2. analog
  3. 1140727350

Ideal TT & Arm for the following top cartridges...

Koetsu RS Platinum
Van Den Hul Colibri XGW
Miyabi/47 Labs
Allaerts MC2 Finish

So the search is on. I agree with a colleague's comment that although it is convenient for AB'ing cartridges, my VPI extended Aries (ver. 1, no flywheel, no SDS) with a 12.6 bearing assembly and JMW 12.5 and two 12.6 armwands does not fully show the potential of these cartridges. Certainly I can upgrade to the Aries 3 and add the flywheel and SDS or step up to the TNT line, but considering the performance level of these cartirdges, I do not want to overlook something else.

The Allaerts is enroute so I cannot comment on it yet. But I really like the RSP and Miyabi (the RSP being more refined overall) vs. the VDH for now. It could be a loading issue (now at 250 Ohms) but the VDH, although fast, transparent, detailed and dimensional, it is also lean and uninvolving (I hear the VDH platinum option can address this).

So I would appreciate your recommendations on a TT and Arm combo in the $5k-10k range as used/demo demo pieces that are capable of showcasing the performance potential of these fine cartridges. Feel free to make a single recommendation (arm or TT only) or synergistic combination.

The rest of the system includes the Ear 88pb phono stage, a modded Electron Images MCP-1 and trying a friend's Whest PS 2.0 for kicks (a Wavestream Kinetics phonostage is coming), Bent TX103 step up as needed, First Sound Paramount Mk II pre, Dehavilland Aries 845G monoblocks (NOS tubed), highly modded Coincident Milleniums.

TIA & best regards!
ctm_cra
vetterone's avatar
vetterone
154 posts
 
Ctm and Speedy, I have to second the Brinkmann LaGrange TT. Amazing unit. Besides being a work of art to look at, the details brought forth from those micro grooves in my LP's just make me and my friends shake our heads and smile. From the bass to the top end nothing that I have heard short of a Rockport III will beat it by any real margin. I think it might be a bargain considering what one would need to spend to match it, let alone beat it sound wise. I don't know if a LaGrange would fit your budget but if you could swing it, I doubt you would be looking for another TT any time soon, if ever.

I have tried the Brinkmann TT in my system with a Brinkmann arm. While this might be a great combo, it needs to run with the Brinkmann cart otherwise a mid level mismatch seems to occur. This means that if you like to experiment with different carts, the Brinkmann would not be the optimal arm. I found the Triplanar VII better suited my taste in the dynamics and tonal balance department when using my XV-1s or UNIverse.
jj2468
280 posts
 
Dear Raul,

What is a "phonopreamp DC" and which manufacturers make them?

Thanks. Jeff
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
Raul,of course you are correct regarding the phonostage.The potential problem that exists,is that there are really very few real audio dealers anymore.Many folks get their info on the internet,and that is where many buy from as well.I really don't think there are too many hobbyists overtly concerned with the "phonostage" match,because the subject just doesn't come up that much,as many sellers simply assume the buyer knows this information already!Hence,the usual "hot cartridges of choice" are sold.Of course the syndrome takes on another light,when some time later,the new owner is not totally happy with their sound,not really knowing the actual reason why,and the merry-go-round of buying and selling continues.Then we wake up,years later,after dropping a load of dough on "audio stuff",and begin to understand what really are the important factors in putting together a fine system.Call it an initiation fee,I suppose.

I know NO person who has not gone through this.Myself included! Best!
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rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Jeff: Direct coupled. Between others: Boulder, Ayre, Fm Acoustics, Rowland, etc, etc.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Sirspeedy: Unfortunatelly all is in the " way " that you post.

I think that we are putting the " finger where it hurts " and maybe it is time to make a " stop " in our system race and try to " understand " the PHONOPREAMP " figure/real importance.
A few years ago I I was interested in to have a better phonopreamp but today I already learn that the Phonopreamp is the brain/hearth of the analog system, its importance is unique and unfortunatelly for many of us its validity is a misconception/misunderstood and no know how about.

Well, in my humble opinion ( right Neil ) we have to take a very serious look to the phonopreamp " figure " in the quality music sound reproduction and that with out the right phonopreamp all what we do in the audio chain before it is a waist of time and money.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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