Readers of this blog know I've been on a constant updating of my sound system project for a couple of years.
I knew the weak link to the system was the amplifier. Even with the clarity of sound, the power was quite low and the system would cut itself out if the volume got too loud. Sometimes I like it loud, but this was a loss I could accept.
My son is on spring break this week so I'm watching him for a couple of days so instead of doing laundry I took a look at my thirty year old Onkyo TX-15 this morning. The only problem is that one of the phono input channels drops out. Opened it up, looked at the connection, tried cleaning it and getting the dust out of places there should not be dust, closed it up and hoped.
It sounds very good, I do have to say the separation is better with the Lepai amp. but I'll take the volume over that any day. Also have the FM if I ever need that. Still working on the AM reception. Plus, I went to Best Buy and picked up a cord similar to this and I can plug in my iPod or laptop to the system. Sweet.
All that's missing is a cassette deck!
Verdict: so far so good, but I'm keeping the Lepai just in case.
Showing posts with label turntable. Show all posts
Showing posts with label turntable. Show all posts
Monday, April 6, 2015
Saturday, March 21, 2015
A sound system journey
After many attempts and configurations the Back Room of the house is finally set up as my little Man Cave. At the very least the audio components are finally in place.
About a year ago I replaced an old pioneer belt drive turntable with an Audio Technica AT-LP60. There have been no problems with it at all. It delivers solid performance. For the price, it's probably the best turntable you can get.
My thirty year old Onkyo receiver was losing a channel frequently. I still have it and if anyone can fix it, come on over, I will pay you in beverages. I picked up a Lepei LP2020A amplifier. This amp about the size of my hand, has a jack to plug in my computer or iPad. I could not be happier with the sound. Obviously it's not a high quality amplifier, look at the price. But for my needs, in a mud room of the house that is only used 2-3 seasons of the year, it's perfect and fills the room with good noises.
This left the speakers. I have shelves up high in the room that are perfect for bookshelf speakers. It may not be the best placement for sound quality but it's a good use of the spacial limitations of the room. I jettisoned a pair of basement warped 30 year old speakers that were the kings of mid-range. Scoured thrift stores for decent speakers. Thought I found some nice old Radio Shack Omnibus speakers but it turned out they were old and messed up. Pro tip: check under the grill for torn and blown speakers before purchasing. Also, check the heights of the speakers. After paying about the same amount in thrift stores for speakers, I finally bit the bullet and bought new Dayton Audio B652s.
These are the speakers I should have had all along. They fit perfectly in the space, deliver very good sound. I tested them with Queen's A Night at the Opera and was very pleased with the separation and depth of sound. They pack a good punch and again, these are not three or four figure speakers. For my purposes though, I love them. Finally, after twelve years of fits and starts, I have built a sound system I'm happy with.
About a year ago I replaced an old pioneer belt drive turntable with an Audio Technica AT-LP60. There have been no problems with it at all. It delivers solid performance. For the price, it's probably the best turntable you can get.
My thirty year old Onkyo receiver was losing a channel frequently. I still have it and if anyone can fix it, come on over, I will pay you in beverages. I picked up a Lepei LP2020A amplifier. This amp about the size of my hand, has a jack to plug in my computer or iPad. I could not be happier with the sound. Obviously it's not a high quality amplifier, look at the price. But for my needs, in a mud room of the house that is only used 2-3 seasons of the year, it's perfect and fills the room with good noises.
This left the speakers. I have shelves up high in the room that are perfect for bookshelf speakers. It may not be the best placement for sound quality but it's a good use of the spacial limitations of the room. I jettisoned a pair of basement warped 30 year old speakers that were the kings of mid-range. Scoured thrift stores for decent speakers. Thought I found some nice old Radio Shack Omnibus speakers but it turned out they were old and messed up. Pro tip: check under the grill for torn and blown speakers before purchasing. Also, check the heights of the speakers. After paying about the same amount in thrift stores for speakers, I finally bit the bullet and bought new Dayton Audio B652s.
These are the speakers I should have had all along. They fit perfectly in the space, deliver very good sound. I tested them with Queen's A Night at the Opera and was very pleased with the separation and depth of sound. They pack a good punch and again, these are not three or four figure speakers. For my purposes though, I love them. Finally, after twelve years of fits and starts, I have built a sound system I'm happy with.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Breaking out the old technology
Spring as arrived in Central Ohio. The family took an Easter walk in Blacklick Park and hit Graeter's for milkshakes after. I'm ignoring the lawn on this beautiful day so I can sit in the Back Room and play records.
Yesterday was Record Store Day. I did my main shopping at my local on Thursday by getting a new turntable. Easy to set up, it works perfectly. It's an automatic turntable which means I do not have to interrupt my daydreaming or important writing to get up and change records.
Crowds and I do not get along so I did not wait in line on Saturday morning, but waited until later in the day. I then headed back to my local shop. There was one record I really wanted and a couple of 45s I may be interested in. There was still a crowd when I got there so I went to the first milk crate of new records and started looking.
The second record was the exact record I was looking for! Figured I'd call it a day then and there, but I did ask about the 45s. They were sold out.
Yesterday was Record Store Day. I did my main shopping at my local on Thursday by getting a new turntable. Easy to set up, it works perfectly. It's an automatic turntable which means I do not have to interrupt my daydreaming or important writing to get up and change records.
Crowds and I do not get along so I did not wait in line on Saturday morning, but waited until later in the day. I then headed back to my local shop. There was one record I really wanted and a couple of 45s I may be interested in. There was still a crowd when I got there so I went to the first milk crate of new records and started looking.
The second record was the exact record I was looking for! Figured I'd call it a day then and there, but I did ask about the 45s. They were sold out.
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