Got a New CD Player and Now I'm Bummed


Hope to get some help here...I recently added an Esoteric X-03SE to my system the details of which you can see here. I've always been a huge fan of vinyl and have a large collection--many more LP's than CD's. The problem is my digital front end is now WAY better sounding than my analogue set up. (My last CD player, a Naim CDX2, was about on par with my table--better in some areas, not as good in others). I'm finding myself listening to many more CD's while my LP's are dying for attention. I never thought this would happen to me! So, now I'm faced with upgrading my analogue to the point of parity (or better?) with my digital. (Wierd, right?). I could use some suggestions. One limiting factor is the overall height of the new analogue set up cannot be much taller than what I have since it needs to sit on a wall mount shelf that fits inside our entertainment center. So, I need a table/arm/cartridge set up that sounds DRAMATICALLY better than my Scout/JMW9/Dyna 20XM but doesn't need a ton of head room. What do you think I need to spend to get significantly better performance than what I have already? What would you all suggest for a new analogue front end? I'm thinking a Scoutmaster, Sota Cosmos or perhaps going back to an LP 12 with works. Ideas? Thanks!
128x128dodgealum

Showing 1 response by outlier

You might want to try adding Stillpoints under your table. These seem to have a very strong following for providing amazing enhancement to turntable support.

Another idea would be to add a Sistrum support. I recently added one uner my Teres 255. My teres sits on top of an Adona granite slab that has a substrate underneath to better absorb resonance from the granite. Then I have the sistrum between that and another granite slab ontop of a wall mount shelf. I found the wall mount to be a significant step up from any traditonal floor mounted rack, especially because the house I'm in is on a suspended floor. I'd be surprised if your wall mounted shelf is the culprit.

Another suggestion echoing others is to get a new preamp/phono stage. The biggest thread on Audiogon is the Preamp Deal of the Century thread about the Supratek preamp. Getting a Syrah or Chenin from Supratek might really catapult your vinyl to the next level.