Getting the right set-up - RP3

[Wooparse]

Hello everyone
 

I'm not sure if I have posted this to the correct forum but I was chasing some information regarding the best set-up for an RP3 turntable that I received for my birthday. 

I understand the basic system layout is source (RP3) > preamp > power amp (or integrated) > speakers. Now, from what I have been reading here and elsewhere is that some components simple work better with others, so what I am after is any advice or tips regarding how to proceed with the system.

 

My aim to get some USED gear as I can hopefully get higher quality for less and am aiming for a Valve system of some sort. Price range isn't at the level of the RP3 sadly so sub $1000 for the amp/preamp and speakers I know I have to really find myself as it will be the sound I enjoy

 

Thank-you all for reading 

[Anthony John Colbert]

Hi Wooparse,

 

An RP3 is a nice birthday gift. What cartridge is fitted to it, an Elys 2 or something else?. I reckon for used gear you couldnt go far past a vintage sansui, like an AU555 or similar, They have a great phono stage built in. As for speakers, my mate uses b&w dm10's with his sansui and loves them. For something more modern the Usher s520 is hard to go past

 

cheers

Colby

[Telecine]

I think that you will struggle to find a quality valve amp and speakers for your budget.

You might consider something like a second hand Rega Brio and a pair of Usher S520 speakers for your budget.

If you can stretch your budget a little, the Weston Acoustics Troubadour would be a quality entry-level valve amp. See:

http://www.westonacoustics.com/default.htm

Edited January 8, 2013 by Telecine

[migasson]

I would go for a Brio 3 with RS1 speakers, both second hand.. From what I've heard the Ushers need a bit more drive unless you're in a small room.. Maybe a second hand NAD with the Ushers?

[manchu]

Great present!   . . . But without a sound system to play it through its a bit like receiving a frying pan when you don't have an oven.

I understand the basic system layout is source (RP3) > preamp > power amp (or integrated) > speakers. 

That's kinda right,  but not the only way.   And I'm not sure whether by 'preamp' you mean phono preamp  (which just amplifies turntable input it to line level output),  or a preamp which includes multiple inputs and volume control, which then feeds to a power amp.   If it's the latter then one of the inputs will need to be phono, otherwise you'll still need a phono preamp.     I hope that's not too confusing?

 

Just to clarify,  here's the possible options:

A) Turntable > phono preamp > preamp (without phono input) > power amp  > speakers

B) Turntable > preamp (with phono input) > power amp > speakers

C) Turntable > phono preamp > integrated amp (without phono) > speakers

D) Turntable > integrated amp (with phono) > speakers.

 

For your budget I reckon D) is the way to go.    The Rega Brio,  Sansui, NAD suggested by others are integrated amps which will have input for turntable so you don't need a separate phono pre-amp..  ie. option D..   

 

Check out the 'for sale' section for integrated amps and speakers.   Maybe also post in the 'want to buy' section,  where people will either point you to existing for sale listings or have other things to offer or suggest that might meet your needs.  

 

I'd definitely buy used for the amp.   Possibly speakers too,  but the ushers suggested are great value at about $300 new.       You could get a really nice sounding system for $500-$600 if you shop wisely which will leave more money for vinyl  (you're going to need it!!).

 

I don't know much about valve amps,  but I think you're better off with solid state for now,  due to price and availability.   Upgrade to valve later if you feel the need and you'll be able to sell on whatever solid state amp you get now for minimal or no $ loss.  

 

have fun!

[Wooparse]

Thanks one and all for the brisk replies.

 

Thanks manchu for pointing out the phono stage, I had sort of just been ignoring any mention of them in fear I would understand them incorrectly.

 

colby - it's fitted with the Elys2 cartridge.

 

I can gather that I may be currently best going with solid state on the amp, is this simply because the lower level valve amps can't power speakers too well?

The ushers seem the consensus in terms of speakers too, I'll try and see if I can find a pair in Melbourne or Brisbane to listen to. Is there anything I should think about in terms of matching speakers and amps?

 

Woop  

[Anthony John Colbert]

Impedance and sensitivity. Most stand mount speakers are fairly insensitive ( around 85 db) so they will need quite a few watts to get them to a loud level. If they dip under 4 ohms impedance you may find the amp sounds strained driving them, unless the amp is comfortable driving a 4 ohm load.

[Wooparse]

Ahh right, thanks colby for the clarification. OK, I shall begin the search to complete my first system. 

Thanks everyone

 

Woop

[Catherine Barkley]

The ushers seem the consensus in terms of speakers too, I'll try and see if I can find a pair in Melbourne or Brisbane to listen to. Is there anything I should think about in terms of matching speakers and amps?

>50wpc appears to be the guideline for those speakers.

 

I have an RP3 plugged into a Cambridge Audio 640p preamp, Redgum sg5500 amp and Usher s-520s. It's a good combination. The amp is no longer being made by Redgum, but you could find something similar, and all up easily spend less than a grand.

Edited January 12, 2013 by Catherine Barkley

[buddyev]

http://www.synergyaudio.com/Cambridge-Audio/Amplifiers/Cambridge-Audio-640A-V2-Integrated-Amplifier---Black--S/N-0803-0034-/568/storeproductdetail.aspx

This has a bullt in phono stage so you'll save a bit. Its a bargain for a first system.

Sorry, looking again it might be an optional phono stage but they have a cambridge phono here

http://www.synergyaudio.com/23/storenewarrivals.aspx

Still leaves a bit for the usher 520s

Edited January 13, 2013 by buddyev

[Wooparse]

Whoa, thanks buddy and Catherine, that Cambridge unit looks like it could be the winner for my 1st generation system.

I actually already have a NAD phono preamp so I can run the TT through my AV (Onkyo 605) set-up. It's currently playing and sounds like I'm sitting behind a curtain.

Actually, I'm having issues getting the TT itself set-up right, how do you appropriately set the weight for the tone arm? And by extension, where should the track force/bias be set?

Woop

[manchu]

I actually already have a NAD phono preamp so I can run the TT through my AV (Onkyo 605) set-up. It's currently playing and sounds like I'm sitting behind a curtain.

Actually, I'm having issues getting the TT itself set-up right, how do you appropriately set the weight for the tone arm? And by extension, where should the track force/bias be set?

Woop

the nad is prob not too bad. I'd say the Onkyo is the weak link, depending on speakers. I ran a 577 with TT for a while and it was pretty average. You could always keep using Onkyo and run a separate power amp from pre outs. Might improve sound.

Read the rega literature on setup. It's pretty straight forward, Especially if you've got rega elys cart.

[Anthony John Colbert]

IIRC the tracking force for the Elys 2 is 1.75 g. Dial the force gauge to zero then move the counterweight until the tonearm floats approximately level. Once u get this dial up 1.75 on the tracking force gauge. I used to run the bias at about half of the tracking force on my planar 3/rb300.

[Wooparse]

Thanks again colby, you're a well of information, managed to settle it nicely on the vinyl now.

Manchu, I was thinking of doing that but then I thought for the cost, I might as well just buy an integrated and move the system to a better spot instead of on the AV gear. The speakers are Klipsch F3 5.1

[Wooparse]

Also, in the vein of recommendations, is there a definable difference between a sansui au-555/a and an au-517?

 

woop

[Wooparse]

Hi everyone,

Even if no one reads this I thought I would keep you all informed as to what was happening, I have bought an amp in the form of the Sansui au-517 from another forum member. So now I'm just chasing some speakers to complete the package. Oh, and cabling which I know nought about (surprise surprise)

 

Woop