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Help a vinyl newbie improve his rig

Hi everyone,

Over the last few months I've been experimenting with vinyl and tubes for the first time, and, well you know the story…I've left my CDs and solid state amps behind and am loving the beauty of analog sound on tube gear. I've got an integrated and speakers that I'm very happy with (Cayin SP10a and Wavetouch Grand Teton Gen2), so I'm looking to take a step or two up the ladder with the turntable and phono amp. Currenly I have a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon and a Vincent PHO-8 phono stage.

So, my guess is that the turntable is the weakest point and that to make a jump in sound I should be looking at 'tables like the Rega RP6, VPI Scout Jr. Clearaudio Concept, etc. From the few reviews I've read, the Vincent seems to be a solid phono stage (even though I'd like a tube phono stage in the future).

I'm not asking for specific recommendations on 'tables, but rather trying to get a feel for the most important first step in upgrading the vinyl sound quality.

I appreciate any thoughts you may have.

Best,
Scott
smrex13
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 
02-16-15: Smrex13
Johnnyb53 -Thanks for the great ideas. I'm going to give the Ortorfon Blue a shot- it's probably a good education for me to change a cartridge.
Well, my point is that upgrading to a Blue doesn't require a cartridge change. You simply pull the Red's stylus out of the cartridge body and plug in the Blue stylus as the replacement. The cartridge body that remains bolted to the headshell stays the same and is identical for the two cartridge models, so you don't need to change that part of it.

The Blue *stylus* is also about $70 cheaper than a complete Blue *cartridge*.
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Johnnyb53 - Ah, I see. Thanks. Is it easy to do? Do I just yank it out? :) I'm sure there's something I need to know in order to change it out so I don't break something. I have a Blue on the way, so I will let you know how things sound. Looking forward to some relatively affordable tweaking.

Thanks again,
Scott
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 
Did you buy just the stylus or the whole cartridge, because the stylus is all you'd need.

As for replacement, it varies with the cartridge design. I suggest you read the instructions first, and if you're unsure of anything call the vendor for how to change it.

Many of them slide in and out pretty easily. You mainly have to be sure you're pulling or pushing at the correct angle for the stylus and cartridge body to slide apart or together.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Once again Johnny offers sound( bad pun),
Solid, common sense approach to an upgrade...and that Blue will be a nice leap..although a recent audition shows the Red is no slouch...former Project owner as well...
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Thanks everyone. I have the blue cartridge coming, and apparently it's quite simple to swap out the stylus. I also ordered the speed control, so we'll see how much of an improvement that offers.

Thanks again!
Scott
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