Dodgealum:
I had to chime in on this discussion beacause I have experienced your dilemma. I have a wonderful high resolution system with Wilson Audio Sophias, Audio Research Mono Blocks...etc. I started my analog journey with a basic scoutmaster. The analog source was so profoundly involving that even though I had a fine digital front end, I was listening to vinyl almost all the time. I couldn't believe the Scoutmaster was not resolving enough to provide more information than my digital front end.
I started on the upgrade "journey"......... first the SDS, then the JMW 9 Signature arm, then the center weight and ring clamp , then improved cartridges...and even though I loved the music I was experiencing from my analog front end, being a former classical musician, I knew there was more. I wasn't about to make a significant upgrade without a personal audition, so I started looking around. I was able to audition a wonderful Basis Debut with Vector arm, and the TW Acustic Raven AC and Raven One. The numbers to buy a statement table were intimidating, but I ultimately
acquired a TW Acustic Raven One with Graham Phantom and Dynavector XX2 Mk2.
The experience of listening to my recoeds was a revelation. This was the first time in my audiophile carreer (30yrs) that I actually heard instruments sound the way they did when I was performing. All of the audiophile goodies were there but that wasn't the story.
It was REAL MUSIC. Not perfect, but real. Doug's advice is spot on. Yours is not an issue of a cabinet or shelf or anything else. If the front end dosen't deliver the truth, no tweeks in the world can make it right.
I've been there, I've done it and I can tell you that a first class, high resolution, music making analog front end makes all the difference. There are many fine choices...the two I auditioned were fantastic, I'm sure the Gallibier and Teres are also wonderful. The music is there, it only takes an outstanding front end to sing it or play it for you. I listened to Allison Krause last night......late, dark room, silent house....you know..it was exquisite....truly moving. If you can swing one of these great tables, you'll be thrilled. The RavenOne was about $5000 for the table, and I'm sure others are way beyond. If you can do it, I promise you'll get what you seek. It's a true joy.
Jim
I had to chime in on this discussion beacause I have experienced your dilemma. I have a wonderful high resolution system with Wilson Audio Sophias, Audio Research Mono Blocks...etc. I started my analog journey with a basic scoutmaster. The analog source was so profoundly involving that even though I had a fine digital front end, I was listening to vinyl almost all the time. I couldn't believe the Scoutmaster was not resolving enough to provide more information than my digital front end.
I started on the upgrade "journey"......... first the SDS, then the JMW 9 Signature arm, then the center weight and ring clamp , then improved cartridges...and even though I loved the music I was experiencing from my analog front end, being a former classical musician, I knew there was more. I wasn't about to make a significant upgrade without a personal audition, so I started looking around. I was able to audition a wonderful Basis Debut with Vector arm, and the TW Acustic Raven AC and Raven One. The numbers to buy a statement table were intimidating, but I ultimately
acquired a TW Acustic Raven One with Graham Phantom and Dynavector XX2 Mk2.
The experience of listening to my recoeds was a revelation. This was the first time in my audiophile carreer (30yrs) that I actually heard instruments sound the way they did when I was performing. All of the audiophile goodies were there but that wasn't the story.
It was REAL MUSIC. Not perfect, but real. Doug's advice is spot on. Yours is not an issue of a cabinet or shelf or anything else. If the front end dosen't deliver the truth, no tweeks in the world can make it right.
I've been there, I've done it and I can tell you that a first class, high resolution, music making analog front end makes all the difference. There are many fine choices...the two I auditioned were fantastic, I'm sure the Gallibier and Teres are also wonderful. The music is there, it only takes an outstanding front end to sing it or play it for you. I listened to Allison Krause last night......late, dark room, silent house....you know..it was exquisite....truly moving. If you can swing one of these great tables, you'll be thrilled. The RavenOne was about $5000 for the table, and I'm sure others are way beyond. If you can do it, I promise you'll get what you seek. It's a true joy.
Jim