Waukeag, It sounds so simple: a turntable is a seemingly simple device that serves as a platform for the arm and cartridge to do their job. That "simple" task is a far more nuanced engineering challenge than is initially apparent. The problem of isolating the motor vibration/noise and bearing noise from the arm/cartridge is one parameter where a designer's skills are tested. The signals generated by the cartridge are very tiny and the mechanical vibrations a table generates in process of driving the platter are competing for amplification. These engineering challenges can generally be more successfully addressed when more money is spent. Don't assume that your support issues are best resolved with your present solution. Maybe it works really well, but I don't recall metal platforms as being a well regarded support for this application. As to your last question, yes, you'll gain audible gains with a better (well chosen) cartridge and phono stage. Even if you don't realize their maximum potential with your current table, you'll still gain. Plus, if you upgrade your table later, you can still probably use them on the new table.
How can I reach vinyl nirvana with my setup?
I know my system is capapble of sounding better when it comes to playing vinyl, but I don't know how to get there. My system: Rogue Cronus Integrated tube amp, Spendor 5/3e speakers, Project RM-5 with Shure V-15 III cartridge, Bellari Tube phono stage, Tandberg 3014A cassette deck, Sansui TU-717 receiver, Cambridge Audio 640C CD player, Audioquest Copperhead interconnects. I upgraded from the Goldring 1.2 to the Project and experimented with different cartridges but I'm still not satisfied.
The best piece of equipment is the Tandberg – it brings cassettes to life – at least the ones that that were decently recorded. This piece is like my reference. The cd player is decent as well. So that I know what kind of sound is possible and the weak link is from the vinyl source. It lacks the power, presence, and definton that comes through the Tandberg and even the Cambridge Audio 640c.
I have some wonderful audiophile recordings in pristine shape too plus a couple hundred other records that I keep in relatively immaculate condition. So I am very interested in improving my vinyl playback quality.
My upgrade budget is about $1000 - Should I upgrade my phono stage, my cartridge, my turntable? What would you suggest for gear if you could make one or two changes? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
The best piece of equipment is the Tandberg – it brings cassettes to life – at least the ones that that were decently recorded. This piece is like my reference. The cd player is decent as well. So that I know what kind of sound is possible and the weak link is from the vinyl source. It lacks the power, presence, and definton that comes through the Tandberg and even the Cambridge Audio 640c.
I have some wonderful audiophile recordings in pristine shape too plus a couple hundred other records that I keep in relatively immaculate condition. So I am very interested in improving my vinyl playback quality.
My upgrade budget is about $1000 - Should I upgrade my phono stage, my cartridge, my turntable? What would you suggest for gear if you could make one or two changes? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
- ...
- 8 posts total
- 8 posts total