Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

MikeH said:
I have noticed lately that I have a very slight noise coming from my speakers if nothing is playing through them but my amplifier is on. I can hear it if I get close to the speakers and it doesn't matter what input it's on. It sounds a bit like very slight static. Any thoughts on what it could be? I have a Rotel RA-1570 hooked up to KEF R300s with Zu Libtec cables...is it a power cable thing?
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Does it change with volume level?
 
Joe Mac said:
Does it go away, or lessen, when you place your hands on it? If so you might have a missing ground in that component.
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Nope--still there. It is more of a very quiet static almost instead of a hum. I'm wondering if it is a power thing since I live in a very old building and our apartment only has 2 circuits in it. Just about everything is running on one circuit and then there's another circuit just for an air conditioner. I wasn't sure if a new power cable could help. It's not super noticeable so doesn't bother me a TON, but was just wondering about it.
 
MikeH said:
Nope--still there. It is more of a very quiet static almost instead of a hum. I'm wondering if it is a power thing since I live in a very old building and our apartment only has 2 circuits in it. Just about everything is running on one circuit and then there's another circuit just for an air conditioner. I wasn't sure if a new power cable could help. It's not super noticeable so doesn't bother me a TON, but was just wondering about it.
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maybe try a Panamax.
 
bdm105 said:
At what budget are tube amps practical? Good sound in the $500 range? Or is it $1000 minimum?
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If you make a list of options and keep your ear to the ground, you can get some good bang for your buck on the used market. I picked up my JoLida for $799 and like it a heck of a lot.
 
bdm105 said:
Fluance RT-85, Kenwood all in one surround sound reciever, Klipsch bookshelf speakers.
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There are some excellent values in preowned gear. You need to be patient but be ready to pounce when something good comes up, like @kvetcha did.

Also, it’s very unlikely that the amp will have a built in phono stage, so you’ll probably want to start there. You can use it with what you have now as well as whatever you get later.
 
I have a nostalgic soft spot for Kenwoods. My family had one growing up and I did most of my music listening through it and an original Sony CD player.
 
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HiFi Guy said:
There are some excellent values in preowned gear. You need to be patient but be ready to pounce when something good comes up, like @kvetcha did.
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I wholeheartedly agree with this. I've gotten my turntable (craigslist), phono preamp (upscale audio), and preamp (manufacturer website) all used. I've saved about $1,200 on these 3 items alone by going used. I identify what component options I'm looking for, research past used prices, then refresh my fave online used retailers until I find it. It can take some time, but that's not always a bad thing.
 
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