Vintage HiFi Audio Forum

General Banter => Welcome Wagon => Topic started by: StephenWVU on July 17, 2012, 06:44:12 PM

Title: I guess I never did this.
Post by: StephenWVU on July 17, 2012, 06:44:12 PM

I think most of you might have a clue who I am by now but if not... Hello!!!  I have two systems at the moment, as far away from me as they may be.  The first consists of a pair of Sunfire CRM-2 speakers, a Golden Tube Audio SE 100 amplifier, a pioneer Elite VSX 91 TXH receiver (I want to upgrade to a Sunfire Tube Pre), Sunfire 12 EQ True Subwoofer, PS3, and my laptop which works as a CD player and something to stream my stuff.  My other setup is not for 2 channel but for music to fill the pool table room.  It consists of an Onkyo TX SR604 receiver, Mirage OM 9 speakers x 2, Mirage OMC2 center channel, OMR2 surrounds, either a HSU STF-1 subwoofer or my Sunfire subwoofer, and my laptop.  Eventual goal is to as I said upgrade to having a Sunfire tube preamp.  I also want to get my hands on a good TT eventually, a logitech squeezebox (to use as my DAC), and a phono because the Sunfire preamp I want does not have one. =( 

All the same, hello all and thanks for the help you have given me so far! ;D

Title: Re: I guess I never did this.
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on July 17, 2012, 09:40:02 PM

The Sunfire tube pre has a phono option. They are just rare!

Title: Re: I guess I never did this.
Post by: StephenWVU on July 17, 2012, 09:59:16 PM

I found someone with a Sunfire Tube Preamp with remote but no phono option.  I figure I don't have a TT yet so I can get the tube pre then buy a TT and phono later.

Title: Re: I guess I never did this.
Post by: SunnyDaze on July 18, 2012, 01:49:48 AM

"I guess I never did this."

That's what she said. :)

Title: Re: I guess I never did this.
Post by: thuffman03 on July 18, 2012, 09:24:11 AM

You can find them, it just takes time.  A few pop up a year and you have to be ready to buy now!  That is how I got mine with the phono stage. 

Title: Re: I guess I never did this.
Post by: tinpan on July 18, 2012, 10:16:37 AM

You can also find Sunfire TG III and TGIV's for $500 - $700 range. They have phono sections as well.

Title: Re: I guess I never did this.
Post by: StephenWVU on July 18, 2012, 09:58:59 PM

Thanks for the advice guys!  Is getting one with a built in phono stage much better than going separate?  I thought the difference in price would be such that I could probably afford a good separate instead. 

Title: Re: I guess I never did this.
Post by: BrianT on July 19, 2012, 06:41:28 PM

Quote from: StephenWVU on July 18, 2012, 09:58:59 PM

Thanks for the advice guys!  Is getting one with a built in phono stage much better than going separate?  I thought the difference in price would be such that I could probably afford a good separate instead.

Stephen.

Well that depends, it depends on what separate phono stage you get. Eric (MRHP on Carverforum) is using the Project Tube Box SE II with a Sunfire Pre and he is very happy.
As you said, you do not have a T/T at the moment, so why spend the cash you do not have, getting a Sunfire Pre with Phono Stage as you might not ever purchase a T/T.

I have tried a Audiomat Phono Stage (solid state $1700.00) and it does sound quieter than the Sunfire Phono Stage, but does not have the warmth of the Sunfire Phono Stage.

The beauty of having a separate Phono Stage is you can upgrade it any time you want.
I personally like the built in Sunfire Phono Stage, but I have a couple of buddies who do not.

Yes the Sunfire Pre with Phono Stage do come up from time to time, but as Tom has said you have to be ready to purchase right away
and they are not cheap when they are a full load model.

BTW. are you in Argentina yet ?

Brian

Title: Re: I guess I never did this.
Post by: StephenWVU on July 19, 2012, 07:23:05 PM

I fully intend on eventually getting a T/T but as you mentioned, by having separates I give myself the option to upgrade and really more an issue, to be able to get the part when I have the money for it.  I am in Argentina.  It is absolutely amazing here!  I still miss my stereo equipment but if I stay I will have it sent to me and if not, I will have it soon.  Hardly miss it enough to not love my time in Buenos Aires!  :P  I am living on the 16th floor in a nice apartment, working with really cool people, and trying to make it out to the mountains to go snowboarding this August.  What can I say?  Life is good.   O0

Title: Re: I guess I never did this.
Post by: BrianT on July 19, 2012, 09:04:25 PM

Quote from: StephenWVU on July 19, 2012, 07:23:05 PM

What can I say?  Life is good.   O0

That sounds perfect.

Have a great time.

Brian

Title: Re: I guess I never did this.
Post by: tinpan on July 20, 2012, 10:32:18 AM

Another option would be to get the Sunfire Tube pre you found and add an external phono stage

http://www.audionotekits.com/M3PhonoStage.html (http://www.audionotekits.com/M3PhonoStage.html)

I have this AN phone stage on an AN L3 line stage

Or you could go with an L2 Linestage phono combo:

http://www.audionotekits.com/PQpre.html (http://www.audionotekits.com/PQpre.html)
I have this as well and it's a very nice alternative to a Sunfire if you can't find one