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Heavy Kit / Power Supply upgrade for Nottingham?

I have been so happy with my new Nottingham Spacedeck that I am contemplating the Heavy Kit and Power Supply upgrade. If I had known how well the Nottingham would work in my system I would have bought the Hyperspace. (had no way to audition Nottingham TTs so bought it based on what I had read) The upgrades are a bit pricey but after 3 months with the Spacedeck, I don't think I will be putting any more money in digital for some time. The Spacedeck is way more fun than my old ARC transport / DAC 1 which I let go.

My system is comprised of the following components which were purchased used over the last few years, except for the Nottingham:

ARC PH2 phonostage
ARC Ref 1 Preamp
Soundlab Dynastat Speakers
2 Golden Tube Audio SE-40s vertically bi-amped.

I am torn between upgrading the GTA amplifiers to Rogue M-120 monoblocks or doing the turntable upgrade. My listening room is small and don't really feel the need for more power but I think I need balanced in amps to take full advantage of the ARC Ref 1.

So do I do the turntable upgrade first or the amp upgrade? I can audition the Rogue monoblocks in my system but not the Spacedeck upgrades. The Spacedeck upgrade would be a leap of faith. (but then so was the Spacedeck purchase) Any ideas?

vannorm
caterham1700
271 posts
 
I'd first go for the psu upgrade and then take some time researching your amplifier decision.
Bypass the "heavy kit" entirely.It changes the character of the deck from rhythmic to sonambulent.For hifi squids only.
jimbo3
304 posts
 
I'd look into amps- all tube or hybrid with a bit more power, small room notwithstanding. I, too, have Dynastats and they do like a bit of power as one might expect with electrostats. Currently have an upgraded Counterpoint SA-220 (along with an all-tube Audible Illusions pre)which seems to work very well. On the off-chance that you happen to be in the San Antonio area, you'd be be welcome to drop in.

Regards
Jim
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Hey, Ken Caterham is alive! Hmmm, I'm going for a power supply upgrade for my TT next month, GW. I would look at Ridgestreetaudio's system before you think of changing amps. He's got a pair of heavily modified SE-40's and made his own TT. Robert makes great cables and also modifies gear. You might want to talk to him about modding your power amps:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1058201145

What is a hifi squid?
doodledog
29 posts
 
An Audio Asylum inmate recommended the Mystic Mat for Nottingham TT's. His dealer, Definitive Audio, had them made and sold them for ~$150 at that time. Somewhat similar to the heavy Kit platter in that it's carbon/graphite but much thinner/less expensive. Now that the Mystic is imported to the US, it's $300.
caterham1700
271 posts
 
If you're mainly considering a high performance platter mat, take a look at the Boston Design's Mat 1.
My experience to date on several other decks has been very positive.I suspect it would be an excellent adjunct to a Spacedeck.
Unlike other mats I've tried,it doesn't alter the spectral balance nor destroy pace and flow, upping fine resolution and detail but without hifi artifice.msrp US$195.

http://www.boston-audio.com/
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