Heres my set up also.
Nakamichi PA 7
Nakamichi CA 5
Sansui AU 717
Recommend especially the nakamichis
Nakamichi PA 7
Nakamichi CA 5
Sansui AU 717
Recommend especially the nakamichis
Next logical "step up/upgrade" from Technics 80's sound?
- Thread starter NYC Moose
- Start date
silversport
Super Member
any properly working Nakamichi with STASIS will be a huge step up from 1980's Technics...good luck with your search
Bill
Bill
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BMC
Active Member
How bout a DAC? Running the CD player through the DAC will be a nice upgrade for your source. There are plenty of great DACs out there right now to choose from. SMSL, Topping, and a bunch of others are affordable and are gonna be an improvement over the built in DAC in your CD player.
Thanks for the replies! I am staring down the path of separates it seems, then. No idea on Technics separates so it will be a fun new layer of personal education, regardless. All aces.
What can I do with 2 or 3 existing amps that already have pre in/outs? I have at least an R210 and the V6X with Pre connection options, I believe.
@BMC I have never messed with DACS at all - sort interesting to me but would rather keep a look out for a Technics P1200 or something for CD improvements...
Thanks
@sqlsavior
@richersounds
What can I do with 2 or 3 existing amps that already have pre in/outs? I have at least an R210 and the V6X with Pre connection options, I believe.
@BMC I have never messed with DACS at all - sort interesting to me but would rather keep a look out for a Technics P1200 or something for CD improvements...
Thanks
@sqlsavior
@richersounds
sqlsavior
Lunatic Member
The V6X can function as a source selector, and phono preamp. You can take its output from the Tape 1 Rec Out jacks, which will be at line level, into a new preamp, including a passive one. Not sure if the Graphic EQ jumpers are the same as pre-out/main in jumpers or not. I suspect not. Similarly with the R210, plus it definitely has pre-out and main-in jacks, so it could serve as an entire preamp as well, or a power amp. You could connect one to the other and decide, for instance, which phono preamp you prefer. Not by rapid switching, but by getting used to one for a couple weeks, then listening with the other, though the same back end.
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BMC
Active Member
Well, the CD to player is the weak link. I used to use a Pioneer CD carousel, but when I bought my first DAC - a Musiland MD10 - those same CD’s sounded more layered and wide. My system improved quite a bit with a better source.
BMC
Active Member
There has never been a better time to buy a DAC. There are so many options with USB, Coax and optical, so you can hook up your CD player, computer, TV, etc. Some have bluetooth as well.
Topping, SMSL, Schiit Audio all have nice DACs for $100 and up.
I would suggest trying one out from Amazon with the free 30 day returns. I have an SMSL SU-9 and I am blown away with the clean, smooth sound it’s producing. The Bluetooth sounds as good as or better than a CD on this thing.
My previous DAC was a Xiang Sheng DAC01A, which is the same thing as the Maverick D1 Tube Magic - Great DAC if you want to introduce some tube flavor.
zenith2134
Lunatic Member
I ran a Nak TA-3A for awhile and it wiped the floor with many other integrateds in terms of sheer sound quality. Even though it was a receiver. It does have weak spots due to age though.
The STASIS separates are a tremendous value on the used market now. They don't often have the cosmetic "dazzle" of the silver faced gear but they do not disappoint the ear.
The V6X has no tuner because it is an integrated amplifier.
Not sure if those "graphic equalizer" outs and ins work as a preamp out, main in or not. That would make it easier to add a separate amplifier if they do. Pull the jumpers and take the outs to an amp.
I personally don't feel that separates will do a whole lot for you, given that you already have a clean sounding 100 watts with the SU-V6X. You would have to go to say something with 200 WPC to get a little bit more volume. You could try adding a Carver Cube or something but even then there won't be a huge difference in attainable volume levels. BTW, how much power can the speakers handle? The SU-V10X only does 120 WPC so going to that wouldn't make a huge difference at all.
If you really want to try out separates because you have some money you just want to burn, then I would recommend starting out with something like a cheaper Kenwood Basic C2 preamp and pair it up with say one of the older Nikko amps in good condition. Just not sure if that will in the end get you anything more than you currently have. But if you do decide to go separates then replacing either the amp or preamp is easier because they are not tied together in one unit.
Can anyone chime in on whether that "graphic eq" loop is the same as a preamp out/main in loop? Maybe someone could deduce that from the schematic available over at Hifi Engine or maybe our resident Technics expert could chime in. I don't know.
Not sure if those "graphic equalizer" outs and ins work as a preamp out, main in or not. That would make it easier to add a separate amplifier if they do. Pull the jumpers and take the outs to an amp.
I personally don't feel that separates will do a whole lot for you, given that you already have a clean sounding 100 watts with the SU-V6X. You would have to go to say something with 200 WPC to get a little bit more volume. You could try adding a Carver Cube or something but even then there won't be a huge difference in attainable volume levels. BTW, how much power can the speakers handle? The SU-V10X only does 120 WPC so going to that wouldn't make a huge difference at all.
If you really want to try out separates because you have some money you just want to burn, then I would recommend starting out with something like a cheaper Kenwood Basic C2 preamp and pair it up with say one of the older Nikko amps in good condition. Just not sure if that will in the end get you anything more than you currently have. But if you do decide to go separates then replacing either the amp or preamp is easier because they are not tied together in one unit.
Can anyone chime in on whether that "graphic eq" loop is the same as a preamp out/main in loop? Maybe someone could deduce that from the schematic available over at Hifi Engine or maybe our resident Technics expert could chime in. I don't know.
OMGCat!
Super Member
The eq loop (also called processor loop sometimes) is likely before the volume control so it’s more like a tape loop that you can’t select out rather than a pre/main loop.
@coonmanx No, sadly no money to burn at the moment so only want to invest time and effort if worth the time and effort t begin with.
Maybe it's the speakers? I just got these freebie AR93Q's and paid a bunch for re-foaming of all 6 of the surrounds. Put my old fave and trusty, booming Technics floor-stander SB-2745's to the side (for now?). About 2 weeks in and I haven't been blown away yet by any means. More sophisticated bass, low notes present and accounted for, etc., yeah all there but nothing spectacular yet to my ears. I am not in search of more volume at all, hardly ever leave the comfort of the 9 o'clock sweet spot on the volume dial.
Is best case scenario with pre-amping two amps together simply being able to power more speaker pairs? I dig that idea, if accurately describing an actual added speaker pairs benefits. I usually have both main and Remote rocking on the V6X - currently a pair of Remote SB-F1's as a sort of tweeter with the Main AR93's bass and midranges humming along. I am sure this is sacriligious to some but dang if it doesn't sound interesting to my ears about 80% of the time. Other times I just swap out or go back to a solo set pair.
Maybe it's the speakers? I just got these freebie AR93Q's and paid a bunch for re-foaming of all 6 of the surrounds. Put my old fave and trusty, booming Technics floor-stander SB-2745's to the side (for now?). About 2 weeks in and I haven't been blown away yet by any means. More sophisticated bass, low notes present and accounted for, etc., yeah all there but nothing spectacular yet to my ears. I am not in search of more volume at all, hardly ever leave the comfort of the 9 o'clock sweet spot on the volume dial.
Is best case scenario with pre-amping two amps together simply being able to power more speaker pairs? I dig that idea, if accurately describing an actual added speaker pairs benefits. I usually have both main and Remote rocking on the V6X - currently a pair of Remote SB-F1's as a sort of tweeter with the Main AR93's bass and midranges humming along. I am sure this is sacriligious to some but dang if it doesn't sound interesting to my ears about 80% of the time. Other times I just swap out or go back to a solo set pair.
@SVI2004A...
Can you tell us if that effects loop is actually a pre-main loop or not? There is a block diagram here if you download the service manual. But I am not experienced in reading those so I have no idea at all...
https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/technics/su-v6x.shtml
Can you tell us if that effects loop is actually a pre-main loop or not? There is a block diagram here if you download the service manual. But I am not experienced in reading those so I have no idea at all...
https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/technics/su-v6x.shtml
SaSi
Seriously Illogical
I had a system set up with Technics components. TT, cassette, R2R, DAT, CD, tuner, amplifier, pre-amplifier, equalizer, the lot.
I've cycled through a set of 9200 pre/power amplifier combo and then moved on to the 90x0 series using 3x SE9060 power amplifiers in a 5.1 system.
It was decent and gave a good sound in a medium sized listening room.
And then I decided to try out the advice of having enough headroom. A higher power rated power amplifier, which simply doesn't exist in the Technics range. After some investigation, I discovered dbx's BX3 MkII model. Not sure what the exact output is but it's a bit different than other power amplifiers. It has 4x 125WRMS at 8Ohm output modules that can be internally wired as stereo bridged or mono bridged. With stereo bridged mode, it most likely can deliver in excess of 400WRMS at 4Ohms, which is what my loudspeakers are (KEF Reference 107).
Listening at normal levels (well, a bit loud), if I trust the needle VU meters, it delivers peaks in excess of 200W. It doesn't sound loud. In the sense of it doesn't distort. I had the same experience with a pair of Sennheiser HD650 headphones that could get really really loud but not distort a bit.
Well, I'm convinced. When selecting a power amplifier, check out the recommended power for them and multiply by 4 (if you can afford it). That will deliver such a clean, effortless and dynamic sound, you will be listening to the same old sources and recordings for the first time.
If your loudspeakers are not that demanding in power and IF they are 8 Ohms, you can try using a pair of SE-9060 power amplifiers coupled with an SU-9060 pre-amplifier. IMHO, one of the best pre amplifiers out there. Especially if you have multiple sources. And if you have multiple sources, like 3 turntables and 3 tape decks, it can accommodate.
I've cycled through a set of 9200 pre/power amplifier combo and then moved on to the 90x0 series using 3x SE9060 power amplifiers in a 5.1 system.
It was decent and gave a good sound in a medium sized listening room.
And then I decided to try out the advice of having enough headroom. A higher power rated power amplifier, which simply doesn't exist in the Technics range. After some investigation, I discovered dbx's BX3 MkII model. Not sure what the exact output is but it's a bit different than other power amplifiers. It has 4x 125WRMS at 8Ohm output modules that can be internally wired as stereo bridged or mono bridged. With stereo bridged mode, it most likely can deliver in excess of 400WRMS at 4Ohms, which is what my loudspeakers are (KEF Reference 107).
Listening at normal levels (well, a bit loud), if I trust the needle VU meters, it delivers peaks in excess of 200W. It doesn't sound loud. In the sense of it doesn't distort. I had the same experience with a pair of Sennheiser HD650 headphones that could get really really loud but not distort a bit.
Well, I'm convinced. When selecting a power amplifier, check out the recommended power for them and multiply by 4 (if you can afford it). That will deliver such a clean, effortless and dynamic sound, you will be listening to the same old sources and recordings for the first time.
If your loudspeakers are not that demanding in power and IF they are 8 Ohms, you can try using a pair of SE-9060 power amplifiers coupled with an SU-9060 pre-amplifier. IMHO, one of the best pre amplifiers out there. Especially if you have multiple sources. And if you have multiple sources, like 3 turntables and 3 tape decks, it can accommodate.
Separates ..
The best sound quality is found in small company individual pieces ..
Makes sense .. if a small company's product isn't exceptional, then the company doesn't survive .. not true of the big companies.
If you're determined to stick with a big company then find one of their signature pieces .. most of them made at least one or two pieces that were a true attempt at
meeting the State of the Art
The best sound quality is found in small company individual pieces ..
Makes sense .. if a small company's product isn't exceptional, then the company doesn't survive .. not true of the big companies.
If you're determined to stick with a big company then find one of their signature pieces .. most of them made at least one or two pieces that were a true attempt at
meeting the State of the Art
rode2rouen
Dyslexics Untie!
One word, Belles.
Ok, so I have a lot of gear but let's talk about something closer to what you have already. In my living rm at the old digs I had my Schveet Kenwood KA7300 integrated driving a pair of AR58s speakers, great combo.
But as I had two of the Belles bi-amping my Infinitys and wanted some of that Belles magic with the AR's I moved one amp into the living rm and used the Kenny as the preamp, it has pre outs.
The sound oh so improved to the point some CD's I thought too bright and in your face were now at least listenable. The added punch to the bass, air around the notes, decay of the strings, all aspects of the audio spectrum were improved.
Now don't go thinking it's due to the quality of the Kenny, it's rather top notch.
Notice the clean architecture layout of the true dual mono design, an obvious homage to the legendary Trio Spreme 600.
But the Belles even though only rated 100watts/channel @8ohms and doubling down into 4 it has enough current to pull a freight train lol.
And the best part, they're dirt cheap, the bad part, they're rare so hard to find. Good luck and have fun, it's what this hobby is all about.
Ok, so I have a lot of gear but let's talk about something closer to what you have already. In my living rm at the old digs I had my Schveet Kenwood KA7300 integrated driving a pair of AR58s speakers, great combo.
But as I had two of the Belles bi-amping my Infinitys and wanted some of that Belles magic with the AR's I moved one amp into the living rm and used the Kenny as the preamp, it has pre outs.
The sound oh so improved to the point some CD's I thought too bright and in your face were now at least listenable. The added punch to the bass, air around the notes, decay of the strings, all aspects of the audio spectrum were improved.
Now don't go thinking it's due to the quality of the Kenny, it's rather top notch.
Notice the clean architecture layout of the true dual mono design, an obvious homage to the legendary Trio Spreme 600.
But the Belles even though only rated 100watts/channel @8ohms and doubling down into 4 it has enough current to pull a freight train lol.
And the best part, they're dirt cheap, the bad part, they're rare so hard to find. Good luck and have fun, it's what this hobby is all about.
ok, so it appears your Technics doesn't have pre outs/main ins so you can't add a separate power amp or preamp, that's too bad as it would have given you a chance to step up to separates one piece at a time.
With that said, if truly wanting to take the next step it is separates and a Belles would be a great choice for a power amp. David Belles is still building highly regarded amps under the Power Modules name but they're $$$$. https://powermodules.com/
Add a sweet little preamp to the Belles and now you're singing. I would suggest an Amber Model 17 Full Function Preamp but they're more rare than the Belles lol. But if you do run across one grab it, it's one sweet pre, and here's the really sweet part, they usually sell for peanuts lol.
I picked one up for my nephew but it had issues so I gave him something else. But even with its issues once connected I could tell it was special. Brought it to my tech and had the loose RCA connections fixed and it's now replaced the Kenny above as the pre for the Belles in the living rm.
Even as good as the Kenny is as both a preamp and power amp the Amber/Belles combination is on a whole different playing field. Price of admission for both the Amber and Belles set me back less than $500, a real bargain for truly high end pieces.
With that said, if truly wanting to take the next step it is separates and a Belles would be a great choice for a power amp. David Belles is still building highly regarded amps under the Power Modules name but they're $$$$. https://powermodules.com/
Add a sweet little preamp to the Belles and now you're singing. I would suggest an Amber Model 17 Full Function Preamp but they're more rare than the Belles lol. But if you do run across one grab it, it's one sweet pre, and here's the really sweet part, they usually sell for peanuts lol.
I picked one up for my nephew but it had issues so I gave him something else. But even with its issues once connected I could tell it was special. Brought it to my tech and had the loose RCA connections fixed and it's now replaced the Kenny above as the pre for the Belles in the living rm.
Even as good as the Kenny is as both a preamp and power amp the Amber/Belles combination is on a whole different playing field. Price of admission for both the Amber and Belles set me back less than $500, a real bargain for truly high end pieces.
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Everyone keeps saying that the effects loop is not a true pre out/main in loop but nobody has actually taken a look at the actual block diagram to verify that. Why would Technics put 3 separate tape loops into one unit. That to me makes no sense at all and in fact makes me think that it might be a pre/main loop. Maybe I can screenshot the relative part of the block diagram and then you all can have a look because nobody has done that yet.