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I bought my stereo back in 1980, a Pioneer system. I won't go digital so try to talk me into it. I love my system a PL-560 auto turntable with TX 6500 tuner and a SA 6500 amp. with 2 XD-10 3 way speakers. I have been looking to upgrade the speakers but can't find the Ones. I can't be the only one here thats too stuborn to change and I don't want to. I feel analog really isn't dead and its making its way back. I wish I could actually work on this stuff in the Cent. IL area. The other thing I'm looking for is maybe a better cartride for my turntable, one that is actually made for antiques. I have a AT440MLa, its good but is there one that won't cost an arm and leg thats better? Let me hear from you, I know I'm not the only one still in love with this stuff and I ain't that OLD either. Thanks

Welcome Larry. I am also from Central Illinois, Morton to be exact. I agree that analog is coming back as well, love the natural sound although I also work with digital as well.

I think Grado makes some nice sounding, reasonably priced cartridges, but can't remember the model numbers off the top of my head.

Welcome again.

Steve

I would try a Sumiko Pearl cartridge which works great on my two 1979 vintage direct drives (Technics 1200 and Toshiba SRF 770). The Technics is a new table but the Mk2 version which is a 30 year old design and the Toshiba is a fuly automatic direct competitor to the 1200, and actually is 30 years old. I also used a budget Grado on my Pioneer PL200 direct drive for many years with good results. The latter is a budget table so not really in the same league as the others or yours.

MP3 files especially low bit rate ones bear little if any resemblance sound wise to Red Book CD's or SACD's. I'm not pushing "digital". However, some music is only available on CD. That would be sufficient reason for me to add CD playback if I didn't have it. After all it is about the music. Isn't it?

BTW:
If you are that stuck on "vintage" gear you might want to check out www.audiokarma.org Most of the members are "vintage" lovers.

In any case, welcome aboard.

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Hi Steve, glad to meet you. I live over on the east side here in Urbana. So you working with digital think that analog and digital can work together or that they only work against the other? I don't know if I really like the digital sound such as mp3s.

Hi Larry,

Sorry I have not gotten back sooner. I don't listen to mp3s at all.
I think redbook and higher can work somewhat together although I think one needs to be quite picky which player one chooses.

No one cares if you are a Newby, man. Bottom line is you are looking for help, and are enthusiastic about good music and sound, so who cares? Most audiophiles are over 40, and probably much older. I would recommend the B&W 685's for $600 plus, or any others in their 6 series line. It's really important that you give an idea of what types of music you listen to, as almost all of the good speakers under $500 are still voiced with certain types in mind and design.
Personally, I would go with the Magnepan MMG's for $550, and get a sub (any time in the future). But keep in mind that the MMG's are MOSTLY for Jazz, classical, small scale stuff. They rock mostly, but you need a sub to truly enjoy rock on them. Ultimate volume levels... not here in the Maggies.
I would try and pick up the new Stereophile Oct 09 "RC" issue. Its really well designed for noobs in the various price and quality classes, and it can be a really nice primer, in fact- its always been the best. (The Absolute Sound also does a great one). But the Recommend Components list every 6 mos is really the best way to educate yourself in this whole area, and to YOUR preferences of sound.
Now because that issue is probably off the the shelves today, I will list the names of those currently listed, in order, but I wont show the classes as that is protected copyright of Stereophile's... check online and go to Chicago for the dealers. All pairs listed. These are all really good recommends that will not disappoint- but go online and get the reviews in electronic form if more info is needed.

Infinity Primus $318 - stands needed (SN)
Audioengine 2- $199 - stands optional (SO)
Mordaunt-Short Carnival- $300 SN
Paradigm Atom v5- $318 SN
Polk Audio RTiA1- $350 SN
PSB Alpha $279 SN
Usher Audio Technology S-520 $479 SN

Cartridges next....

Welcome LarryB. I grew up listening to my folks' 78 RPM records and the vinyl LPs. I still like the LP sound and so do some musicians I know.

I've been told that the pleasing sound is due to the 'agreeable' distortions of the LP, whereas the CD does not have those same distortions, and is supposed to be better. Without going to do all sorts of tests and analyses, listening to both CD and LP tells me that the CD is quite good when the CD is made well. Same goes for the LP. So far, my modest playback system still says that LP is pretty competitive with CD. Sometimes one LP will get you the goosebumps, and another CD might also. It seems to vary with the recording.

For likeness to live, I prefer LPs still. But a live recording on reel-ro-reel tape, even at 7.5 ips, was wonderful for its dynamic range and details. I can only speculate on what a 30 ips machine with large track width would sound like.