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It is a little hard to pick a forum, but I am attempting to do my best... I apologize for the length of this post...I was born in the 70s, so I can't say I've a lifetime of listening to high-grade equipment, nor do I have a good grasp on feedback equalization filtering. I have a JVC system that I have been happy-enough with in terms of listening, and built a center channel speaker to compensate for some pressure levels using some component drivers no longer made (Audax). I've played it loud, and I don't think I've ever really distorted out (at least, not much).
I have recently acquired many LPs, some rarities never digitally remastered, and have purchased a Technics SL-1210 MK5. For better or worse, this is my turntable for the foreseeable future (whether others would consider it a reference turntable is another matter). For the turntable it is my plan to a) purchase a Ortofon Bronze or Black cartridge, and maybe purchase b) something on the manner of a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS (although please don't believe I am a tube snob... or that I am committed to this particular purchase, or tube components in general).
The AV equipment I own has been acquired slowly and methodically, and today is a little behind the AV curve (no Blu-Ray, but I have an impressive D-Theater D-VHS collection). The relevance in mentioning this is that I make efforts to purchase the best that I can... to last me the longest haul possible.
My plan is to purchase some manner of integrated Pre-amp (2-channel x2); I very much would like to have RIAA equalization, and inputs for cassette (a must), phono (a must), tuner (my sangean has analogue and digital output), and an auxiliary. Truly, I have no plan to purchase a moving coil cartridge for my TT, but I would like to still have an option. Were I to have a specialized phono preamp (like the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS) will that allow me to then send the signal on and into a non-specific phono input? Should I be looking for a preamp with non-specialized inputs?
I own a Marantz SD 525 cassette, so I have been considering a newer(ish) Marantz preamplifer to complement that cassette. But if a Marantz - which one? I don't believe I have money to invest in a proper tube amplifier, so it would be my goal to get the best Solid State integrated preamplifer possible at or around $1000, but all of these purchases will be staggered over the next year.
In my home AV stereo I integrate a JVC RX-D702B, an HM-DT100U (the only HD VCR with an onboard ATSC tuner), an XV-FA95GD 7-DVD/Disc Carousel, the cassette tape deck mentioned above, an older PHD 205 tuner box (for bringing in some very obscure non-ATSC compliant TV stations), and a Sangean HDT-1X radio tuner. All of the JVC components integrate nicely via their Compu-Link system.
There is a host of non-sequitur information out there regarding how digital performance is "so much better" on a given Marantz/McIntosh (other) CD player, or other, but none of this makes any logical sense to me (digital is digital), so help me if you can. Those same arguments were also made regarding VCRs, except that JVC owned proprietary rights to VHS, and I know that despite its shortcomings... my DT-100U VHS deck is among the best digital decks ever made (if not the best... despite all the plastic).
My plan would be to get a speaker output switch for my main speaker towers (BP6, Definitive Technology... please don't laugh at me), so I can switch them between my RX-D702B for AV viewing, and then over to my reference preamp for listening to music. (FYI, I use 2 pairs of Acoustic Research Edge bookshelf speakers to complete out my surround sound assembly... and when they are integrated with the Definitive towers, it is pretty cool - although not reference).
I have discrete analogue outputs on my CD player, so I could simply use that method for translating the analogue sound on to my new (hypothetical) preamp... or I could purchase a new DAC translation unit... if there is any benefit (is there any benefit?).
So.... I know that is a lot of information, but again...
1) What 2 channel x2, integrated preamp might I consider ... and is there a good (more modern) Marantz Option? The modern option should give me multiple inputs (4-5?).
2) Will that preamplifier give me passive RIAA equalization? If not... which one might I look at.
3) If I use a really phono preamp (that will address any future needs of MM and MC) do I really even need a phono input, and if I use a phono input... will a nonspecific phono connect handle a signal that was originally an MC signal (I know, total noob question).
4) Will modern Marantz integrated preamplifiers give me equalization options? I know that the old PM 700 had equalizers for each channel on the front, but I don't know that those preamplifiers will do the same. Some older Marantz units (1060, 1070) had controls for bass, mid, and treble... perhaps that would be enough. I am worried about compensating for my growing chromium O2 jazz/blues-rock cassette tape collection and ways to compensate for dropped highs and lows depending on tape type.
5) Do I even need bother with a separate DAC?*** Oh yes! It is my plan to also purchase a stellar and customized HTPC, possibly through Assassin, but it will give me the AV options I want to have (youtube), while integrating involved CD formats (SACD, HDCD, DSD (etc.), as well as Blu-Ray (4K, 3D), and others. Owing to the fact that this device should be built (as per my requirements) to have exemplary DAC conversion... this (quiet) device really will be doing the lions' share of digital translation.
*** Ultimately it is my goal to get my whole arsenal organized even better in an aesthetic rack with glass tops I will build(no higher than 4 feet). I will also mount my TT on a wall rack for both sound isolation... and aesthetics.
Of course, I can host images later... but I really need some expert help now. My head is a little maxed. Right now, I just want to play a few Brewer and Shipley albums. :-D
Edits: 01/19/15 01/19/15 01/19/15Follow Ups:
To begin with, "welcome aboard!" ;-)
After reading your post in detail, I probably don't understand everything you're talking about, but I thought of one component you might be interested in. It is a universal digital player called the Oppo BDP-103. I bought one for each of my two grown children for Christmas because it is one of the most versatile single components I've ever seen. The Oppo BDP-103 will do just about everything digital and it is very reasonably priced at $499. It will play DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, CDs, SACDs, and more. It has three USB-A inputs to connect USB hard drives and flash drives directly containing digital music files of any conceivable sampling rate up through DSD64. It connects to the internet and contains applications for streaming Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, and more. It also has coax and optical digital outputs as well as dual HDMI inputs and outputs. About the only thing it can't do is play vinyl records, but you already have an excellent turntable for doing that.
Anyway, I think you should check out the Oppo BDP-103 . It might enable you to simplify your system while retaining all your current digital capabilities plus adding a few more.
You also asked about an equipment rack. I found what I think is a fantastic equipment rack that is very reasonably priced and looks great. It's the Bush Midnight Mist Audio Rack . Here is a picture of me standing beside my Midnight Mist Audio Rack . I also have a Technics SL-1200 turntable on the top shelf of the rack.
If you are looking for a stereo preamplifier with just about everything including a phono stage for MM and MC cartridges, a DAC for up to 24/192 digital, tone controls, and a subwoofer output, it's the Parasound Halo P5 . I think someone already recommended it and I second their recommendation.
I hope this gives you some things to think about.
Good luck,
John Elison
Thank you John for your responses. Those Midnight racks are dynamite, and I liked reading how some have chosen to repaint with a hammered finish - although I don't have a HVLP spray rig myself. For me, I think maybe I will need to get a custom rig welded (I have friends), as I really prefer the height of a wide TV stand unit (25-30 inches in height). I've attached an image which shows my current units sitting atop each other (extra pads, careful placement attention; please excuse the ongoing LAN project wiring). Most of my current components are of limited height, although I am expecting the addition of reference preamp and HTPC to be rather beefy. This means I may need two gradations of shelving, or moveable options for shelving. While I work wood, I would prefer the base frame to be of cool steel. Pictured is my future exercise monitor, as I plan to wall mount the new TV. I also plan to have a wall mount for the TT, but having a clean, long open space on a table like this allows for some trendy boxes to hold vinyl for perusing. ;-)
The OPPO looks as though it really would do most of what I am looking for, but I will look to have all of those same features included in the HTPC. While the HTPC will cost more, it will be more space efficient and useful in the long run.
That Parasound P5 is a thing of beauty... and it really gets to the heart of some of the features I want. Unfortunately, my speaker towers (not pictured) are not setup to take balanced line connects;to be honest, I don't fully understand how the connections are to work on the Parasound device. It seems it is intended for Home Theater users with dedicated subwoofers (one per each tower), for which the inputs are then connected... but I again state I am confused with the connections. I will indeed have a buddy look at it. Thank you so much!
Edits: 01/19/15 01/19/15 01/19/15
The Parasound Halo P5 is for two channel stereo only. It has both balanced and unbalanced outputs. The Parasound Halo P7 is designed for home theater. Both of these components are preamplifiers only and cannot be connected to speakers unless the speakers are active monitors. You need a power amplifier with either one of these for connecting to ordinary speakers.
Good luck,
John Elison
I would go for a Marantz 7005, or 8003, or such preamp used... does HDMI switching, MM Phono input, tuner built in, remote, ...
OR for better sound, something like the Parasound Halo P5 - meets all your criteria and it throws a pretty decent stage...
If you do not need a remote - look into a Used Audible Illusions M3a(audioasylumtrader, or US Audio Mart, Agon if you have to...). That sounds way better than either above, has tubes, and would be around your $1k budget used. Nice large stage... Also something like Blue Circle's BC3 preamps used as a deal and a half, no phono built in, but is future proof, as Gilbert can always add/upgrade to meet your setups needs. Same $1k ball park used. best sounding/staging unit of those listed here by a large margin...
Those are exactly some of the amps I was looking into - and I had not heard of Audible Illusions. No - I don't need a remote, and I may very well be using my HTPC to handle my advanced DAC needs. I will get right onto looking into some of the devices you mentioned, although I don't see any M3a's out there right now, and it more-so looks like they are running $1400-$1600 when they pop up. I think the only Audible Illusion gap comes in the lack of equalizer setting adjustments: which is a great/important thing to have for cassette.
Edits: 01/19/15 01/19/15
Welcome! spudhalvorson-
you have quite a system. The best advice is to go out to your local dealers/retailers and listen to as much gear as possible. Given all of your specs/needs you will want to do this prior to any purchase.
Thank you sir! It looks like I have some work to do. I like in Fresno, and we've limited options here... it may mean a trip to Los Angeles.
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