Need good advice on amp and tuner

[HamptonT]

Long story short. I friend gave me a older HK AVR 125. Then I bought some cheap Dayton Audio speakers for it. Then I was given a set of Bose 301’s iii. And Wow! My inner audiophile was awaken. Now, I know some don’t necessarily like the Bose, but for me and my audiophile mutuality level, they are the bomb.
Fast forward a few months I picked up a set of Bose 601’s original with all new surrounds. Then, get this, I found a NEW IN THE SEALED BOX Technics SL-1200 original version TT for FREE on Craigslist.
I would like to get a two channel receiver/amp/tuner for the 601’s. I have a budget of about $1000. Where should I go with this to set me up for when my maturity level gets a boost? Classic Marantz 2245? New(er) solid stats amp and tuner? Or should I focus on tube amp???

thanks for you input.

 

[lovinthehd]

Holy crap that's a great score on an SL1200 (which version is it?). My mk2 has been reliable for 35 years....

Personally am not crazy about those Bose 301s, altho a friend of mine loves his. The 601s tend to get decent comments but never heard them (did hear 901s way back in
he 70s, tho, nice if setup well but never was very interested in owning them).

I had a Marantz 2270 before I got the SL1200mk2 but wouldn't want to go back to it (went to separates when I got the Technics tt, the Marantz crapped out but probably with some help at parties )....just limited options altho if all you're going to do is play vinyl and no digital....could work well enough. I tend to be more interested in digital, multich and incorporating subs so modern avrs are what I'd consider as they're better tools for those jobs. If I were going 2ch something like the Yamaha RN 803 could be interesting....nice mix of accommodating old and new.

ps Does the HK 125 work okay? Or is something wrong with it?

 

[HamptonT]

It’s the original SL-1200 or some would call it MK1. The guy (just 10 min away from me) found it in a storage space. Said “I already have a turntable” and gave it to me. Heaviest TT I’ve ever picked up.
The AVR 125 works fine. In fact, I attempted to replace it with a Denon and found that I like the HK better so I went back to it. Then I picked up an HK 330 and very happy with it.
So I’ve got my TV 5.1 surround sound system with 301 fronts, 201 backs, and a nice Klipsch center.
The 601’s would be for FM tuner and vinyl listening. That’s where I need an amp and tuner. Currently using a Sony STR-D665 which I picked up on a curb.

 

[lovinthehd]

It’s the original SL-1200 or some would call it MK1. The guy (just 10 min away from me) found it in a storage space. Said “I already have a turntable” and gave it to me. Heaviest TT I’ve ever picked up.
The AVR 125 works fine. In fact, I attempted to replace it with a Denon and found that I like the HK better so I went back to it. Then I picked up an HK 330 and very happy with it.
So I’ve got my TV 5.1 surround sound system with 301 fronts, 201 backs, and a nice Klipsch center.
The 601’s would be for FM tuner and vinyl listening. That’s where I need an amp and tuner. Currently using a Sony STR-D665 which I picked up on a curb.

So you're trying to shop for sound via the electronics? What are you planning on using for pre-amp? You really want a separate tuner? Is it amp or integrated amp you want?

 

[HamptonT]

So you're trying to shop for sound via the electronics? What are you planning on using for pre-amp? You really want a separate tuner? Is it amp or integrated amp you want?

I have no idea how to answer any of those questions. I’m new at this.
Shop for sound via electronics? Maybe you’re implying that the heart of the sound is in the speakers?
I have a little tube phono amp I bought on Amazon for the TT when I had it on the HK. Is that a pre-amp? Or are you talking about something else?
I would prefer an all in one unit. But if it’s better to have separate tuner, then so be it.
please explain what “integrated amp” means. That’s something I’ve been trying to figure out.

 

[lovinthehd]

The speakers and your room far exceed the influence of electronics, yes.

The tube phono pre-amp (or phono stage) is only good for use with a tt (and perhaps a specific type of cartridge, some are only for moving magnet types, some can accommodate moving coil types as well). It is limited due the very low output of cartriges for one, second it needs to apply the reverse of the RIAA equalization vinyl is recorded using. The phono stage built into your Sony is only for moving magnet type cartridges for example. If do you use your external phono stage do not use the phono inputs on the Sony receiver but rather any other line input available. Doesn't appear the HK 125 had a phono stage built in. What cartridge are you going to get?

An integrated amp is a pre-amp and amp in one box. A receiver is a tuner, pre-amp and amp in one box. Separates mean each item is in it's own box. Is there something about the Sony that isn't working as an all-in-one box? That's what I'd use until I got better speakers.....

 

[HamptonT]

The speakers and your room far exceed the influence of electronics, yes.

The tube phono pre-amp (or phono stage) is only good for use with a tt (and perhaps a specific type of cartridge, some are only for moving magnet types, some can accommodate moving coil types as well). It is limited due the very low output of cartriges for one, second it needs to apply the reverse of the RIAA equalization vinyl is recorded using. The phono stage built into your Sony is only for moving magnet type cartridges for example. If do you use your external phono stage do not use the phono inputs on the Sony receiver but rather any other line input available. Doesn't appear the HK 125 had a phono stage built in. What cartridge are you going to get?

An integrated amp is a pre-amp and amp in one box. A receiver is a tuner, pre-amp and amp in one box. Separates mean each item is in it's own box. Is there something about the Sony that isn't working as an all-in-one box? That's what I'd use until I got better speakers.....

No. The Sony works fine. I just thought maybe since I picked it up on someone’s curb that I could do better than that.
I have a AT VM 520 EB dual MM cart. I also have a Grado GF 1 that I have not used yet because it needs a stylus.
Darn. I really liked the style of the 601’s. But it sounds like that’s my weak point in the system.

 

[lovinthehd]

Speakers are transducers, as are cartridges, and are more subject to variances, and have more influence than the electronics generally. If you like your speakers, that's fine and then it's not much of a weak point but there are lots of speakers out there you might well like more. So you find something lacking now?

 

[HamptonT]

I just thought of something. Both the systems I have are in the same room. What if I replaced the HK 330 with a new AVR that does it all? Run the 5.1 TV system and a A/B speaker option to run the 601’s in two channel stereo???

 

[lovinthehd]

I couldn't see having two system in one room (so I have five systems in five rooms ). Most of mine are based on a multich setup using an avr as central unit (still use one older setup of just 2ch stuff, tho). If you like the 601s best, I'd simply make them the L/R speakers. Do you have a sub?

As to which avr (audio video receiver) I'd use, the one that does the most for what I need.

 

[HamptonT]

I couldn't see having two system in one room (so I have five systems in five rooms ). Most of mine are based on a multich setup using an avr as central unit (still use one older setup of just 2ch stuff, tho). If you like the 601s best, I'd simply make them the L/R speakers. Do you have a sub?

As to which avr (audio video receiver) I'd use, the one that does the most for what I need.

I can’t use the 601’s as L/R due to room layout issues. That’s why I have the 301’s on the walls because they fit. They are positioned per Bose dimension requirements and do sound very good. It’s all about position with them I’ve found.

 

[lovinthehd]

I can’t use the 601’s as L/R due to room layout issues. That’s why I have the 301’s on the walls because they fit. They are positioned per Bose dimension requirements and do sound very good. It’s all about position with them I’ve found.

Well generally speaker positioning is important. Some brands provide specific info (as was generally considered important for the Bose reflecting designs, particularly the 901).

So you have the 601s on an opposite or side wall instead? Pics?

 

[HamptonT]

Well generally speaker positioning is important. Some brands provide specific info (as was generally considered important for the Bose reflecting designs, particularly the 901).

So you have the 601s on an opposite or side wall instead? Pics?

That’s right. 601’s on the side wall in my home office/basement family room. Ignore the single speaker and small tv on the floor. I was just testing the other two channels on the HK330 (it’s a 7 channel receiver and I only use 5). I can make it work but it’s hard to control.

 

[HamptonT]

My neighbors got this for sale for $175. What do you think? Said it has never had any work done to it.

 

[lovinthehd]

First thought is the 601s are placed poorly for best results.

I'm the wrong guy to ask about old receivers....I just find them of limited use....but if it meets all your needs these are by most reports a fairly reliable series. $175 seems high, though but probably pumped up by the "vintage" crowd.

 

[HamptonT]

I h

First thought is the 601s are placed poorly for best results.

I'm the wrong guy to ask about old receivers....I just find them of limited use....but if it meets all your needs these are by most reports a fairly reliable series. $175 seems high, though but probably pumped up by the "vintage" crowd.

i hear you. I think the vintage is cool but also overpriced and potentially problematic unless it’s had a full restoration $$$.
I listen to the 601’s when seated at my desk. I was going to get them up off the floor on stands about 10” or so. That might help. But I can’t do much about the missing side wall for the right speaker.

 

[lovinthehd]

To my way of thinking there's vintage meaning of a special class as well as age. Otherwise it's just old.

I wouldn't think the 601s are good nearfield speakers in any case but they're just placed badly in any case for listening even at the desk. Need some distance from boundary as well as from the listener....and in the right orientation to the ears

 

[HamptonT]

Fast forward....
I sold the Bose 601’s. Nice speakers but didn’t ring my bell.
I still have the 301’s fronts and 201’s surround for movies/tv paired with an Infinity 10” sub and a Klipsch center. Sounds pretty good for that purpose.
The HK125 has been replaced by HK330. I’ve experimented with many amps (Sony, Denon, Yamaha) and nothing compares to the sound quality of the Harman Kardons to my ears.
But here’s the kicker. I picked up a pair of mint condition Infinity Crescendo 3007’s. Needed refoam. Got that done and OMG! They sound fantastic. I have them in the same room, opposite the TV wall in the corners (elevated 3’ above the floor) and I power them using the HK reassigned surround rear channels (multi room). Room is 13’x21’
My question is that the Crescendos have a 30-175 watt range and I’m driving them with 55 watts. I’m happy with the sound and I don’t listen to loud music. Would the system benefit from a higher powered amp? If I add a separate amp to the HK preouts to them, would I still have the HK sound that I like or would the new amp have potentially different sound characteristics? Thanks.

 

[lovinthehd]

My question is that the Crescendos have a 30-175 watt range and I’m driving them with 55 watts. I’m happy with the sound and I don’t listen to loud music. Would the system benefit from a higher powered amp? If I add a separate amp to the HK preouts to them, would I still have the HK sound that I like or would the new amp have potentially different sound characteristics? Thanks.

Power handling doesn't have a lot to do with actual use.....you somewhat answered your own question....it sounds good now and you don't need more volume. If you use an external amp hard to know what you might think is different....I've not found a brand of amp (ss at least) to have a significant "signature"....so depends if your HK colors the sound the way you like in the pre-amp or amp section.....

 

[HamptonT]

Power handling doesn't have a lot to do with actual use.....you somewhat answered your own question....it sounds good now and you don't need more volume. If you use an external amp hard to know what you might think is different....I've not found a brand of amp (ss at least) to have a significant "signature"....so depends if your HK colors the sound the way you like in the pre-amp or amp section.....

Thanks. I wasn’t sure if I was missing something more by not having enough amp to drive them. Sounds like I’m not.