2. analog
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Next step?

I am looking for recommendations for improvements to my vinyl front end. I listen to different varieties of music, but mainly rock and jazz. I want my analog front end to rival my digital front end.

My current analog setup is a 90's vintage Systemdek I 960. This is sort of a rega planar 3 clone having a Moth 300 arm but a acrylic platter/subplatter and larger MDF plinth. I am currently using a Dynavector 10x5 cartridge but also have a Linn Adikt. I have re-wired the tonearm with Cardas wire and use a Kimber Tak H cable. I have added Michell tonearm weights and the Riggle VTA adjuster as well as the Herbie audio TT mat.

I have a PS Audio GCPH (Underwood hifi mod) as a phono pre. I use the balanced outs to a Pass XP10 pre and XA 30.5 amp. Speakers are Legacy Focus SE. My digital front end is Linn Akurate DS. I stream flac/wav files from a NAS.

I think I've basically tweaked out my current setup more than any reasonable man should. I was wondering if a new cartridge or a new TT would be the best next step (or both?) and if so how far do I need to go. For example, would a VPI Classic 3 be more of an upgrade than going to a Dynavector 20X2? Or would a Classic 1 or Rega RP6/8 be a significant upgrade? VPI Traveller? Well Tempered? Clearaudio?

I have been ripping vinyl using a HRT Linestreamer which is fantastic. This way I can buy vinyl and listen to it through the TT or stream it from the ripped file depending on the situation.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
128x128karl_desch
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
I'd upgrade the table/arm. You are in the vicinity of a Well Tempered Amadeus or Simplex, which would get you an upgraded arm and table. At $2500, you could get both a Simplex and an upgrade at cartridge (20XL if you like the Dyna sound).

Even with the wiring upgrade, I think that the RB300 is probably your weakest link.
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch OP
207 posts
 
Hi Roscoeiii,
I'll be getting an in home demo of an Anvil "Alloy Convertible" turntable on Tuesday. I guess that is one perk of living in Ann Arbor, near Anvil Turntable HQ.

I'll post what I'm hearing with that nice and heavy rig.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Oh, very nice. I am very intrigued by the Anvil.

IIRC, the builder of the Anvil was also using Moerch tonearms at one point, which I have become a huge fan of.

A very cool turntable. Please let us know your impressions.
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch OP
207 posts
 
Hey Roscoeii,

I've spent a little over a week with the Anvil. It is a fantastic turntable. Very straight forward and incredibly heavy without taking too much space. I started a thread on Vinylengine if you would like to see pictures. The demo unit I have has Stillpoints Ultra SS as footers and another Stillpoints vibration device on the armboard.

Bruce provided a Roksan Nima with a DL103. I have been swapping with my modded RB300 and AT OL9 MLII.

I think this table would not hold back any cartridge or arm combo. I would also love to hear it with a Moerch.

My only complaint is a functional one. The silk suture that serves as the turntable belt is a bit finicky on the demo model. If it gets twisted a certain way it will come off the platter. Takes a while to hear this actually as the table continues to spin for a long time. This has only happened a couple times.
Bruce of Anvil, who was kind enough to set up the table in my system, told me the actual production model holds onto the belt better and thicker suture or even rubber belts are an option.

I'll let you know if I decide to go with the Anvil.

-Karl
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