My setup.. advice?

Amoeba

Amoeba

Amoeba

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Ok, I am in the process of setting up a new system for my living room at uni. I have bought a Rogers HG88 Mk3 valve amplifier (still replacing components in it at the moment, so fingers crossed it will work when I am done), and have a Thorens TD165 TT with an Ortofon 510 Mk2 cartridge.

I am thinking of maybe upgrading the cart to something a little higher spec (possibly Shure M97xe?) and maybe the tone arm as well (Linn Basik?). Also I need a new pair of speakers. My budget is very low (hey I am a student!) and am thinking of perhaps a pair of MS 902is (120 pounds), or KEF Cresta 10s (60 pounds). My amp is only 12WPC and so I would prefer something with a highish sensitivity. Any recommendations? Also, would the upgrades to the TT be worth it? There is something about the sound at the mo which I do not like, the highs are a bit distorted and the S sounds about a bit too essey (hope you know what I mean!) Possibly it is just not set up right, although I think it is..

Any advice would be much appreciated :)
 
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Linn Kans are excellent and you'll pick a great 2nd hand pair up for around £200.

Also, for what you'll pay for a new LINN Basik (linn's entry level tone arm - read "basic") you'll get a better 2nd hand LINN Itok for a similar price.

Generally Ortofon cartridges are reported to work very well with LINN tone arms.

This thread of mine may interest you and you can ask "9Designs" about anything "LINN".

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17628158

Best Regards

AndyOcUK
OcUK Tech
 
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Not sure what arms work best on a TD165, but also look for Rega RB250, Origin Live arms... and from Linn an Akito was the replacement of the Basik Plus.. and is a much better arm... wouldn't bother with the Basik.

I wouldn't use Linn Kans with such an amp... they were design for Ballsy Linn/Naim style amps, and need something to get hold of them. they are quite inefficient.
 
Hi,

Thanks for the replys :) The tonearm upgrade was only a passing thought, I might not bother if it would require me spending a largeish amount of money on it ;)

I DO, however, need a pair of speakers. What are your opinons on the two I listed? I really cannot afford to spend too much on a set (the MS ones are pretty much the top price) so budget / second hand all the way :)

PS: found out the name of the effect I am hearing on my TT - sibilance :)
 
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