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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
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,430 posts
 
Raul,

Your posts of pertinent information can be helpful. Your personal attacks are not. Keep posting pertinent information or posing reasonably phrased questions that invite dialog, and I have no quibble with your participation. That has consistently been my point. You've consistently missed that point in your effort to disparage and belittle others.

I do note that the last several posts I've seen from you have not included personally derogatory or disparaging remarks. I welcome this and hope it continues.
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Ag insider logo xs@2x
cello
645 posts
 
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Thank you Rushton - well put.
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Raul - My only point is that you stop attacking people personally. I would welcome any informed opinion provided that it is put forth in a positive and polite manner. Do that, and I have no issue with you.
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crem1
672 posts
 
Mark: This weekend I listened to a Schroder Reference Tonearm. In my lifetime I believe that I have listened to tens of dozens tonearm combos-Nothing I have ever experienced sounded as natural , completely free of mechanical artifacts. The Schroder arms cost about what a used car costs but nothing in analog compairs to them. charlie
crem1
672 posts
 
Mark: In another tread a respondee was critical of the schroder TA. The arm requires exact setup while time consuming is not difficult. Any setup error and much of the magic could be lost.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cello
645 posts
 
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At this point, I would not let set up be a reason not to own a Schroder tonearm.
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A Schroder is one of the true pure joys in life.
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