Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

I think the typical advice is that the biggest bang for the buck improvements to most systems can be found by upgrading the speakers. Because your speakers are powered, you'd have to do two things at once; new speakers AND a new amp, because your powered speakers wouldn't work with an amp.
but what would be a good amplifier since i mostly want to use the amplifier to wear headphones for it, i dont need speakers that much
 
That seems like a detail it would have been helpful to include in your initial question?
sorry.. i thought i explained it but i do get that i didn't outright say that i was buying a schiit magni because i just need to power headphones and have no real reason to use stereo (i dont listen with people very often)
 
Um, if you already have a Magni for your primary use case, then do you really need to upgrade your speakers?
Here's what I'm thinking: if you use my system as an example, you might notice that a Schiit headphone amp is my only amplifier. I have a pair of B&O powered speakers from a previous audiofool stint, and I just plugged them into my Valhalla's preamp out. The few times I don't want to use my headphones, they're good enough.
If you're planning to continue using your headphones, then it might be a better use of your money to optimize that path and keep your current powered speakers for now.
If you need an input selector, then $10 or so on Amazon will get a no-name switch that you can pair with the Magni.
 
Hey! You leave minimalism alone! Clean lines and a lack of clutter makes everything better. It does look good but it’s a hard pass from me too 😂
Speaking of minimalist, I got to hear SoundTech MC15 speakers today. I couldn't help but think how slick those would look on a desk being powered by a little PS Audio Sprout.
 
Sub arrived today (I live 20 minutes from an amazon warehouse). It’s a pretty huge improvement. I think it will take a while to find the best settings but I figure just get something v shaped until the new receiver arrives. Definitely going through all the familiar standbys to see how it all sounds now.
 
Looking for some advice on purchasing an amplifier for my new setup.

TT: Fluance RT85
Preamp: Schiit Mani
Speakers: KEF Q150

Budget is around $500. The amp will only power these speakers and potentially a sub down the road if the Q150s need the help. I’ve read they do but I wanted to hear for myself first. I have been eyeballing a refurbished NAD C 326BEE from safeandsound due to reading through this thread and seeing it recommended several times. Is that a good fit for what I currently have or could there be a better option within my budget?

Thanks for any advice!
 
I purchased the NAD you mentioned from safe and sound and I like it but I can’t speak about it compared to anything else as I was previously using a budget Sony AVR. I am satisfied with it and it was sent promptly and packaged well, also because they are an authorized dealer it still comes with a warranty, also recently purchased on “open box” NAD CD player from them and it was as advertised.
 
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No new receiver joy for me for a bit. FedEx got the package to my local depot had it out for delivery on Wednesday and now shows it on the way back to Florida where it came from. What in the actual fuck?

Meanwhile, Amazon has admitted to losing 2 of my other packages during the same time.
 
No new receiver joy for me for a bit. FedEx got the package to my local depot had it out for delivery on Wednesday and now shows it on the way back to Florida where it came from. What in the actual fuck?

Meanwhile, Amazon has admitted to losing 2 of my other packages during the same time.
Turns out Accessories4Less had their FedEx account hacked and numerous packages rerouted in a theft. Not many were actually delivered before they caught it but guess whose was? I'm still waiting for them to call back to see if they have another in stock to resend me.
 
so while my new cart is breaking in im obviously thinking about the next upgrades allready. theres no rush with this and itll have to wait a few months but im looking for suggestions of pieces to consider and brands to look at.

i need an amp + ( phono amp? ) + speakers . currently using Wega v120 amp and elac el 135 II speakers. turntable is a technics sl1210 mk2 with an ATVM95ML.

if possible the speakers should be bookshelf size or not too fragile (kids).
my budget is to up to 2000 € . i dont mind buying second hand or refurbished stuff.
let me know if theres any other information you need.

thanks in advance !
 
so while my new cart is breaking in im obviously thinking about the next upgrades allready. theres no rush with this and itll have to wait a few months but im looking for suggestions of pieces to consider and brands to look at.

i need an amp + ( phono amp? ) + speakers . currently using Wega v120 amp and elac el 135 II speakers. turntable is a technics sl1210 mk2 with an ATVM95ML.

if possible the speakers should be bookshelf size or not too fragile (kids).
my budget is to up to 2000 € . i dont mind buying second hand or refurbished stuff.
let me know if theres any other information you need.

thanks in advance !

B&W Nautilus 805s come immediately to mind. You should be able to find a nice preowned pair in your price range.
 
Turns out Accessories4Less had their FedEx account hacked and numerous packages rerouted in a theft. Not many were actually delivered before they caught it but guess whose was? I'm still waiting for them to call back to see if they have another in stock to resend me.
Oh good Lord. Please tell me they're insured and aren't declaring bankruptcy.
 
If after I’ve lived with the new AT VM95ML I decide it’s not as desirable as I would like what should I consider next? I don’t know the best way to articulate it but I would like something that sounds generally like the Grado but that doesn’t hum. The AT is new and I may grow to like it, but if not I would like to start researching now. The AT does not hum and seems to handle surface noise with noticeably more grace then the Grado. The AT also seems significantly better when it comes to minimizing inner groove distortion.
 
If after I’ve lived with the new AT VM95ML I decide it’s not as desirable as I would like what should I consider next? I don’t know the best way to articulate it but I would like something that sounds generally like the Grado but that doesn’t hum. The AT is new and I may grow to like it, but if not I would like to start researching now. The AT does not hum and seems to handle surface noise with noticeably more grace then the Grado. The AT also seems significantly better when it comes to minimizing inner groove distortion.

im a total noob but this seems to be giving up on the so early. youve had them for less than a week right?
 
If after I’ve lived with the new AT VM95ML I decide it’s not as desirable as I would like what should I consider next? I don’t know the best way to articulate it but I would like something that sounds generally like the Grado but that doesn’t hum. The AT is new and I may grow to like it, but if not I would like to start researching now. The AT does not hum and seems to handle surface noise with noticeably more grace then the Grado. The AT also seems significantly better when it comes to minimizing inner groove distortion.

I didn’t think there was a Grado hum issue with the pioneer? From what I remember @Chucktshoes has been running a gold on it for a while. I know my next move is a stylus swap to the 8mz on the gold. Longer term I have a nagging to try out the Nagaoka Mp300/500
 
If after I’ve lived with the new AT VM95ML I decide it’s not as desirable as I would like what should I consider next? I don’t know the best way to articulate it but I would like something that sounds generally like the Grado but that doesn’t hum. The AT is new and I may grow to like it, but if not I would like to start researching now. The AT does not hum and seems to handle surface noise with noticeably more grace then the Grado. The AT also seems significantly better when it comes to minimizing inner groove distortion.

The Grado hum issue isn't a constant hum. There will be no hum at the outer grooves and worse as it reaches the inner grooves, because the cartridge is getting closer to the motor. Also will be worse at 45 than 33.3.

If you have a constant hum, check your ground wire first. It "should" be connected- but not always. My system is quiet with the ground disconnected using a Pangea phono cable. If I connect the ground wire, it hums/buzzes. Using different cables, I have to connect the ground wire.

If you are using the Pioneer cables that came in the box, ditch them quickly. They suck. Blue Jeans LC-1 will give you audibly less noise.

Regarding the A/T, @BazookaTooth is right. Give it some time. You have to give it at least 20 hours on a new cartridge to get to its true sound.

That said, Grado cartridges sound like no other I've ever heard. I'm hooked, flaws and all. When I upgraded tables a few years back (from a Rega) the first requirement was that it not hum with a Grado. I knew a Grado would be in my future, so I planned for that from day 1.
 
I didn’t think there was a Grado hum issue with the pioneer? From what I remember @Chucktshoes has been running a gold on it for a while. I know my next move is a stylus swap to the 8mz on the gold. Longer term I have a nagging to try out the Nagaoka Mp300/500

I've seen conflicting info regarding the Pioneer. Some say it hums with a Grado, some say it doesn't. I used an A/T moving coil with mine once I ditched the Ortofon 2m Bronze, and it was really nice.

The Nagaoka MP-500 seems to be a terrible value proposition here- $699 and not a discount to be found. If I was spending that, I'd likely get a Grado Statement Sonata ($600 before discount- $400 with a Grado woody trade in which I'd have) or possibly a Soundsmith Carmen closeout ($999 discounted to $699).
 
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