Help with some gear decisions...

[Pycroft]

Hi all...

For those that have been following my vinyl thread, I've found some gear local that I'd love comments on. My current setup is found in my sig, and is up to date. Here is what I found:

Accuphase P-300 amp
Accuphase C-200 preamp
Dual 1229 turntable

I am borrowing a turntable from George right now, and have tried it out now. I've read some on the Dual, and seems like a nice entry level table. Any comments on it? Also, will the accuphase gear be superior to the Carver amp and my preamp (For vinyl I'm using My Onkyo Integra P-304). I believe the Accuphase amp is rated at 150 wpc, which is less power than the Carver. I know Accuphase is highly regarded, and would probably be nice to have a matching amp/preamp....

Thoughts?

Thanks :)

James

[Pycroft]

Also...any comments on a price to offer for this gear? The guy is asking for 'best offer'.

Thanks,

James

[heiney9]

I'll go with the standard answer that no on wants to hear. Buy the Accuphase gear and compare it to what you have and sell whichever one you like least. This is the tried and true method of rotating gear and the *only* way to know for sure.

Just my .02c

H9

[billbillw]

Accuphase is typically very high end stuff, but that gear is very old (early 70's) and if it has never been serviced/restored, it might need significant $$ to get them into something that I would use daily. Just beware of that.

Additionally, that is very early solid state stuff. Not sure if the sound is really going to be what you expect. Just do some research I guess.

I always hate dealing with people who say 'make offer' because they typically have overestimated values in their head and get offended when you make a real world offer.

For example, when buying more than one piece, the package price should always be discounted significantly from individual prices. Some sellers just don't see this. Also, local Criagslist pricing should be significantly lower than Audiogon or Ebay due to lack of fees and convenience. Again, some sellers just don't see this.

FWIW, Ebay prices on that Accuphase gear is probably $600-$800 combined, not incl shipping.

Good luck with it.

[heiney9]

Accuphase is typically very high end stuff, but that gear is very old (early 70's) and if it has never been serviced/restored, it might need significant $$ to get them into something that I would use daily. Just beware of that.

Additionally, that is very early solid state stuff. Not sure if the sound is really going to be what you expect. Just do some research I guess.

These are both really good points. One on my favorite amps I'd love to revisit someday is the Nakamichi Stasis amps (licensed from Threshold) but I know even if I buy a nice example they were built in the early 80's and I would need it serviced. For that reason I tend to stay away unless I find a stupid silly good deal.

Early SS stuff is hit and miss and if it doesn't have any sort of history as far as service, then I'd definitely beware.

H9

[billbillw]

I might also suggest that Pycroft have a look at some of the current threads regarding the C-200 preamp over at AK:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=288101

[Sherardp]

Accuphase is good stuff. Made in Japan and is considered the higher end gear. If the prices are fair and all works fine then go for it. I've seen it out here and listened to it and will say it sounds very good.

[Pycroft]

Any comments on the Dual 1229 turntable? If I don't get the accuphase stuff it is okay because I have a pre and amp, but I am borrowing a turntable. The owner says it is missing the dust cover, but that is it. I will contact him regarding any work done on the other stuff and keep everyone posted. Thanks for the comments so far!

James

[nooshinjohn]

These are both really good points. One on my favorite amps I'd love to revisit someday is the Nakamichi Stasis amps (licensed from Threshold) but I know even if I buy a nice example they were built in the early 80's and I would need it serviced. For that reason I tend to stay away unless I find a stupid silly good deal.

Early SS stuff is hit and miss and if it doesn't have any sort of history as far as service, then I'd definitely beware.

H9

Funny that you mention the PA-7's. These were THE amp back in the day IMHO, as they carry some serious pedigree(Nelson Pass) and the iconic name of Nakamichi. These amps were made when Nakamichi was considered among the very best stuff on planet earth, and I can attest to the awesome sound these amps produced. If you are open to other considerations, The PA-7 mkII should be a shortlist contender.:)

[heiney9]

If you are open to other considerations, The PA-7 mkII should be a shortlist contender.:)

I agree, except many sellers ask a very high price for the MKII versions close to $1200 in most cases. You can buy an Aleph 30 for that (if you can find one) and it's 10X the amp the PA7 MKII is. :)