innocentbystander Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Hi sorry for another newbie advice. I have been doing some research and finally decided on which turntable to get. I need some advice on intregrated amp, speakers and cable. For the turntable I was thinking of getting the VPI Scout 1.1 with a dynavector 10x5 cart. For integrated amp i can't decide between the two I'm looking at the marantz pm8005 pr the marantz pm6005. Im not sure if marantz pm6005 will be enough power. I have 15x15 room. as for speakers wharfedale diamond 10.7 or monitor audio bx6. Cables I have no idea on which one to get. any suggestions? TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannibal Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Great table-cart combo! I have a VPI/Dynavector combo that I love. Perfect (so far) combo for me. have you heard the combo before? Are you familiar with the general sound from both brands? I don't know enough about the Marantz or Warfdales to comment, but I would imagine you could start there and still have plenty of room for upgrades if you saw fit. Your table would easily keep up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 I started with a PM5004 and quickly moved up to a PM6004 and then a PM8004. I would say that the PM5xxx and PM6xxx models were pretty similar but the PM8004 was a big step up. If choosing between a PM6005 and PM8005, I strongly suggest going with the PM8005. It's made in Japan vs China and everything just feels/sounds more substantial. Don't forget that there is also a PM7005 model which includes digital inputs like the PM6005 but has more in common with the PM8005. If digital inputs are important to you, the PM7005 might be the way to go. Right now, I am running Marantz TT15s1 turntable (stock clearaudio cart) Marantz PM8004 Monitor Audio RX1 speakers BJC speaker cable Emotiva XDA-2 DAC I like my Monitor Audio speakers and the old Silver RX line has been showing up for some pretty solid discounts. You might be able to pick up a pair of RX6s for not a whole lot more than BX6s if you keep an eye out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allenh Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 It does sound like there is a bit of a price point mismatch between your turntable/cartridge and your amp/speakers. Not so much in the amp if you go PM8004 but in general that VPI table and Dynavector cartridge are aimed a bit higher. There's nothing wrong in it but you won't be getting the most out of your turntable/cart from the outset. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 It does sound like there is a bit of a price point mismatch between your turntable/cartridge and your amp/speakers. Not so much in the amp if you go PM8004 but in general that VPI table and Dynavector cartridge are aimed a bit higher. There's nothing wrong in it but you won't be getting the most out of your turntable/cart from the outset. That's a pretty good point. It will come down to what his total budget is, but I think that if a corner has to be cut, the PM8004 is handy because it gives you the option of running it purely as an amp (direct amp mode) and add a new preamp section or you can go the other way around and bypass the amp and use it soley as a pre. I do tend to agree on the speakers, worst case, they are a pretty popular line and can be passed along pretty easily to recoup some funds but I do think that they are replacing the current bronze line pretty soon. Audio Advisor has had the bronze line on clearance for several months. Either way, I think he'd be well off to get the turntable right the first time around and then have some room to play with the rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innocentbystander Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share Posted February 9, 2015 Thanks for the reply everybody. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innocentbystander Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share Posted February 9, 2015 I know that there is a price point mismatch. I'm kinda stuck with a 2k budget on the amp and speakers for now and of course there is alway room for upgrade in the future. any other suggestions? It does sound like there is a bit of a price point mismatch between your turntable/cartridge and your amp/speakers. Not so much in the amp if you go PM8004 but in general that VPI table and Dynavector cartridge are aimed a bit higher. There's nothing wrong in it but you won't be getting the most out of your turntable/cart from the outset. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 I love a "newbie" wanted VPI Scout. That rules. As for your budget... buy used or B-stock. You can get absolutely killer deals on gear that's not brand new, but still in immaculate condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innocentbystander Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share Posted February 9, 2015 No not yet.. this is just based on my research online. Great table-cart combo! I have a VPI/Dynavector combo that I love. Perfect (so far) combo for me. have you heard the combo before? Are you familiar with the general sound from both brands?I don't know enough about the Marantz or Warfdales to comment, but I would imagine you could start there and still have plenty of room for upgrades if you saw fit. Your table would easily keep up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 What ajxd said. I always mention buying used because in that price range the difference in sound between new and used is the biggest. Also, that Wharfedale Diamond range is an "entry level" sound. The PM8005 would be a really solid match if you're set on buying new, but for speakers definitely aim higher. innocentbystander 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innocentbystander Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share Posted February 9, 2015 Which speakers would you recommend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Music Direct just had a stock of B-stock Scout SE's for $1200. They're sold out, but you need to get on a few mailing lists to catch those deals. innocentbystander 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 http://www.musicdirect.com/p-278952-marantz-pm8005-integrated-amp-b-stock.aspx $950 for PM8005. Saw an old sale from this year on USA Audiomart where one sold for $700. innocentbystander 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innocentbystander Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share Posted February 9, 2015 Awesome thanks! Music Direct just had a stock of B-stock Scout SE's for $1200. They're sold out, but you need to get on a few mailing lists to catch those deals. http://www.musicdirect.com/p-278952-marantz-pm8005-integrated-amp-b-stock.aspx $950 for PM8005. Saw an old sale from this year on USA Audiomart where one sold for $700. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 if you don't mind going back to the PM8004, there are some pretty good deals to be had. I bought mine from a dealer for $500 on ebay. Not sure how much they changed between models though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crabwalker Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 You can get a crown xls power amp for $250ish on eBay. Then can get a decent pre amp and speakers with the remaining. They are good amps for the price but often over looked bc they are class d. Just something to consider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannibal Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 No not yet.. this is just based on my research online. Ok, so, here's a secret... (Don't tell anyone.) I bought my VPI unheard, same as you, based on VPI's rep, reviews, and of course because it looks cool. I was VERY happy. But I did have a cartridge I was already familiar with(Denon DL-160), that I took with me when I upgraded. The Denon was clearly out matched by the table, but it wasn't bad. I upgraded after a while, but Dynavector and Denon have a similar sound (IMHO), so the whole thing was/is great. Recently I tried a 2M Black on my Classic and didn't care for it. It was great in some ways, but I just prefer a different sound. I guess I'm writing my life story to suggest that you should know a little bit of what you are getting into, sound-wise, dropping that much cash. And really only because there is so many different sounding pieces of equipment out there. You want to make sure it's a sound you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Ooooo more tales from the Memoirs of a Kannibal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 forget the bx6s and get some Magnepans. I need a guinea pig. ajxd 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksuwdboots Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 SoundStageDirect.com has a sale on open box Marantz integrated amps right now. PM5005 ($369) - http://www.soundstagedirect.com/marantz-pm5005-integrated-amp-open-box-audio-equipment.shtml PM6005 ($499) - http://www.soundstagedirect.com/marantz-pm6005-integrated-amp-open-box-audio-equipment.shtml PM7005 ($699) - http://www.soundstagedirect.com/marantz-pm7005-integrated-amp-open-box-audio-equipment.shtml PM8005 ($849) - http://www.soundstagedirect.com/marantz-pm8005-integrated-amp-open-box-audio-equipment.shtml innocentbystander 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innocentbystander Posted February 12, 2015 Author Share Posted February 12, 2015 Thanks for the heads up. Pulled the trigger on the PM8005 SoundStageDirect.com has a sale on open box Marantz integrated amps right now. PM5005 ($369) - http://www.soundstagedirect.com/marantz-pm5005-integrated-amp-open-box-audio-equipment.shtml PM6005 ($499) - http://www.soundstagedirect.com/marantz-pm6005-integrated-amp-open-box-audio-equipment.shtml PM7005 ($699) - http://www.soundstagedirect.com/marantz-pm7005-integrated-amp-open-box-audio-equipment.shtml PM8005 ($849) - http://www.soundstagedirect.com/marantz-pm8005-integrated-amp-open-box-audio-equipment.shtml Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 Thanks for the heads up. Pulled the trigger on the PM8005 Nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innocentbystander Posted February 15, 2015 Author Share Posted February 15, 2015 What would be a good speaker to pair with the marantz pm8005? Price range with <$1000 budget? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted February 15, 2015 Share Posted February 15, 2015 That's very broad. Let's try to narrow it down. Room size? Bookshelf or Floorstanding? Metal or soft done tweeter? Integrated powered sub? Color preference? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted February 15, 2015 Share Posted February 15, 2015 all that stuff he said. You'll get a lot of variety in answers on speakers because of subjective preferences and objective considerations like room size, layout, etc. for what it's worth, I have been keeping my eye on the Monitor Audio Gold line. They recently updated the line and you may see some good deals on clearance soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.