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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
 
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.
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 
02-25-15: Smrex13
I got the JD 9 MKII with upgrade. I hope that I can get it replaced with a
functioning unit without too much difficulty.
Depending
on who your vendor is, it shouldn't be too much of a hassle, and the unit
makes great sound, especially for the money. Could just be a bad or loosely
seated tube, or a loose wire.
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