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Analog Upgrade Suggestions Welcome

I am thinking of making several upgrades to my current analog rig.

Current system: click here

First, I am thinking of upgrading my VPI HW19 MKIII to the MKIV. I would like those with first hand experience to tell me if the upgrade is worth the money, and what I can expect to hear in improvement. I am currently using the SDS and SAMA modifications.

Second, I am thinking of upgrading my cartridge. My Sumiko Talisman Alchemist IIb is almost 15 years old and is ready for retirement. Some A'goNers have recommended the Shelter 501. I didn't want to spend more than $1000 for a cartidge as the majority of my listening is still redbook CD. I am open to other suggestions. I want the best cartridge for the money. Also, I am leary of buying such a fragile item used. I have heard others on A'goN say they'd never buy a used cartridge. Please share any experiences out there; good or bad.

My current cartridge has an output of 2.0mV which I assume means high output. Will I need a step-up transformer for a low output cartridge? Is the Shelter 501 at 0.4 mV considered low output? My Classe Six preamp has a phono section. The preamp comes with resistors that the user can change out to match the volume control knob position to the level of line components. I assume I'd need to change the resistor I'm using with my current cartridge. Otherwise I'd have to turn the knob way up to get enough gain with a cartridge with an output that's 1/5 that of my current cartridge. Is that correct?

Thank you all for your help and suggestions.

Cheers!

Mark
mstram
gregadd
574 posts
 
Mark I am firm beleiver in the quicksilver transformer~$400.00. IMO anyone using a low output moving coil with tube preamp must have one. Not so sure about solid state.
Insufficient gain in the phono stage should showup as:
having to turn the volume control way higher than usual.
lack of slam
excessive background noise.
By the way $1000.00 should buy you the cartridge of your dreams. Stay away from used, the magnets degrade over time. Some companies offer trade-in value for used cartridges. if you can get one for under fifty dollars it may be worth your while.
msiebers's avatar
msiebers
21 posts
 
I have to disagree with Doug about 12.6 Hz being too high a resonant frequency. IMO, it is just about perfect. See the following link for a more lenghty explanation. http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=vinyl&n=16350&highlight=compliance+range&r=&session=

I have used the Shelter 501 on a well-tempered classic. To my ears, it had a touch of honey added that might not be a good match for an already warm system. Also, it had a somewhat distant perspective. Still, it was always musical with excellent resolution and bass response in my system. Stereo imaging and depth were exceptional.

Mark, if the sonic attributes of the Shelter appeal to you, I say go for it. It is a great match for your arm.

c123666
871 posts
 
try a denon dl103r for less than 300 landed from audio cubes and put the money you save on a more expensive cartridge toward the new table/arm
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Mark: Msiebers is right. Doug speak what he read on the " book ". He don't have experience with a 12.6hz tonearm/cartridge combo resonant frecuency against the same cartridge with an other ( or the same ) tonearm with a 9.7hz ( example ) resonant frecuency: he is inexpert on this subject.
BTW, please don't buy the DL 103R cartridge: it is a garbage of cartridge.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
mstram OP
83 posts
 
I have spoken w/ several reputable dealers and analog "gurus" all of whom felt the Shelter 901 would be a fine match w/ the SME arm. I purchased the Shelter and it will arrive this week. Thanks for all the input!

Mark
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