2. analog
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advice for my clear audio analogue upgrade path

Ok, I ready to "tighten up" and finalize my analogue front end.  Current set up.
1. Clear Audio Performance DC w/Clarify arm
2. Sound Smith Boheme Moving Iron high out put cart
3. Clear audio Basic + phono stage 

My path is to at some point move to Clear Audio Ovation table, Clear audio Balance + phono and a Sound Smith "The Voice" cart.  
If I do all this one step at a time I'm wondering what you all would knock off in order and WHY.

Cost:
1. Table up grade $3400
2. Phono stage $2100
3. Cart $1800-$2000

GO!
128x128dhpeck
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
@williewonka I'll have to ask how my guy at the dealer sets up the carts
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
@stringreen are you suggesting that my path based on my choice of upgrade levels are so incremental therefore not worth the hassle cost, or are you saying that at some point we all have to sit back and enjoy?  To the latter, I couldn't agree more and perhaps have an "upgrade" bug.
joey54
434 posts
 
I just recently compared the Performance DC, which I own, with the Ovation and the Ovation was dramatically better in every way. If I could afford it I would definitely buy one. Should you go that way I expect you would be very happy for a long time. I have never heard your cartridge though or your phono stage. My test was using the AMG Teatro cartridge and the Aesthetix Rhea phonostage. YMMV. Good Luck!
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
@joey54 interesting.  Did you compare with the same arm/cart also?  If I jump to the ovation, I'll still have my clarify arm and existing sound smith cart (which I have no issues with) on the Ovation.  

It makes sense to solidify the "table" aspect first.
joey54
434 posts
 
Yes it was the Clarify Arm and AMG Teatro cartridge on both. I own the AMG cartridge also.
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