Hi
I’ve been lurking for a while before posting. Given what I’ve read, I’m hoping for a bit more help than I’ve received in several other forums. I’m open to any and all opinions, but there are those who get a bit passionate and … well you get where I’m going. You guys seem like a good crowd.
I currently have an Audio Technica chain going into a pair of Sonos Fives w/ a Gen2 Sub. I’ve been schooled several times that 1) AT isn’t worth the price of even entry level turntables and 2) Sonos isn’t capable of decent sound (I didn’t say audiophile).
Here’s what I have going on. I have a new AT-LP5X with an AT-VM95E going into an AT-PEQ30 which then connects to the Line-In port of a Sonos Five stereo pair. To my ears, the sound is OK. It doesn’t knock my socks off by any means, but then I went to a lot of punk concerts as a kid. I’m lucky to still be able to hear from both ears.
I have a couple of weeks before I need to make a final decision on the gear that I have. I can return it if I please. My limiting factors are that I have three AT-HS6 headshells plus an AT-VM95C, an AT-VM95EN and an AT-VM95SH that are sunk investments. Were I to look at a different deck, I’d want to take those with me.
I actually bought the AT-PEQ30 before I bought the AT-LP5X. It’s a long story. As I’m trying to decide on the deck, I’m also looking at the preamp. I have a Fosi X2 with upgraded tubes that I’ve been trying. I also have a U-Turn Pluto 2 that I’ve been playing with. My intent is to order a Schiit Mani 2 as the final trial piece. To my ears right now, the Fosi is holding its own. The U-Turn probably beats it with the PEQ30 bringing up the rear. However, its hard to hear the differences which brings up my next point.
I’ve been told repeatedly that the weakest link in my chain is my Sonos speakers. Bluntly, I was told to not waste my money on either a better deck, styli or preamp as the Sonos speakers would be unable to present the finer details / sounds the upgrades should deliver. In short, Sonos sucks… A discussion for another time, but Sonos is in my future for the foreseeable future. It is what it is. I’d eventually like to invest in a fully analog chain, but that’s not going to happen this year.
So my question(s) are these. 1) Is Sonos truly my weakest link? I realize the closed ecosystem has its weaknesses / frustrations (not unlike Apple), but to my ears, I don’t think they’re horrible. 2) Is the AT-LP5X at the top end of what the Sonos speakers are likely able to present? Would there be no end “ear” value in a Pro-Ject Carbon EVO for example were I to make that swap happen. 3) With respect to the preamps, any suggestions? I’ve looked for reviews of the AT-PEQ30. There aren’t very many out there; few are critical. Does anyone here have experience with them paired with or without an AT deck? More broadly, I can afford a couple hundred $$$ (I’m in the US) for a preamp if my Sonos system can benefit from the investment. If not, for <100$, both the Fosi X2 and U-Turn are better than the stock preamp…
I really appreciate any constructive feedback. I’m not looking to throw money away, but by the same token, I’m really enjoying having vinyl back in my music again. The pomp and circumstance. It’s great. Once I nail down the deck / preamp, I probably wont touch it for a couple of years…. Thanks so much!
I’ve been lurking for a while before posting. Given what I’ve read, I’m hoping for a bit more help than I’ve received in several other forums. I’m open to any and all opinions, but there are those who get a bit passionate and … well you get where I’m going. You guys seem like a good crowd.
I currently have an Audio Technica chain going into a pair of Sonos Fives w/ a Gen2 Sub. I’ve been schooled several times that 1) AT isn’t worth the price of even entry level turntables and 2) Sonos isn’t capable of decent sound (I didn’t say audiophile).
Here’s what I have going on. I have a new AT-LP5X with an AT-VM95E going into an AT-PEQ30 which then connects to the Line-In port of a Sonos Five stereo pair. To my ears, the sound is OK. It doesn’t knock my socks off by any means, but then I went to a lot of punk concerts as a kid. I’m lucky to still be able to hear from both ears.
I have a couple of weeks before I need to make a final decision on the gear that I have. I can return it if I please. My limiting factors are that I have three AT-HS6 headshells plus an AT-VM95C, an AT-VM95EN and an AT-VM95SH that are sunk investments. Were I to look at a different deck, I’d want to take those with me.
I actually bought the AT-PEQ30 before I bought the AT-LP5X. It’s a long story. As I’m trying to decide on the deck, I’m also looking at the preamp. I have a Fosi X2 with upgraded tubes that I’ve been trying. I also have a U-Turn Pluto 2 that I’ve been playing with. My intent is to order a Schiit Mani 2 as the final trial piece. To my ears right now, the Fosi is holding its own. The U-Turn probably beats it with the PEQ30 bringing up the rear. However, its hard to hear the differences which brings up my next point.
I’ve been told repeatedly that the weakest link in my chain is my Sonos speakers. Bluntly, I was told to not waste my money on either a better deck, styli or preamp as the Sonos speakers would be unable to present the finer details / sounds the upgrades should deliver. In short, Sonos sucks… A discussion for another time, but Sonos is in my future for the foreseeable future. It is what it is. I’d eventually like to invest in a fully analog chain, but that’s not going to happen this year.
So my question(s) are these. 1) Is Sonos truly my weakest link? I realize the closed ecosystem has its weaknesses / frustrations (not unlike Apple), but to my ears, I don’t think they’re horrible. 2) Is the AT-LP5X at the top end of what the Sonos speakers are likely able to present? Would there be no end “ear” value in a Pro-Ject Carbon EVO for example were I to make that swap happen. 3) With respect to the preamps, any suggestions? I’ve looked for reviews of the AT-PEQ30. There aren’t very many out there; few are critical. Does anyone here have experience with them paired with or without an AT deck? More broadly, I can afford a couple hundred $$$ (I’m in the US) for a preamp if my Sonos system can benefit from the investment. If not, for <100$, both the Fosi X2 and U-Turn are better than the stock preamp…
I really appreciate any constructive feedback. I’m not looking to throw money away, but by the same token, I’m really enjoying having vinyl back in my music again. The pomp and circumstance. It’s great. Once I nail down the deck / preamp, I probably wont touch it for a couple of years…. Thanks so much!