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Conference hips::uk_audioo

Title:You get surface noise in real life too
Notice:Let's be conformist
Moderator:GOVT02::BARKER
Created:Thu Jul 28 1988
Last Modified:Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:550
Total number of notes:3847

394.0. "Upgrading my system. Which way do I go?" by TASTY::JEFFERY (The car behind is an ATOYOT) Wed Jan 13 1993 19:10

I'm looking to upgrade my system soon.

My system is
  REGA Planar II with REGA Elys cartridge
  ONIX OA21-S amplifier
  Wharfedale Diamond Speakers
  Yamaha CDX 750E CD player
  Aiwa ADF 410 Cassette recorder

My reason for upgrading is a perceived 'dullness', and lack of detail in
the record playing part of my system.

This has been prompted by two things.

- Listening to a friends' system. He recently had a �100 moving coil
cartridge installed, and the sound from his system was wonderfully
detailed, and very exciting to listen to.

- Listening to my new CD player against the record player. The CD player
has a slightly brighter sound (as you would expect), and in some cases
sounds better for it.

I reckon that I shall need to change my stylus soon, and this has prompted
to think about possibly going for a moving coil (or other very good)
cartridge.

I shall also upgrade the speakers sometime soon as well.

Can the REGA take an expensive moving coil cartridge, and do it justice??

I'm unwilling to spend too much money upgrading record player, just to get
something that can sound better, but if I have to, I will.

Also what speakers would anyone recommend for under �200?

I was very impressed with the little Monitor Audio ones at the Penta Hi Fi
show.

Cheers.

Mark.
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394.1MARVIN::WARWICKCan't you just... ?Wed Jan 13 1993 23:307
    
    No specific recommendations, other than to say be careful about going
    too far the other way. If you buy a brighter cartridge and brighter
    speakers, you could end up with something unlistenable-to. Is that
    English ? 
    
    Trevor
394.2TASTY::JEFFERYThe car behind is an ATOYOTThu Jan 14 1993 10:3424
Hi,

I'm not necessarily looking for "brighter". My main impression
on listening to amplifiers for instance was that the Arcam Alpha
& Cyrus II had a "bright" sound, but also had loads of "crap"
in the sound.

Listening to the Onix and the Musical Fidelity A1, the sound
was a lot smoother, with just as much detail.

I've listened to friends' Hi Fi systems that have sounded
almost painfully bright, and it is a trap that I am wary of.

However, I did listen to a friends system with a Moving Coil
cartridge (can't remember the make), and, I think a Logic
Design Turntable with Musical Fidelity A100 amp, and Linn
Index speakers, and the detail on the system was incredible.

That is roughly what I am aiming for.

Mark.

P.S. The "friend" is Larry Wiltshire, ex Digital employee, and UK_AUDIO
noter!
394.3How about sensitive speakers ?UPROAR::WEBSTERMany old stringThu Jan 14 1993 13:249
    
    For what it's worth, I have always prefered a more up front/brightish
    sound which my system provides. Rega III with Lynn K9, Creek amp and
    sensitive (low impedence) Heybrook HB1 speakers. I took some time
    auditioning speakers before going for the HB1s which provided a good
    clear powerful sound. Also they were less than 200 (199.99). That was
    a few years ago, don't know if any shops would have a pair to try now.
    
    Cheers Mike W.
394.4Try a K9LARVAE::MELTON_DMon Jan 18 1993 18:0623
Re .0

Hi Mark,

I think it may be the cartridge itself that's causing the 
problem.  I once had a Rega II and the original cartridge was a 
Rega - I can't remember the model but it was nearly 5 years ago.  
I soon realised the the sound was rather dull and uninteresting 
so I went back to Reading HiFi (where I had bought it) who 
recommended upgrading to a Linn K9.

The upgrade went ahead and I was very pleased with the result.  
In fact the K9 survived a subsequent change of turntable and is 
still giving sterling service in the Linn Axis I have now.  The 
sound certainly stands comparison with the Arcam Alpha CD player 
I've added in the meantime.

Also, it's my understanding - admittedly based on hearsay - that 
a decent moving coil would be wasted in a Rega II, so a good 
moving magnet is probably the best answer.

Dave M.

394.5FORTY2::GROOMWed Jan 20 1993 10:558
If you want some sensitive and slightly on the bright side speakers for
under �200 then the Celestion DL4s might be the solution.

But then they always say you should attack from the source end, afterall, if you
are happy with your CD sound - changing your speakers might highlight all
the bright sparkle from your CD box.

Alex.
394.6TASTY::JEFFERYThe car behind is an ATOYOTWed Jan 20 1993 11:378
Yeah, I think the CD is OK, but the record is OK too.

The record player could be better, I feel, especially
compared to Larry Wiltshires machine.

I might go to Reading HiFi soon.

Mark Jeffery.
394.7REGA EL8's coming soonTASTY::JEFFERYChildren need to learn about X in schoolWed Jun 29 1994 00:1844
    Hi,
    
    As a postscript to previous notes, I have decided to upgrade my loud
    speakers. I went to Radford HiFi in Windsor, where the salesman was
    pretty dreadful, but I did get the chance to listen to the Royd
    Floorstanding speaker �260, The REGA EL8 Floorstanding as well �298 and
    the Linn Index's �400 or so.
    
    This was played through a REGA Planar II and a �500 Naim integrated amp
    (can't remember the naim!).
    
    First of all, the Indexes were already attached, and they sounded
    pretty good. Next we tried the Royds. I'd had a quick listen to these
    at Newbury Audio, and wanted to hear more. I thought the design was
    neat, if a little flimsy looking, (oh, and I liked the sound too!)
    
    Finally I tried the EL8's.
    
    What surprised me was that I initially preferred the sound of the Royds
    over the Indexes. I think that this happens quite a lot, as I think you
    always listen harder the second time. If I had had a better salesman
    (and more time on my hands), I would have brought back the Indexes for
    another listen.
    
    Why did I like the EL8's? Well, they had a good solid sound with a nice
    tuneful bass. There is certainly a lot more warmth than my current 10
    year old (�65!) Diamond II's. I'm looking forward to listening to a lot
    of music on them.
    
    The Royds were also good, but didn't have the same solid sound that the
    REGA's had.
    
    The reason I am interested in Floor standing speakers, is that I have a
    7 month old child, who will very soon start exploring. My Diamonds sit
    on very unsafe looking old Linn Index stands, which are too big for the
    speakers. I don't like the idea of him falling on them, and by the way
    I get a new set of speakers into the bargain!
    
    Cost justification, don't ya love it!
    
    I am awaiting delivery, and will promise full update to the lurking
    note!
    
    Mark.
394.8IOSG::HORSFIELDI would confirm for the avoidance of doubtWed Jun 29 1994 14:2912
>>    The reason I am interested in Floor standing speakers, is that I have a
>>    7 month old child, who will very soon start exploring. My Diamonds sit


	we constructed a zig-zag fence that goes across the end of
	the lounge. square frames, covered with thick plastic garden
	mesh. then hinged the frames together. we can take it down
	in a minute or so when we want. it's worked very well.
	
	jack 

	
394.9Tip for owners of small speakers & grandchildren!HLDE01::KOOI_JMon Jul 25 1994 16:2820
    I met someone who uses Sonus Faber Electas (expensive stuff) on their
    dedicated stands and who faced the wonderfull opportunity of his
    grandchildren trippling over his beloved speakers. In order to avoid
    having to buy floorstanding speakers, he modified the cones underneath
    the speakers by taking out a small circle:
    
    \__    __/
      _|  |_
      \    /
       \ /
        V
    
    and then guiding a soldered ring that is attached to the stand through
    this circle in such a way that the ring hardly touches the cones. The
    effect of the cones is preserved, and this mounting is stable enough
    for a midsized elephant.
    
    Jelle Kooi
    
    
394.10TASTY::JEFFERYChildren need to learn about X in schoolTue Jul 26 1994 12:047
Upgrading my speakers doesn't seem such a good idea now!

The little bugger keeps pulling the speaker grills off.

Now to teach him the meaning of the word "No!"

Mark.
394.11IOSG::HORSFIELDDeep down, you know you need VAX.Tue Aug 02 1994 10:1610
>>Upgrading my speakers doesn't seem such a good idea now!
>>
>>The little bugger keeps pulling the speaker grills off.


	see .8

	my eldest is now 3� and has yet to touch the isobariks.

	jack