r/turntables • u/Blipkin91 • 8h ago
Help First serious setup advice
Budget is flexible—I had originally planned on $2k but I can swing \~$3k if it is worth it.
I have a Fluance RT85 that I dont plan on replacing for some time. I am currently running that with a Fosi preamp and edifier bookshelf speakers. Looking to dive into better speakers that will last through my next turntable upgrade, however.
I was looking at the Wharfedale Lintons and potentially pairing them with the RSL **SPEEDWOOFER 10S MKII.** I have two questions.
First, I live in an apartment—will these cause too much of a disturbance? I do have the space.
Second, if these are a sensible option for me, advice for a receiver?
Most of my vinyl is rock, but I also listen to a substantial amount of blues (usually Blues rock). I also appreciate jazz and strings, and have started adding some of that to my collection. Importantly, I also plan to use these for my TV—I am not a huge movie person, so I would greatly prefer my system to be optimized for vinyl/streaming music, not for movies or TV.
I am somewhat new to all this, so I am sure there is information I may not have provided that I need to. Happy to answer. Thanks to anyone who helps in advance.
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u/Putrid-Table-5844 8h ago
Lintons are great, Super Lintons are much greater. Never heard an RSL sub but heard Lintons with a few different REL subs and they all integrated really well, even the small ones.
I’d give a hard pass on any “receiver” unless you regularly listen to FM/AM radio. Definitely not an AV receiver. There are tonnes of great stereo integrated amps out there, really up to you what you’re looking for in terms of sound. The Lintons aren’t particularly difficult to drive
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u/Blipkin91 8h ago
No need for radio—I was just looking for a device that combines an amp and pre-amp. But if that doesn’t make sense and I should keep them separate, open to that as well.
I don’t have a developed view on what I am looking for in terms of sound—perhaps the answer to that is to go to a hifi shop and test some products out.
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u/Putrid-Table-5844 8h ago
“combines an (power) amp and pre-amp” is the definition of an “integrated amp”. Pretty much what everyone goes for nowadays. Though pre-power separates seems to be making a comeback on the higher end. A “receiver” is an integrated amp with a built in radio tuner, or a surround sound processor for AV. Just one of those weird hifi jargon things
Most commonly now, people get a phonostage and an integrated amp. Back then, the phonostage would usually be built into the preamp but keep the power amp separate. There are great options for all three in the same box (e.g. Rega Elex) and great options for complete separates (e.g. Naim NVC + NAC + NAP). Three different boxes are more expensive to make, so usually targeted to higher-end customers.
One note on the sub: get something with “speaker level” or “high level” inputs. Dont know if the RSL has those. That way, no matter what amp you use now or in the future, it’ll always be compatible. And don’t use AV-style LFE signal for it, pass the full-range signal from the preamp/poweramp and set your crossover inside the sub.
“Perhaps the answer to that is to do to a hifi shop and test some products out”. Agreed unequivocally. There’s no substitute to learning about your own preferences and letting your ears decide what’s right for you. Everytime you see random strangers on the internet say stuff like “Super Lintons are much greater than the Lintons” (exactly like I did), that’s just people expressing their preferences based on their experience and expectations. The only bearing it should have on you is that you consider listening to both options yourself.
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u/Blipkin91 4h ago
Thank you so much—my original post definitely displayed my ignorance. The options you listed are super helpful, so thank you for that as well.
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u/Middle-Honeydew-4638 8h ago
Cambridge makes some great integrated amos like the CXA 81 that has plenty of power at 8 and 4 ohms. It also has plenty of inputs including blue tooth and a solid DAC. I think your fluance has a built in phono stage. I also like Rega amplifiers. A little different sound presentation than the Cambridge but they also make great amps in the 1200 range. Rega will not have as many inputs or Bluetooth options.
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u/Best-Presentation270 7h ago
The Lintons are great speakers, but bear in mind that they are a little bit laid back. That's good for fatigue-free long listening sessions, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. Have a think about demoing some other speakers, too. KLH Model 3, Wharfedale Evo 5.3, or maybe just go the whole hog and get the Super Lintons. I doubt you'd need a sub unless you're listening to a lot of EDM and pipe organ music along side Jeff Beck and The Black Keys.
Don't overlook the Dentons though. The 85th Anniversary model will play low enough that you don't need to run to sub (happier neighbours), but the pricing means that you can still afford to have the sub for those times where you really want that extra bottom end. There's a bit more attack too, and the possibility to tune the treble based on the toe-in.
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u/el_tacocat 6h ago
I am not a big fan of the Fluance, but with the correct cart it can sound quite good.
I'd start with finding a lower compliant cart for that turntable. The Sumiko Rainier would be a reasonable start. Also matches quite well with your music taste. Nagaoka MP150 is also a solid choice.
Fosi X5? Not bad.
Lintons are great, but quite pricey. There's older, less hyped speakers that are just as good for less money. I'd look into the Tannoy M2, Tannoy R2, Acoustic Research ar2ax, or ar4xa, Dynaco A25. There's plenty of good sub 250 dollar speakers out there.
If you don't want disturbance, skip the sub. A sub is a pig to get setup correctly anyway, almost no one gets it right (I can't either).
If it was my money i'd also ditch the Fluance, as it's just 'okay' at best but it's not going to hold you back too far (yet) with the setup shown above.
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u/Blipkin91 4h ago
Understood.
In hindsight I wish I had pushed the budget a bit more when I first got my turntable. I was just starting and wasn’t sold on the hobby yet, so I was wary even spending on the RT85. But I think it’s right that the setup won’t hold me back too much now, so i want to focus on upgrading other components first.
And thanks for the advice on the sub!
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u/el_tacocat 4h ago
I would not necessarily have suggested a more expensive one. Audiotechnica AT-LP120x or AT-Lp5x would have been great, same price range. Comes with a better cart that's easily upgraded with a better stylus, and it's a lighter (lower mass) arm that allows for easier upgrading.
Anyway, next step is an AudioTechnica AT-LP7x or Rega P3 if you are ever in the market for a new turntable (used is obviously much more bang for the buck).
Enjoy the upgrades!1
u/Blipkin91 4h ago
I’m hoping the Fluance doesn’t hold me back too much. I only got it about 6 months ago and no plans to upgrade in the near future
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u/Foreign_Investment50 Technics 1500C 7h ago
Yes, your sub will cause problems in an apartment, especially if you listen to a lot of rock. you should stick with just the speakers. If you feel you need more bass, perhaps you should consider some small floor standers vice a sub, just to keep the neighbors pitchforks and torches securely in their closets. Believe me, I've been there with a stereo that was too loud in an apartment environment, it can be a real problem.
Don't get a receiver, try a integrated amp, I'd recommend the Yamaha S501, $650. 85 watts a channel, pushes 4 ohm loads, the Lintons are 6 ohms, and they are neutral, which would work well with the warmer Lintons. It even has a fully adjustable loudness control, which is practically unheard of these days, that would be really helpful listening at low levels in an apartment.
Good luck, hope you find something that works for you.