New to the forums, upgrade my system!

[codyblaze]

Hi, I'm new to the forums but have been slowly digesting the information I've gleaned here over the last year or two. I greatly appreciate the honest, no-bs info I've gotten from here, and could use your help. I'm relatively new to the hobby, starting with a $200 Sony HTIB 5 years ago then upgrading to a HK AVR-146 with a hybrid 5.1 Klipsch Synergy/Reference system (F-2 x 2, S-2 x2, RC-52, Sub 10). Last year I replaced the HK with a Denon AVR-988, and added a pair of Klipsch SS.5 back surrounds, replaced the speaker wire and the interconnects. My TV is a 40" Samsung 1080p LCD, and I run a ton of sources! 2 Sony 300 disc CD changers, a Samsung 1080p upconvert player(for movies), a Marantz DV-8400(for SACD/DVD-A/DTS music and single CD playback), Sony ES cassette deck(I'm looking for a TD series HK, probably not as good, but I've wanted one since the first time I saw one as a teenager), Directv DVR, PS2, iPod, Macbook, Samsung DVDR/VCR, JVC analog and OPPO HDMI switcher. My system sounds great right now, better than I have ever experienced in my home, and I'm left wondering what the next step is. I need to add a turntable, as I have a decent collection of records that I'd like to be able to play, and I have no idea what kind to get. I will rarely use it. There's a Denon cheapie model that I can get for $25, but I'd like something nicer. I plan to purchase a PS3 and will thus join the bluray crowd soon, but am unsure what would be the next step for my system otherwise. I don't have a dedicated home theater/listening room, currently rent a loft in Dallas, so things such as room treatments make no sense, and I will be moving, likely to south Florida, before long anyway. Should I invest in a high end power conditioner/surge protector? I see the APC deal and wonder if that is what I should be looking at, considering FL is a likely move (I currently have a Monster surge protector, one of their cheapest; the Monster 'nice' version is nearly the same price as the APC deal is on Amazon right now) as a next step. Or is that unnecessary snake oil? Regardless of the merits of power issues, is there anything that I can do inexpensively to improve my sound, or is this the time to read up, tweak and save for the next step (Replacement upgrade)? I listened to some B & W 803D's the other day and was blown away by both the experience and the price. From a bang for the buck perspective, what is the best way to improve my system?

 

[TLS Guy]

Hi, I'm new to the forums but have been slowly digesting the information I've gleaned here over the last year or two. I greatly appreciate the honest, no-bs info I've gotten from here, and could use your help. I'm relatively new to the hobby, starting with a $200 Sony HTIB 5 years ago then upgrading to a HK AVR-146 with a hybrid 5.1 Klipsch Synergy/Reference system (F-2 x 2, S-2 x2, RC-52, Sub 10). Last year I replaced the HK with a Denon AVR-988, and added a pair of Klipsch SS.5 back surrounds, replaced the speaker wire and the interconnects. My TV is a 40" Samsung 1080p LCD, and I run a ton of sources! 2 Sony 300 disc CD changers, a Samsung 1080p upconvert player(for movies), a Marantz DV-8400(for SACD/DVD-A/DTS music and single CD playback), Sony ES cassette deck(I'm looking for a TD series HK, probably not as good, but I've wanted one since the first time I saw one as a teenager), Directv DVR, PS2, iPod, Macbook, Samsung DVDR/VCR, JVC analog and OPPO HDMI switcher. My system sounds great right now, better than I have ever experienced in my home, and I'm left wondering what the next step is. I need to add a turntable, as I have a decent collection of records that I'd like to be able to play, and I have no idea what kind to get. I will rarely use it. There's a Denon cheapie model that I can get for $25, but I'd like something nicer. I plan to purchase a PS3 and will thus join the bluray crowd soon, but am unsure what would be the next step for my system otherwise. I don't have a dedicated home theater/listening room, currently rent a loft in Dallas, so things such as room treatments make no sense, and I will be moving, likely to south Florida, before long anyway. Should I invest in a high end power conditioner/surge protector? I see the APC deal and wonder if that is what I should be looking at, considering FL is a likely move (I currently have a Monster surge protector, one of their cheapest; the Monster 'nice' version is nearly the same price as the APC deal is on Amazon right now) as a next step. Or is that unnecessary snake oil? Regardless of the merits of power issues, is there anything that I can do inexpensively to improve my sound, or is this the time to read up, tweak and save for the next step (Replacement upgrade)? I listened to some B & W 803D's the other day and was blown away by both the experience and the price. From a bang for the buck perspective, what is the best way to improve my system?

I think you know the answer. Speakers, speakers, speakers! The B & W 800 series is excellent, but they take a lot of power. You will need a good amp for them.

This is the place for turntables.

 

[john72953]

For entry-level turntables consider the Pro-ject Debut III or the Rega P1. Both solid performers at the $350-$400 price point.

John

 

[3db]

Hi and welcome aboard


I'm not sure what is your asking; Are you asking to get speakers over the turntable or is it the other way around?


From what I've read, your reasonably happy with the sound of your system which would lead me to conclude that I would find a turntable before upgrading the speakers. That way, you have access to all of your music formats.

The Rega P1, ProJect Debut III are good starting turntables in and around the $350.00 Unfortunately at that price, you can't fully adjust the tone arm settings. If your not a big tweaking kind of guy, they will work just fine. However, at the next level up, the Rega P2 or the ProjEct Xpression III for around $500 will allow you to tweak all of the tone arm settings.