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Weakest Link? Your honest opinions.

Before I spend any more on audio equipment, I'd like some opinions on my current vinyl rig:

Nagaoka MP200 Cartridge (this I will be upgrading to a Zephyr as soon as possible)>

VPI Classic 1>

Blue Jeans BJC LC-1 RCA Cables>

Jolida JD9 Phono Stage>

Monster RCA Cables>

Marantz PM-68 Int Amp>

Canare 4S11 Star Quad Speaker Cable>

Kef Q55 Speakers (bi-wired)

Everything aside from the turntable/cartridge I've had for 5 to 6 years, and are my first foray into HiFi audio.

Just bought the Classic 1 recently, and I'm loving it so far, but I feel a better cartridge will really improve the sound. The Nagaoka was used previously on my Rega P1 (which I'm using in my office rig). I'm saving up to buy the Zephyr, but does anyone notice any other obvious faults in my system?

I feel like the Marantz and Kefs could be replaced at some point, but I wouldn't want to make a purchase unless I know it's going to make a significant improvement over what I already have.

Also, does anyone think some part of my rig might prevent the Zephyr from performing as well as it should?
narticus
snofun3
599 posts
 
First, the typically hyper-reactive moderators didn't scrub dickrick's remark. Stunning. A completely needless and tasteless remark.

Second, Elizibeth didn't use this to (as always) shill for Pangea powercords? What's this world coming to?

Anyway, to the OP - sorry for the rick-dick remark, and probably the most early cost effective change is to ensure you maximize your room's potential.
glory's avatar
glory
1,373 posts
 
3000,

Get a real job and buy some real IC's!

Review: Cardas Reference Series Golden & Neutral Ref, Golden Pres. Interconnect
I use the NR all the way around. Some day I may upgrade to the GR.
Slikric3000 01-05-09

You owe the OP an I am sorry for being a DH!
glory's avatar
glory
1,373 posts
 
Hey 3000 get a better job and buy a real power supply.

Monster Cable HTS 5000 ($699)
Hmmmm.

DH!
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Shilling for Pangea is over.. I still like the Pangea power cables. And all my detachable powercords are Pangea.. but the Pangea prices went up over time. (though not nearly as much as most other companies)
And the word is out there about Pangea.
I liked Pangea as they were cheap AND I could hear a positive difference with them... that combo is hard to complain about.
Cheap and worthwhile is great anytime.!!
So I never was a shill for the company. I just like the product a LOT. And I let others know about Pangea powercords.
So if YOU want a nice powercord that can make a real difference AND is not too expensive try a Pangea.

Pangea has an exclusive deal to be sold only by Audio Advisor. And they rarely show up used either..
Personally i would not bother with a Pangea AC14. go straight for the AC14SE. Both the bigger cords have uses and sound different, So the AC9 and AC9SE can be great,

So thanks Snofun3 for giving me a good excuse to praise my favorite powercord. (For all those skeptical types.. I bet you think Snofun3 and I are in the game together...LOL)
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
2,651 posts
 
I am with Elizabeth all the way about this. I bought the power cord for my amp at full price, and loved it right away. (SE model) I later bought 2 component cords (SE model) at 75% off. Scary 1 week break-in period, but after that, excellent. They are well made, and a no-brainer at the price. So if Liz is a shill, so am I. The Audio Advisor sale may still be going on.
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