On the fence about Vinyl need a good phono stage for A/B testing

Or what is "the" cartridge for Luxman EQ-500 to be worthy?.

Geek101:

yes, that’s correct. They usually hurt the sound of systems, regardless of what the manufacturer claims. There are threads on this forum where this is discussed in great detail. I usually replace switching power supplies with linear power supplies.

With the iPhono 2 I used three different linear power supplies, the SBooster, a lab Pyramid regulated supply and the Uptone Audio linear supply (it has two outputs which can each be configured for different voltages and used simultaneously) which is like having two units in one. The Uptone costs about $975 but it is definitely the best. I use one now to power my music server which consists of a Mac mini with the SMPS gutted and an iFi iUSB 3.0.

I didn’t intend to change the topic of discussion but I did want to answer your query.

Geek101:

you wrote:
”Or what is "the" cartridge for Luxman EQ-500 to be worthy?.”

I am not the arbiter for such things :) I think my Ana Mighty Sound modified Denon 103r (103.3) sounds much better with it. The Audio Technica ART 1000 simply sounds sublime with the EQ 500 and they bring the best out of each other.

I can only write for myself; stating that fact, I’d probably not go for the EQ 500 unless I was looking at cartridges $5k and above. There are always exceptions :)

Now please note, I’m  writing about myself. If you have a cartridge you love and you feel like the EQ 500 or any stage would do it justice then by all means proceed. This is an individual journey and no one can tell you what you like, although I can think of a few on this forum who will attempt to tell you what you should like and why :)

audiofun, Thank you. This does put things into perspective for me. I appreciate it :).

Geek101:

My pleasure.

I just purchased a Goldnote PH 10 it sounds almost as good as my $7000 rig and is much more versatile !

I have a Luxman CL38U-SE preamp and I can say the phono is outstanding. Dead quiet as the phono has 4 step up transformers. Two for MC high and two for MC low. It uses three 12ax-7 tubes. Art Dudley reviewed it at compared it favorably w/his Shindo preamp. It's currently a rated a Class A preamp. Make sure you get the SE version. Luxman made only 100 units world wide. Also if your looking for a phono the Luxman E-250 is priced around the Parasound JC3+. The 250 also has a mono switch, cart demagnetizer, and a step up transformer. 

cjaronica:

If you don’t mind my asking, what is your $7k stage? Only asking to put your comments about the PH10 into some type of perspective.

Thanks

Clearaudio Balanced Reference

@luxmancl38, Where can I find Luxman CL38U-SE ?. I am only able to find Luxman CL38uC ?.

Again I 2nd, 3rd the GoldNote PH10 read all the reviews, there's like 10+
If it was just one or two but so many have praised this little gem you should at least see if you can hear one. If I remember Positive Feedback reviewed it 3 times in a VERY short time

I went and got myself an used BAT VK-P10SE SuperPak. Going to use the saved coin to upgrade the cartridge and get some good vinyl!.

Down the line I plan to get the Luxman CL38U-SE  / EQ-500 and do some A/B testing with a good cartridge and see if I can actually hear some difference given all things being equal.

Thanks everyone.

cjaronica:

Thank you.

Audio Video Therapy in Nashua NH has one left. Phone is 603-888-9777. They are open Tuesday through Sunday. They carry a big selection of Luxman gear. Just ask for John Rein. 

@luxmancl38, Thank you I left a voice mail.

Does AudioTechnica ART9 be a worthy cart for BAT VK-P10SE SuperPak  and or for Luxman CL38U-SE ?.

thanks

Shouldn't be a problem. I'm using a Dynavector 20 XL-2 LOMC w/my Luxman. Excellent results smooth quiet and dynamic.