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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
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
kevindh's avatar
kevindh
7 posts
 
I'm in a similar boat. Probably a few swipes further down Upgrade-itis path.

I'm working the a Debut Carbon. Added the speed controller. Nice addition. Swapped Red for Blue an hour ago. It's breaking in and sounding great. But like was recently mentioned, Red was not a slacker.
I built an Isolation Table last week.
I think it's about max'd out on potential, especially with classic rock which is what I listen to. I'm running into a Musical Fidelity to B&W 804N.
I'm pondering a new platter and mat. Swapped felt for a thin layer of suede. Can't tell where I am since I've done it all so quickly but can say the system is approaching bliss. Rumors, Strangers in the Night and Aja are reference media. I suppose that would be the advise. Make sure to select solid media that you know inside and out to pick out differences.
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for their advice. As an update…I added the speed control and the Blue a couple of days ago, and it made a nice difference. Much larger soundstage, more detail, and far less distortion and popping/clicking. My Jolida tube phono amp arrived today. I plugged it in, and the first song was just glorious - a HUGE step up from my Vincent. Voices hung in the air, vocals were smooth and realistic… then on to song two: the right channel dropped out completely and I'm returning the Jolida. It sounded awfully nice for 6 or 7 minutes…

I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for all the guidance.

Scott
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 
Which Jolida phono stage did you get--the JD9? Back in early 2011 I read Absolute Sound's rave review of the Vincent PHO-8, which got me interested in upgrading. For the same money or less at the time I got the Jolida JD-9 (but not the new MkII), and reading your report, I'm glad I did.
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
I got the JD 9 MKII with upgrade. I hope that I can get it replaced with a functioning unit without too much difficulty.
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