Confused along the journey--opinions please
It makes sense that the preamplifier is so important and how it is so overlooked. Damn this hobby! It sucks you in further and further. I'm going to circle back and try the Primaluna with the Manley when I get the new one on shipment. I wanted to note something that may deserve its own review--the NAD M51 DAC v. the Creek Ruby DAC. The NAD is a fantastic DAC, but I was surprised to hear how the Creek Ruby was on footing with it. And, there's one area the Creek Ruby bests the NAD M51--the Creek has more defined bass. The Creek Ruby set me back $600 so by price alone it's really not that far from the NAD in that the NAD is $2k and is its own self contained box, whereas the Creek is a drop in board for its integrated. I'm not suggesting cost is indicative of quality, but if it is a possible component of quality potential. |
I think an upgrade to your cartridge would be the next step. Roksan makes a MC cartridge (Shiraz) or maybe an Ortofon MC cartridge if you like the Ortofon sound. If you are buying local maybe your dealer will have a recommendation and let you demo a cartridge. If you have the extra cash to spend a turntable/tonearm upgrade is also a consideration. A used SME 10 would be a significant upgrade. |
If it fits in your budget, this is a very good deal. No relationship with seller, but I do own one. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-sme-model-10-turntable-tonearm-2016-12-01-analog-14620-... |
Jbhiller- With the Manely into the PL HP AND a LOMC, your search should be over. Of course, subjective. IMO, the Orto Black is a great cart, but it's a great MM cart. It may just have some traits of a MC. Many times I've suggested the Audio Technica ART 9 as the cart to get in the 1K range https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/pani-new-art-9-up-and-running?highlight=Art%2B9 Once again, speaker setup and room are almost no cost(except wifey factor) |
