I have had mixed luck at used LP stores and EBAY - I guess that's part of the fun. I got a good copy of Dark Side of the Moon for $1.

But I have also tried "SoundStageDirect" and "AcousticSounds" - also with mixed luck. What I don't like about these it that many LP's are remixed from digital sources - what's the point?

So - any other recommendations for buying vinyl where I can be sure (or, more sure) of the quality?

I have noticed a huge difference in the quality of my vinyl LP's and have some questions. Some LP's sound outstanding and some are not worth listening to.

First, what I have: Cayin A-50T (also the Cayin CD player), MMF 2.1 with Grado Black, Dali Icon 6 speakers, Cambridge Audio azur 540P-B MM Phono Pre Amp.

Questions:
1. Does an automatic LP vacuum cleaner really make a big enough difference to spend $500 on? For a turntable that costs $250?

2. Would I be better off selling the MMF and spending about $1,000 on a better turntable?

I'm about to buy an integrated amp & speakers, but my funds are limited so I need your help.

My dream pairing would be Naim Nait 5i & Neat Motive 2 speakers, but the wife & bank account won't cooperate. So, I'm left with looking for alternatives...

Integrated amps:
Creek Evo ($1000 Canadian)
YBA 201 ($1100 Canadian used)
Naim Nait 5i (not the latest version with the stereo jack in front - $1100 used)
NAD C355bee ($600 Canadian new)

Speakers:
Monitor Audio RS6 ($1050 Canadian new)
Epos M12i ($1100 Canadian new)

I have a lot of music recorded in mono. Is there a significant improvement in playback using a mono cartridge? My amp has a mono setting and I do use that.

RJR's "Follow-Up" review of the Audio Valve Eclipse line preamplifier was a nice read. I'm sure that it sounds as good as stated. RJR's reviews are always fun to read; I appreciate the depth of his musical knowledge and the diversity of music used in his reviews.

However, does RJR really consider "I Saw Her Standing There" to be the (in his own words) "best punk-rock tune ever written"? This is a joke, right?

Bob, what about this song makes it "punk-rock"?

Perhaps we define punk-rock differently.

Thanks for your response.

Hi Stephen,
What do you think of the onkyo a-9555 with the music hall 25.2 cdp? The onkyo amp seems to get better reviews than the music hall amp and vice-versa on the cdp. What do you guys think? Would I be silly to mix and match?

these will be driving Monitor Audio 6s on acoustic music, jazz, and some classical. My goal for this system is something that will provide great details and as wide/deep a soundstage I can afford in my budget.

Any thoughts on this would be great!!! - This is my first "real" system and I really want to put together something sweet.

People listen to music for different reasons. Some for the lyrics, others for the melody but for me, I

Ever since my friend Stew heard the Whispers at DUP's, he's been on a mission to replace his JM Lab Nova Utopia speakers with something at least comparable for less money. He was seriously exploring purchasing Legacy Whispers, when I saw an ad on Audiogon for a pair fo Avantgarde Duo's, which were offered for audition literally a few blocks from where Stew lives.