andynz

Shipping notification received for Black /3500 from the US store

Thanks man!

Switzerland, it was about USD$60.

Finally picked up one of my most coveted records... Hopesfall's The Satellite Years! (on black /700) It was via discogs, at a price that was almost too cheap to be legit, and I was half expecting to be filing a claim in month or so, but it arrived at work this morning, with the only casualty being a bent corner due to average packaging. The record itself is in great condition. Very stoked!

Thanks! I've had a look and I can't find any of those down my way. Would the Cambridge Audio Azur 350A pair well with speakers/preamp/turntable combo? (I note there is no phono in on the amp - https://techsupport.cambridgeaudio.com/hc/en-us/articles/200567691-Azur-350A-Amplifier)

I won the auction for the Mission 780se speakers (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1036892363). They ended up being about USD $110, which I figured was a pretty good price to see whether I liked them, if not I can sell them on and try something else.

Thanks, I'll keep and eye out.

Has anyone heard the KEF Q1's before? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1038537865

Thanks for your help. Time to get listening!

I'm in New Zealand and got mine a week or so ago.

Thanks for all the feedback, it really is very helpful. I should be able to try out most of the amplifier options above in stores. With the NAD D 3020, I wasn't sure if the Bluetooth functionality was gimmicky and would take away from the quality of the amp. I also found the Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10 for USD $320. I have also been looking on a local buy and sell website for amps and speakers to see what sort of second hand options I have, the draw back being a bit hit and miss on sound quality and condition. Speakers: (I've really only just started looking at speakers and I am happy to go with floor stand speakers also) I had a look for the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1's but can't seem to find any in New Zealand! I found some Diamond 220's for USD $355. Allen, there are a couple of places that sell KEF and Cambridge. In my price range, I found these: These guys seem to have a full range of Cambridge Audio speakers(prices in NZD$), but are an importer, no no guarantees I can actually get them. http://www.pqimports.co.nz/products/category/HIHSWWRY-speakers/page-1 These are in store: Cambridge Audio SX50 - USD $266 http://www.avworld.co.nz/shop/product/cambridge-audio-sx50/overview Cambridge Audio SX60 - USD $400 http://www.avworld.co.nz/shop/product/cambridge-audio-sx60/overview Cambridge Audio Aero 2 - USD $400 http://www.avworld.co.nz/shop/product/cambridge-audio-aero-2/overview Not a lot of KEF speakers, I found the Q100 - English Cherry but unless they were far superior, they are a little price for me at this stage at USD $465. Here are some online options, they are all auctions, so the price is a mystery but an advice on stuff to avoid, and stuff not to pay too much for would be great. Wharfedale 8.3 (Floor Standing) http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/home-audio/speakers-and-stands/floor-speakers/auction-1037826382.htm Mission 780se http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1036892363 Mission 780 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1034977955 Mordaunt-Short MS10 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1035840617 Mission 773 (Floor stand) http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/home-audio/speakers-and-stands/floor-speakers/auction-1036168128.htm NAD 8225 Book Shelf http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1035429906 Sorry for the wall of links, I really appreciate your thoughts though... and if anyone needs advice on yachts, sailboats or sailing then I would be glad to help Andrew

Currently my turntable (Pro-ject 1.2 w/ an Ortofon OM10) runs through a Pro-ject Phono Box to a Bose Soundock. I have purchased an Ortofon 2M Blue. I am looking to upgrade my system and was hoping for some input on the following components that I am considering in my price range in terms of value for money, quality and suitability. My set up is in a small/medium sized room. Speakers: Q Acoustic 2010i Bookshelf Speaker (http://www.qacoustics.co.uk/2010i-stereo-speaker.htm) - USD $200 Q Acoustic 2020i Bookshelf Speaker (http://www.qacoustics.co.uk/2020i-stereo-speaker.htm) – USD $265 Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 Bookshelf Speaker – USD $250 Amplifiers: New PM5004 Marantz Integrated Amplifier – USD $330 New Cambridge Audio Topaz AM5 – USD $250 New NAD D 3020 Hybrid Digital Amplifier (http://nadelectronics.com/products/digital-music/D-3020-Hybrid-Digital-Amplifier) – USD $465 I have been trying to find a Cambridge/Azur Audio 351A - but being in New Zealand we aren't as spoiled for choice as the US and Europe and if in stock seem to be around USD $530 Second hand (serviced) NAD 3120 Audiophile Amplifier - USD $230

Hah, yeah! I ended up getting it from Real Groovy... they have it for $50, but I had a rewards voucher to use.

+1

I bit the bullet and picked up the black /3500. I'm surprised it's still available... I

Any recommendations for a cleaning brush or alternative method? At this stage a vacuum machine is out of the budget (especially being in New Zealand). I have looked at the spin clean, which seems to have mixed reviews and would still cost about $140 here.

I've only recently started cleaning my records, and have been wet cleaning as a start (Cleaning solution applied with a microfiber cloth -> Wash off -> Distilled Water -> Air dry then polish with a dry microfiber cloth). Some suggest wiping with iso alcohol to finish, but I haven't been doing this. After I play a record I have just cleaned, I am finding a build up of gunk on the stylus. Is this most likely left over dirt, or residue from the cleaning solution? (or something else) Is this standard? Is it bad for either the record or stylus? Cheers!

The cat upgrade to my setup is not recommended, it makes changing records a lot more difficult...

Thanks for the update. I am holding on to hope that the rumors earlier in this thread eventuate!

Also.... Travis, I don't suppose we're going to get a Christmas surprise and you announce a Sing the Sorrow repress for early 2016?

Same here in NZ, a local store Real Groovy has is for $98 now!

Why this isn't a bonus track, I'll never know... (that's some tight drumming)

Hah, don't get anyone started on the Dine Alone bundles.

Yet another push back from Amazon: Jimmy Eat World "Bleed American [LP]" - Estimated arrival date: January 21, 2016 - January 26, 2016 On the plus side, I just got a notification that Clarity has shipped!

Really like the new song