This system has seen numerous changes. I used to own CEC gear (3300r Amplifier and CD player), a Musical Fidelity X-LP phonostage, a NAD C325BEE amp, and a Music Hall MMF 2.1 turntable with an entry level Grado cartridge.
I am very happy with what I now have, particularly considering that I am in on a tight budget (Nottingham and Naim front ends bought on consignment, phonostage was a floor model, and I got my speakers for half price from my Uncle who owned a pair).
Once I heard Naim gear I knew I had to have it. The turntable sounds wonderful as well. In terms of tweaks the tonearm has a Clear Audio Turbo counterweight on it, and I use Herbie's Way Excellent Turntable Mat, a Clear Audio Clever Clamp, and the Nitty Gritty Record Doctor III record cleaning machine with the three-step Audio Intelligent fluid. I also got rid of the stock tubes on the phonostage and added reissue Tung Sol 12ax7s. I suggest you try them out if you tube roll. I use the Tara Labs interconnect for the phonostage and DVD player and the Naim DIN standard connector for the CD player. Almost a decade ago my father and I made my equipment stand using popular wood.
If I were to upgrade in the future I would target the turntable, arm, cartridge, and/or phonostage. In terms of the table I am thinking along the lines of Rega or something else that might sound good through the Naim integrated. I think I could get a lot of mileage (with less cash) out of upgrading the arm or cartridge, and when necessary the phonostage. I welcome your comments or suggestions.
Wonderful sounding table. Motor is in a separate pod from the plinth like in the more expensive Nottingham models. Has the sound of a Nottingham Interspace Jr. without the hum and other headaches.
Rega RB-250
With Clear Audio Turbo counterweight.
Benz Micro MC Gold
Awesome for the price.
Naim Audio CD-5
Analogue-like sound from this CD player, particularly when paired with my Naim Nait XS integrated.
Cambridge Audio DVD89
Good sound and picture for the price.
Sony TC-WE435
Dual cassette deck. It gets the job done at least.
Project Tube Box SE Phonostage
Sounds wonderful in my system with a pair of reissue Tung Sol 12AX7s.
Naim Audio NAIT XS
Incredible integrated amplifier. Naim makes the best solid state equipment I have ever heard.
Sound Dynamics 300ti
Praised by Harry Pearson in the 1990s. Can drive 35-150 watts RMS into 4 ohms, 3/4" titanium tweeter, 4 1/2" mid, 8" woofer; 87 db sensitivity; Crossover points/slopes: 800 Hz, 6db/oct and 2.5kHz, 12/18 db/oct; range: 35Hz-25khz.
Tara Labs Custom made speaker cable
10', made from Tara Labs cable with banana plugs.
Naim Standard Interconnect
This is the standard grey interconnect with DIN connectors.
Tara Labs RSC Prime Gen 2
Great for the price. Open and airy.
Omnimount Speaker Stand
24", very heavy and improve the sound of the speakers tremendously.
Glad to hear that someone else prefers the Horizon SE! The dealer I use now that sells Naim gear (but not Nottingham) does sell Dynavector cartridges, so I will definitely check that out when in need of an upgrade. I have the Clear Audio turbo counterweight on the RB 250 tone arm and it has improved wiring in it according to the dealer that sold it to me.
Hello Onip Seems to me you'd have to take a very large step up the Rega ladder to improve on your Horizon SE. I use the same one with a Dynavector DV20XL cartridge. I had the Benz mc gold on it before, and the DV is definately better. The entire range seems more vibrant. The Benz is a little warmer but the DV is very neutral and a lot more accurate. The bass comes to life and the upper end is smooth and very easy on the ears. I was using a Rega Planar 2 and a Planar 3.(both with the RB300 arm) and the Horizon with the RB250 is a much better table in my opinion, once you've replaced the plastic end stub and stock weight.I went with the Technoweight, but I've heard some others may be even better) I think a cartridge upgrade may be the most cost effective way to go.The RB250 is a very good arm, especially with a wire upgrade. I also own a Thorens TD 160 that's all tricked out with an RB300, tungston weight, and my Benz mc gold, custom built solid oak plinth. Although this Thorens is no slouch, my Horizon is still a better sounding table.
System edited: I just moved my system from a room that was too small to a larger living area in my house. The sound is much better as one might expect. Any ideas regarding speaker placement to make it sound even better? I have already toed in the speakers and moved them toward the listening position so the sound isn't blocked by the television. The sound is better when the blinds are closed up facing up as they are in the picture. Thanks in advance for any thoughts...
I did not have a lot of experience with cartridges, but I preferred Benz over Grado. I have the Benz micro MC gold cart and like it a lot, but I know that Dynavector carts are really great, too. I have heard those but not on my system.
Thank you on your response. I decided to pass on it at this time, seemed like it was overpriced. Went with a townshend rock. What cart did you like with the 250 arm.
Oh, misread your question. I first thought you asked where I got it from. Anyway, I got it for $1000 with the tonearm used (originally I think it cost around $1500). I had to buy the cartridge separately. It originally came with the RB250 arm and without a cartridge. I am not sure they make this new any more. The closest currently made model is the Interspace Jr., which still comes with the RB250 and costs around $2000. Don't know if it comes with a cartridge, but I don't think it does. If you set it up right so it doesn't hum it supposedly sounds amazing.
I got this turntable used on consignment from a local dealer (Brian Kurtz of Soundmind Audio in Austin, Tx). He sold the table new to someone else who upgraded. Not too many dealers in the U.S. carry Nottingham, but you can go to this link and email for dealers who are close by. I would definitely look for the Horizon SE over the normal Horizon.
