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Phono for Ikeda 9TT LOMC

Hi!
I need some advice regarding to the phono stage in my system. My system is currently: VPI Classic TT, Ikeda 9TT cart(0.2mV) , Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL phono(0.4mV, 24db headroom, channel sep. 86db) Dynaudio BM5 mkIII monitors with dedicated volume box.
I am listening to music at usually 40-45% of the max volume (+6db setting on the phono and +4db on the monitors). I am satisfied with that.
But my monitors have way too loud stativ(?) noise. 
How would you improve the performance? 
1st:
I am thinking about to sell the phono and getting a better one. Maybe vintage, used.
Which one would you choose under 1500pounds? Would IT solve the problem?
2nd: 
Get a better PSU for the phono (recommended).
3rd:
Replace the unbalanced cables between the phono and active monitors with balanced xlr-
4th
Replace the studio monitors

Which one would be the best upgrade choice?


--
Simon Milán
128x128korakotta
andrei_nz
192 posts
 
A bit late in the play, but anyway ... I have a 9TT and I struggled to get a phono stage.  Eventually, more out of luck than anything else, I hit on the LCR network type phonos.  So I sought out a Vida or an Allnic.  I currently run an Allnic 1500 and it is a fine match with Ikeda.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Would be nice to hear your opinion on Vida, it's a shame that optional loading for Vida cost extra. 
bukanona
174 posts
 
If to look into the system now weakest component is speakers. 

Although before that you have to find out the reason of noise. Maybe one ground is missing as monitors are active ones - so you can order cheap balanced cables between phono and monitors in music shop to check the result.

If you have skills is always good to find out the source of noise. For that purpose I will use cheap MM phono cartridge with headshell just to be sure.

SUT definitely is good solution for Ikeda.  
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