not have to be esoteric, it really depends on the context of the system. For instance, upper tier Mogami or Supra wire and interconnects would be plausible choices and won't break the bank. Not as cheap as lamp cord off the spool at Home Depot but a sane choice that is balanced cost wise with the rest of the system.

Just a couple of things to consider.
 
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My room isn’t “perfect” for my speakers as it’s 14x12 and doesn’t allow them to be optimally positioned. But these are not going anywhere and we are planning on building a new home and that one will have a designed listening room.
The speakers currently have adapters that allow for banana plugs. I could upgrade these at some point and might do that.
 
34dean said:
These stands, make a massive, massive difference in the sound of my system
Click to expand...

Generally, you want the tweeters to at about ear level or the speakers tilted a bit so the tweeters fire at your ear.
Maybe thats why they sound better w the stands.
Nice rig regardless. I'm going to investigate that TT - I like the look but am unfamiliar w the sonic signature.
 
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