2. analog
  3. 136368-20221

Please evaluate my system...

Interested in what you guys think of the following and if there are any obvious weaknesses:

- VPI Super Scoutmaster (standard)
- Denon DL103 with Paratrace retip
- Linn Linto phono stage
- Audio Research Ref 3 preamp
- Cyrus APA7.5 Monoblocks
- Focal Scala Utopia III Version 1

Not sure where to take the system next! Thanks, Tim

tim_field
tim_field OP
8 posts
 
The thread is really useful. Will look up about the mains side of things. Confused about the Michell Gyro SE recommendation this is a fair bit cheaper than my current VPI. What makes you think this needs replacing?
2channel8
634 posts
 
I’m on my way over to your place now. The only way I can tell is to hear it. ;^)
And I'll be glad to remove any component that detracts from the others. ;^)  ;^)
twoch
186 posts
 
I myself would lose the Cartridge  I like  M Coil
 
aalenik
67 posts
 

Tim, It sounds like soundstage is your main concern.  While many things can affect that, I'd focus on power conditioning, speaker placement and room-tuning.

Power conditioning will lower the noise floor.  That allows you to hear more detail, including ambience, and tends to make the soundstage more expansive & realistic. (IMPORTANT -You probably want to exclude your power amp from conditioning.  Most amps sound best 'straight into the wall'.)

Speaker placement can have a profound affect on soundstage & imaging.Quick Tip:  I find that many people use too much toe-in, and that will shrink the soundstage.  When asked, they say they like the 'focus'.  But what I often hear is a compressed soundstage - and depending on the speakers - a bit too much treble.

It's best to start with a pretty good room... if you can.  I recommend restraint in room-tuning.  Too much can make the sound 'dead'. You mostly want to deal with early reflections and bass bumps.

I hope that helps! 

teeshot
90 posts
 
Greenacres my personal experience in expanding this down stage is that there was no better upgrade then when I went from the Herron phono preamp to an Audio Research Ref 2A.  As I have posted before, I looked and auditioned Pass Labs XP25 as well. Given that you have a tube preamp, I would look at a better solid state unit.  A Pass or at a lower price point Parasiund JC3 would in my view be the place I would start.  Even an Esoteric E03 would be a contender. 
More to discover