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What to upgrade first?

Chasegilbert

Chasegilbert

New Member
Hi, I'm a first time poster and had a simple question. What would you do to upgrade my vintage setup? I love my turntable and cartridge so not that : )

Empire 598 iii with Enpire 4000Diii
Marantz 2220 Reciever (1974)
Two Pair of Pretty Solid Sounding Sansui speakers

Any ideas? Thanks!
 
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Welcome to AK! I'd upgrade the speakers next as long as the 2220 is in good working order.
 
If the Marantz is in good working order and no issues, I would recommend speakers as well.
 
Speakers. But first, ask yourself what you want you're system to do better than it does now. Like, more bass or less boomy bass? Clearer highs or mids? Bigger soundstage, better resolution and/or imaging?
Then figure what you can afford and go shopping. If you can't audition all the options, ask here and read reviews about specific choices.
 
Which Sansui speakers do you have? Do you like their sound? Has your Marantz been serviced? Can you do room treatments in your listening area?
 
Thanks everyone :-) really helpful info! So, it seems that everyone agrees on speakers...So what do you guys suggest for a vintage pair of main speakers, and a vintage pair of remote speakers to match well with the Empire turntable and Marantz 2220? I'd love to spend under $500 for the two pair. Is this realistic?
 
Test post with a photo of my setup : )))
 

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I agree on the speakers, too, but first thing is get that turntable off your receiver! Give that baby some breathing room!
 
Welcome! Dang! That turntable looks sweet. That and the amp are keepers for sure. I'd say speakers for sure too. Are you buying used or vintage? What kind of sound levels do you want and what kind of music do you play? We might be able to help you with your choice so that you get the results you want with that amp.
Rob
 
Thanks! I listen at a medium volume level, nothing too loud as it's New York :-) everything from tube-recorded classical and jazz to the Ronettes to Of Montreal. I'm buying primarily on eBay serviced vintage stuff from the 60's and 70's. I was thinking maybe some American-made speakers to match the Marantz and Empire.
 
And the bass is quite clear and pleasing but not overblown. Treble is crisp. Due to spatial constraints of apartment living with my girlfriend the speakers placement isn't perfect but I'm really hoping for a fuller midrange I suppose.
 
KLH 5's. Perfect speakers for that and for some reason they don't cost much. Just do your best to make sure they were recapped when you get them. You can seal them if that was not done right. You should have enough left to get the remotes after that. You might be better off watching Craigslist since you could buy local and not pay shipping.
 
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