Since I'd much rather blow my disposable income on LPs and CDs, I wanted to build my system with a budget of $2k. My 'music room' consists of a small (12'x11'x10') spare bedroom. The obvious pieces that I'd like to upgrade in the near future are 1) the Goldring cartridge and 2) the bookshelf speakers. I'd certainly appreciate suggestions on that matter or any other inexpensive tweaks I should consider. All things considered, I think it's an excellent system given the budget constraints.
Nice system. Iam like you not wanting to spend too much on my gear. I have the same turntable as yours. All I can say is that it has great potential. Mine is completely upgraded except maybe for the plinth and the motor. The biggest change is notice is aside from the cartridge is having the tonearm wires changed to incognito loom. Enjoy your system and keep the vinyl playing.
nice ... what do you think about adding on a airport express and piping in some itunes ... may sound pretty good if you encode your music as lossless format ..
Just add a good power sub like Outlaw LFM 1 Plus (used) & you should be ok.
Or if you are thinking about transitioning to a pair of bookshelf these used speakers are worth a listen: Usher S520 (least expensive), Totem Rainmaker (more expensive), Dynaudio Excite X 12 (most expensive).
PSB T45 is also a pretty good pair and they have small footprint. They sound more like a bookshelf with more bass than a floorstander.
If you have approx $600 to spend, get either the PSB T 45 or the Dynaudio X 12, you will not have that urge to upgrade at least for a few years.
System edited: I got a pair of used, pristine-condition Maggies (MMGs) and they sound great in my smallish room. The detail in the mids and soundstage are spectacular for a speaker this inexpensive. The bass is not powerful, but when placed about 30" from my back wall, I find it very convincing. The Music Hall drives them beautifully with plenty of headroom to spare.
i like your system, i hear you on the monitors, they are good, but try some totem rainmakers, it may just stop you in your tracks...totem arros....i like your buying music, i love equipment but i love music more..dwhitt
Kida508 - I like the simplicity of your system. I've basically kept my system as well around the $2000-2500 pricepoint. I'm curious how you like the NAD amp with vinyl. I used to have a NAD 320BEE integrated, but bought a used Exposure integrated that is slightly brighter and find it somewhat harsh with vinyl (I have a comparable Music Hall MMF 2.2 turntable). Feel free to look at my system at:
Audioquest Diamondbacks sound a lot better than Sidewinders. I started off with Sidewinders but now use King Cobra's. The biggest difference was when I stepped up from the Sidewinders to the Diamondbacks. Diamondbacks to King Cobras was not as dramatic of a difference.
