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Phono preamp or cartridge - which to upgrae first

Hello,

I am currently considering upgrading my analog system and would appreciat your advice on what my next move should be.

My front-end system currently consists of
Galibier Gavia, Triplanar arm and Dyna 17D3 cartridge which runs through a Modwright 9.0 SWLP preamp w. phono stage. Music is mainly rock, jazz, blues - very little classical music.
I am quite happy with my set-up but am interested to improve it to get more detail and spatial information as well as maybe a tad warmer, more emotionally involving sound (I believe the Modwright can sound a bit solid-statish at times). I like dynamic, transparent sound with good wxtension to both frequency extremes, but not strident; tonally neutral but if necessary erring a bit to the warm side than analytical.

Initally I was thinking of getting a better cartridge but am hesitatant because I am not sure how much of its qualities I will be able to hear through the Modwright. Maybe it is a better idea to get a really good phonostage first as a system anchor? If so, my preference would be to combine phonostage and preamp into one box (maybe with seperate power supply) rather than seperate components to save money and space (such as a Coincident phonostage?).

Any advice on how to proceed and specific suggestions is greaty welcome.

Gemini
gemini05
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
I think that you hit the nail on the head when you said that the preamp was solid statish. Electronics have - for want of a better description - electroic colorations, whereas they may be an order of magnatude greater but transducers have colorations that are more consonant with the fabric of the music.

So there is probably no correct answer, but I would upgrade your phono stage.
bpoletti
1,004 posts
 
You will get improved performance from your existing cartridge with a good phono stage.

I just upgraded to a Herron VTPH-2 from a VTPH-1mc. The VTPH-1 is outstanding. The VTPH-2 is hands down, by far the very best phono stage I've ever heard.

I'd contact Keith Herron to see if you could arrange a home audition. Make up your own mind.
stevecham
3,298 posts
 
I agree with Bpoletti on this one, your Dyna is a good cartridge and in my experience, upgrading the phono stage to better amplify the dynamic swings this cart is capable of would be my first venture. The Herron or Manley stages would be excellent choices to go with.
dicobrazil
33 posts
 
I second the VTPH-2.Keith is one class guy.
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
502 posts
 
Though I sided on the recommendation towards cartridge, I see it's all-in for phono stage here; it's certainly true that this would be an excellent investment for you. I'll also note that in the last 2 years (at least) of reading here, I've seen only 100% positive (read: gushing) feedback for the Herron VTPH-2 stage, which seems peculiarly immune to the typical flavor-of-the-month ebb and flow of enthusiasm.

I'd definitely love to try out that Herron myself, as it seems to be something special. My Sonic Frontiers Phono 1 SE+ has a phenomenal midrange and silky sparkling treble, but if I could find something to match it that adds in top-notch dynamics I'd be in bliss.
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