New to AK and needing help with system build.

[Stever521]

Hi All,
I'm new to AudioKarma and have just started to build a "small system" , yes I have heard of the slippery slope and with blinders on I forge ahead.
My current system is:
Reciever-Kenwood KR-7600, I like this integrated, but have a gut feeling that it might be in need of a better servicing.
Phono: Pro-Ject Xpression carbon classic, would like to incorporate tubes into system for this at the minimum.
Speakers: Janszen ZVS-2's and Klipsch R-15M Ref. bookshelf speakers, I think in the end I will only run two speakers at once, so its the Janszen, unless I plan to play music for many hours.

In the wings I have a few items that I can use in this system listed below:
Dynaco Pat 4A as an optional preamp.
Kenwood KA-3500 amp.
Calrad AP-15 one pair.
Heathkit W-5M monoblock with the smaller PT 163XX-this amp is in the que to be rebuilt while I find a mate, which when strapped with a budget are not so easy to find.

My current thoughts:
1. Incorporate the Calrads into current system and hear what they give to the sound.
2. Inspect and address any issues with the Dynaco Pat 4A.
3. Inspect and address any issues with the Kenwood KA-3500 and hear how that sounds in the system.
4. Find a local (LA, CA) repair tech for the Heathkit w5m and get that on the bench for repairs/upgrades.
5. Locate mate for the Heathkit w5m, at a reasonable cost, stop laughing so hard.
6. All the other things I forgot to add here.

The system as it stands is better than any system I've heard lately, but I think it can be much better, the Janszen speakers are the shining spot in my system, the other night I was streaming music through an audioengine b1 and I could hear every detail down to the smallest ting on a triangle, holy cow music man I did not know such good audio could come from vintage gear.
So, with that I believe the Janszen's have pushed me onto the slippery slope, who am I kidding my whole life is a series of swinging vines from one slippery slope to the next.
Any comments and/or recommendations are welcome and thanks in advance.

Steve.

 

[Yamaki]

I agree with checking out the KA-3500 and I'd suggest trying both pairs of speakers with it.

 

[Drumolator]

We would like to see pictures. Peace and goodwill.

 

[Stever521]

Hi,
Yes I will try all configurations I can think of Michael, as I'm OTR for work now and do not have pictures with me to post Mark, but when I do get home I will post pics.
I am also building speaker stands for the bookshelf speakers and a cabinet for "the system" , at the moment I don't know what the system will be so I took a step back from the cabinet build, I will also post pics of this equipment as well.

 

[Stever521]

Oh and thanks for your input, sometimes I get a little ahead of myself and forget the all important etiquette of being appreciative of others time and efforts here.

Steve.

 

[hunter00]

If it was me id sell everything but the Heathkit W-5 monoblock and use the funds to aquire a mate then a good vintage tubed preamp.Have them fully recapped then get a pair of vintage single point source speakers ie Tannoy/Stephens/Altec then sit back and be amazed at the sound quality

cheers hunter

 

[Stever521]

Hunter, that is certainly an option that I am seriously considering at the moment, the kenny KR-7600 doesn't give me that all over warm and fuzzy feeling, but does sound pretty good at the moment.

The idea of separates, tuner, preamp, amp, etc. might take a little longer to acquire and build, but in the end...

• I could be a happy dancing banana if I play my hand well enough.

Steve.

 

[Old Guy8]

Welcome to AK.
You mention plan to build speaker stands. They can definitely change the sound.
Until you decide on a system for cabinet design. Don't know how much room you have. Sometimes repurposed furniture can look and function well with vintage gear. Just for example, I use a tall coffee table, purchased used, has a second shelf. Room for two TT's on top.

 

[Stever521]

The speaker stands are already built, I will post pics when I get home at the end of the month. I am always looking for discarded furniture and such with the idea that it can be used in building projects, the stereo cabinet is on the back burner at the moment, until I have a better idea as to what the system will look like in terms of components and such.

 

[Stever521]

Hi,
First thanks for the replies and suggestions, my thoughts are moving to separates, maybe putting the kenny KR-7600 on the block and picking-up a nice tuner with tubes, like maybe a Heathkit AJ-30 or similar unit.
Any thoughts or input to this idea, I sort of like the idea of some old equipment stacked up in a nice custom cabinet/stand.
Steve.