What's the weakest link?

James_M

Hi,

I'm trying to figure out what to focus on next to get my setup up a level. Much as I like the current setup, the soundstage is just not as comprehensive as I'd like. I can best describe as lacking presence or width.

I'm just not sure what the main limiting factor is. Should I focus on the amp or speakers next or maybe a new cartridge?

I suspect its the speakers but I like the look of them so only changing if I have to!

Amp: Pioneer SA608 http://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/pioneer/sa-608.shtml
45 watts per channel into 8 ohms
Freq response 10Hz to 50 kHz


Speakers: Technics SB-HD350 (from an old HD350 micro system)
6 ohms
12 cm woofer, 6 cm tweeter
input power: 60W (music), 30W DIN
Output sound pressure level: 86 dB/W (1.0m)
Crossover freq: 7kHz
Freq range: 48 Hz - 25 kHz (-16dB)
55 Hz - 22 kHz (-10db)

turntable: Pioneer PL112D with Shure M75ED cartridge

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Cheers

lescol

Nice retro system! I used a Shure M75ED a long time ago, it was a fine cartridge. You don't say how old yours is and if you have a new stylus, but it is capable of producing "presence".

The turntable is well reviewed here:- http://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-112d.shtml so should not be the source of your problem.

The amp is lovely:D it also shouldn't be your problem http://goldenageofaudio.blogspot.ie/2011/10/pioneer-sa608-pioneer-tx608.html It does have both tone and loudness controls, which could dull the sound if cranked up, if you've been using them turned up to produce more bass then putting everything to neutral could make it sound "thin", the sound from the speakers is personal taste.

This leaves the speakers...which I know nothing about but feel they are the problem, having come from a mini system, they certainly won't let the other components shine. However, play around with speaker position, separation and distance from the wall, placement on solid speaker stands etc. If you can try out different speakers that are of higher quality to see if the sound improves. You don't mention the room size, those speakers will be lost in a large room for instance.

Your system reminds me a lot of my school friends HiFi which was my introduction to HiFi, although he used Wharfedale Lintons, the sound blew me away:D

Good luck with finding the sound you desire.

James_M

That's a really helpful response. Thanks a lot!

Yeah I really like the setup so keen to get it right and what you've said kind of confirms my suspicions.

It is a fairly big room too. I've started to take a look for better speakers to match it but not easy!

lescol

What's your budget? New or 2nd hand? How big is the room and are there restrictions on placement?

James_M

The room is a kitchen, probably around 20-25 sq m. Placing is in the corner on a cabinet.

I'm not ruling out new but similar vintage was my initial thought.

Ah, then there's budget. I haven't set one but I'm thinking around €300.

Amp has just started giving me trouble unfortunately so will have to fork out for a service which I've been putting off

lescol

A pair of Celestion Ditton's then:D

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Celestion-Ditton-44-speakers-in-lovely-condition-/272468848429?hash=item3f7068af2d:g:-vkAAOSwcLxYMXGI

or something smaller http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Castle-Durham-speakers-75w-8-Ohms-with-stands-original-pair-/162300380022?hash=item25c9db4376:g:J2QAAOSwcLxYL1ZE

In the UK speakers are a lot easier to find than here!

James_M

lescol wrote: »

A pair of Celestion Ditton's then:D

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Celestion-Ditton-44-speakers-in-lovely-condition-/272468848429?hash=item3f7068af2d:g:-vkAAOSwcLxYMXGI

or something smaller http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Castle-Durham-speakers-75w-8-Ohms-with-stands-original-pair-/162300380022?hash=item25c9db4376:g:J2QAAOSwcLxYL1ZE

In the UK speakers are a lot easier to find than here!

Excellent. Thanks

reubenreuben

Get some 2nd hand spendors. Over 2 grand for equivalent new.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Spendor-Audio-System-SP2-2-/152330569170?hash=item23779c05d2:g:SFAAAOSwENxXl4fT

James_M

reubenreuben wrote: »

Get some 2nd hand spendors. Over 2 grand for equivalent new.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Spendor-Audio-System-SP2-2-/152330569170?hash=item23779c05d2:g:SFAAAOSwENxXl4fT[/quote

Nice. A bit over budget though. Have been spending a lot of time on eBay. Was looking at these http://r.ebay.com/aIXlOz.

reubenreuben

James_M wrote: »

reubenreuben wrote: »

Get some 2nd hand spendors. Over 2 grand for equivalent new.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Spendor-Audio-System-SP2-2-/152330569170?hash=item23779c05d2:g:SFAAAOSwENxXl4fT[/quote

Nice. A bit over budget though. Have been spending a lot of time on eBay. Was looking at these http://r.ebay.com/aIXlOz.

Like the finish to them, These were pricy when new, cost a lot to get similar cabinet quality these days

James_M

reubenreuben wrote: »

James_M wrote: »

Like the finish to them, These were pricy when new, cost a lot to get similar cabinet quality these days

Just to report back, got these Tannoys in the end

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/252686282303

Very manageable price (by comparison) and very pleased with sound. There's also a sort of double retro going on with them - 80s with some 40s/50s styling.

Thanks for the help. Hopefully this will keep me settled for now (directing focus to vinyl) ðŸ˜႒

reubenreuben

James_M wrote: »

reubenreuben wrote: »

Just to report back, got these Tannoys in the end

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/252686282303

Very manageable price (by comparison) and very pleased with sound. There's also a sort of double retro going on with them - 80s with some 40s/50s styling.

Thanks for the help. Hopefully this will keep me settled for now (directing focus to vinyl) ðŸ˜႒

Good choice, I had a pair of these when at college years ago, decent warm sound. Enjoy