Description

I've been hauling these AR-90s around since 1997 when I joined the USAF. My dad bought them back in '79 when he was in the USAF. He gave them to me when I left and told me never to get rid of them. I've dragged them all over the world...from PA to CO to Italy to AK and back to CO.

I was at a buddy's house and he had a nice litte Rega-based hi-fi system and that prompted me to pull the speakers out of the garage and assess the situation.

I've refoamed and added some new crossovers to update the speakers.

I went with "cheap" Radioshack cables as I think there's a bit of snake oil in the interconnects/speaker wire game. Just speculation though, as I haven't had a chance to hear/compare more expensive ones. Ratshack fits the budget now, so that's what I grabbed.

I picked up a used preamp (Adcom GFP-750) and amp (Adcom GFA-555 mkII) on ebay. I got my Rega RP-1 TT from Gene Rubin. It arrived with a warped platter and messed up stylus which Gene quickly replaced. I was a little disappointed that it arrived from Rega like this...anyway, new crap is installed and it sounds great. I picked up a NAD PP-3 based on the Sterophile review and the fact that it has USB so I can convert some of my old vinyl.

Not really sure what I would upgrade at the moment...as I want to pickup a record cleaner, static gun, a thicker TT mat (AND MOAR VINYL!111!1) I want to pickup a higher-end CD player too as I have about 1000cds just sitting in the garage (most are burned to my Mac.)

Anyway, let me know what you think!
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Components Toggle details

    • Adcom GFP-750
    Used from AudioElegance
    • Adcom GFA-555 mkII
    Used from eBay
    • Rega RP-1
    New from Gene Rubin Audio
    • Radioshack NXG Ruby 3-ft
    I'm a cheap ass...not spending $1K on cables or speaker wire...haha!
    • Radioshack 14-Ga Flat Mega Cable
    I'm a cheap ass...not spending $1K on cables or speaker wire...haha!
    • NAD PP-3
    Phono Pre

Comments 1

Looks like a real smart bang-for-buck setup. I'm not personally familiar with the pieces, but Google seems to think they're well chosen. ;) Those speakers are a nice legacy! Like you, I'm leaving cables last. I got some Matix from Fry's in .5m lengths and I'm leaving it indefinitely.

Instead of spending the money on a high end cd-player, consider putting that money into a DAC and use a server as your sole digital source (e.g., your MAC). Check the Digital Forum. This comes up a lot. On the other hand, if you plan on using this for a/v, then a universal player, like the Oppo line of universal players, would serve you well.

Nice job!

poprhetor

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