I've been a Hi-Fi buff now for many years and have built up a pretty good system. It comprises of a Linn LP12 record deck at the heart of the system fitted with a Naim Aro tone arm and Lyra Helikon cartridge. The LP12 is powered by a Linn Lingo power supply and in my view is the best deck you can get for a reasonable price (better not enlarge upon 'reasonable price' in case my wife reads this). Amplification is all Naim including Hicap power supplies to the Pre-amp and the Stageline phono stage. Naim are the best amps for the money in my view. Finally the speakers are Wilson Benesch Orator's - gorgeous to look at and to listen to. Oh - nearly forgot - I can play CD's in my Naim CDi player but rarely do! To the best of my knowledge it's all made in the UK, except for the cartridge!
Since I have had the Wilson Benesch speakers I have played them close to the back wall of my music room, mainly because the Music Matters Guy at the shop where I bought them recommended me to do so!
Linn LP12 - can be bettered but at what cost?
Just the other night I thought I would move them out away from the wall (about 1 metre). Wow - what a difference it made! The sound stage came alive like I had never known it and the bass tightened up beautifully! Now I can't stop listening to it again!
Mobile Fidelity LP's sound amazing on it but so do many of my old LP's from over 30 years ago! I don't think CD's will ever compete with vinyl. I just hope that new titles keep on coming from Mobile Fidelity, Classic and Diverse to name just a few.
