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Help me pick a phono, pre and cart

Hi all,
My WF spending restraints are going away so I’m going to upgrade my system.
I primarily play CD, but also have an MMF-5 with Glass platter, Golding GX1022 cart going through a Clear Audio Nano to Ayre Ax-7e to Sig 2 Ce’s.

This year I’m going to Quatro CT’s and upgrading my vinyl pre and source side. Next year I’m upgrading my main pre and power amp.

I’m looking for help in picking a phono player pre and cart. My musical taste is pretty wide: female vocals, rock, blues, jazz; not much classical on vinyl. Think Amy Winehouse/Cold Specks/Pixies/Weezer/Jeff Beck/Johnny Winter/Winton Marsalis and Maynard Ferguson for you other old timers. LOL
My budget is about $8-10k

Right now my main thoughts are VPI Prime Scout or Prime with Grado Statement series cart, and an Ayre Px-5e pre.
In addition to specific item recommendations, I’m very interested in how to split the budget item wise. In other words more or less on player vs cart vs pre, I.e. Scout with Statement2 or Prime with Reference2 for example. Or go higher than 20-30% on the pre?
I lean towards spending the most on what’s least upgradeable - sorry if that’s too general or obvious.
Thanks much
Jim

jetson
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I was into tubes for some time, now even more happy without them. 
First Watt gear is excellent, i am happy that i replaced my expensive (nearly $3k) tube amp with First Watt F2J and First Watt B1 preamp. 

I think Raul is right about the tubes, i must confess.
Been into rare vintage NOS tubes and new tubes. First Watt F2J killing it with details, resolution, sound stage! 

I believe there must be a very nice tube amps, but it's a pain in the ass as the life of the tube is short and if the amp contails too many of them it's not the best idea (practically). 

Everyone should check and read more about First Watt products, even tube lovers. My advice is to audition them to compare to your tube amp. 

P.S. I do not listen to digital at all, vinyl only.  
bpoletti
1,554 posts
 
@clearthink   +5





atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,896 posts
 
@chakster Just a FWIW: we get about 10,000 hours out of our power tubes and warranty all the tubes in our gear for a year.
This thread is about phono gear however, not power amps.
analogluvr
859 posts
 
 Another very very happy Herron phono stage user here.
The only reason Raul is so against Tubes is because he designed a solid-state phono stage. I am another one that thinks that Tubes sound like music with soul and ss is good for power supplies. 

 Although I haven't heard his full function preamp I think you would also be quite happy with atmospheres MP one.    By all accounts a great line stage and phono stage in one box. I also think the ART 9 suggestion is a very good one. 
I would also consider the new techniques if I were you. Just take your time, listen to lots of stuff and enjoy the process.Oh and don't listen to Raul. 
bpoletti
1,554 posts
 
@analogluvr   +5

I have owned Herron Audio equipment since it was first made available.  All my electronics are from Herron Audio including his exquisite amps.  Oh, wait....  Not the digital transport.  

Raul who?
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