2. analog
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Next step?

I am looking for recommendations for improvements to my vinyl front end. I listen to different varieties of music, but mainly rock and jazz. I want my analog front end to rival my digital front end.

My current analog setup is a 90's vintage Systemdek I 960. This is sort of a rega planar 3 clone having a Moth 300 arm but a acrylic platter/subplatter and larger MDF plinth. I am currently using a Dynavector 10x5 cartridge but also have a Linn Adikt. I have re-wired the tonearm with Cardas wire and use a Kimber Tak H cable. I have added Michell tonearm weights and the Riggle VTA adjuster as well as the Herbie audio TT mat.

I have a PS Audio GCPH (Underwood hifi mod) as a phono pre. I use the balanced outs to a Pass XP10 pre and XA 30.5 amp. Speakers are Legacy Focus SE. My digital front end is Linn Akurate DS. I stream flac/wav files from a NAS.

I think I've basically tweaked out my current setup more than any reasonable man should. I was wondering if a new cartridge or a new TT would be the best next step (or both?) and if so how far do I need to go. For example, would a VPI Classic 3 be more of an upgrade than going to a Dynavector 20X2? Or would a Classic 1 or Rega RP6/8 be a significant upgrade? VPI Traveller? Well Tempered? Clearaudio?

I have been ripping vinyl using a HRT Linestreamer which is fantastic. This way I can buy vinyl and listen to it through the TT or stream it from the ripped file depending on the situation.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
128x128karl_desch
jperry
1,408 posts
 
I had a Rega P-25 turntable with a Dynavector 17D3 cartridge. My progression in steps was:

1. Purchase of an older Basis 2000 TT with a Basis modified Rega arm
2. Changing to a Shelter 901 cartridge
3. Changing to a Basis Vector 3 tonearm

One of the most significant changes was the last change to the tonearm. It was a stunning change that I did not expect. I think most in this hobby have made changes to their systems ands said "I think that sounds better", but this was a change where I said, "I can't believe how much better this sounds."

So in short, each of the changes made a difference, that I could hear for the better, but the quantum leap was the Basis Vector tonearm.

I hope you enjoy your quantum leap as much as I have enjoyed mine.

In the meanwhile enjoy all of the small changes along the way.
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch OP
207 posts
 
Jperry, Sounds like a good plan.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
I'd upgrade the table/arm. You are in the vicinity of a Well Tempered Amadeus or Simplex, which would get you an upgraded arm and table. At $2500, you could get both a Simplex and an upgrade at cartridge (20XL if you like the Dyna sound).

Even with the wiring upgrade, I think that the RB300 is probably your weakest link.
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch OP
207 posts
 
Hi Roscoeiii,
I'll be getting an in home demo of an Anvil "Alloy Convertible" turntable on Tuesday. I guess that is one perk of living in Ann Arbor, near Anvil Turntable HQ.

I'll post what I'm hearing with that nice and heavy rig.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Oh, very nice. I am very intrigued by the Anvil.

IIRC, the builder of the Anvil was also using Moerch tonearms at one point, which I have become a huge fan of.

A very cool turntable. Please let us know your impressions.
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