2. analog
  3. 182013-176828

Need advice for upgrading my analog setup

Hello,

I got into records 2 years ago and have been using ProJect Carbon Debut Evo with a Sumiko Rainier cartridge. It has served me great as my first table and a way to see if I would enjoy playing records. Well I do enjoy records. And my dad gave me all of his records too (he's a CD guy but never abandoned his collection when vinyl fell out of vogue).

Anyway, I'm planning to upgrade my entire analog setup and I'm very much a buy once , cry once kind of person. I'm looking at a SOTA Sapphire, Origin Live Zephyr tonearm, and a Soundsmith Zephyr Mk.III cartridge. Is this a good combination? Are there any other combinations of gear in the $6k range I should consider? I try to buy American as much as I can. I've looked at VPI but I like the look of SOTA much more.

Oh and I'm using a Darlington Labs MP-7 phono preamp that I'm happy with and don't plan on replacing.

Thanks for reading and helping me out.

thefrator
grislybutter
3,083 posts
 

the phono stage arguments seems to have descended into a bloody bar fight, I must ask: how about speakers? Do speakers matter more than the phono stage?

 

(I know it's not a "more" type of riddle. But still) 

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 

There are many great phono stages at far less than what some here recommend. Let’s see...the Graham slee Era Gold V....the one Fremmer drooled over...it’s a grand! How about the Ear 834p? How about the pro ject tube box ds2? All raved about in countless reviews. Then there is the ifi phono3....a grand....even the cheap musical fidelity lx lps is a fantastic phono preamp. 

thefrator OP
3 posts
 

I am conscious of the price disparity I am planning between the table, tone arm , and cart AND the phonostage. I'm a younger dude with a lot of life (and audio) ahead of me. So that gives me plenty of time to one day upgrade the phonostage when I see fit and not divert funds away from the deck and cartridge.

I've experienced the benefits of a phonostage upgrade when I went from the Schiit Man 2 to my current Darlington MP-7. Some of my records sounded harsh with the Mani while I haven't encountered such a sound with the MP-7.

safebelayer
66 posts
 

Phono stage will most definitely make a huge difference. Write to Dan Wright of Modwright about a demo price on his PH9x. Super quiet and black background.

grislybutter
3,083 posts
 

serious question: with all the recommended phone stages, what amp/preamps are acceptable choices?

let's say 

Parasound JC3 or any @audioguy85  listed

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