2. analog
  3. 136368-20221

Please evaluate my system...

Interested in what you guys think of the following and if there are any obvious weaknesses:

- VPI Super Scoutmaster (standard)
- Denon DL103 with Paratrace retip
- Linn Linto phono stage
- Audio Research Ref 3 preamp
- Cyrus APA7.5 Monoblocks
- Focal Scala Utopia III Version 1

Not sure where to take the system next! Thanks, Tim

tim_field
duckworp's avatar
duckworp
262 posts
 
I agree re AC mains. The biggest improvement I ever had was adding a dedicated Hi-Fi ring main from the mains fuse board (I am in the UK). The old house power outlets which connect to the other house sockets remain and sit next to the new dedicated Hi-Fi ones. This means I can easily A/B demonstrate the difference and everyone I do this to is amazed at the difference.

Some say say you need thick cable but I just used standard internal wiring. I found no need for expensive sockets: I put 3 double sockets in the Hi-Fi mains and I tried one soctet with gold plated contacts, and two standard sockets - no difference between the two.

Total cost = £600 ($800). Amazing upgrade.


tim_field OP
17 posts
 
The thread is really useful. Will look up about the mains side of things. Confused about the Michell Gyro SE recommendation this is a fair bit cheaper than my current VPI. What makes you think this needs replacing?
2channel8
760 posts
 
I’m on my way over to your place now. The only way I can tell is to hear it. ;^)
And I'll be glad to remove any component that detracts from the others. ;^)  ;^)
twoch
429 posts
 
I myself would lose the Cartridge  I like  M Coil
 
aalenik
67 posts
 

Tim, It sounds like soundstage is your main concern.  While many things can affect that, I'd focus on power conditioning, speaker placement and room-tuning.

Power conditioning will lower the noise floor.  That allows you to hear more detail, including ambience, and tends to make the soundstage more expansive & realistic. (IMPORTANT -You probably want to exclude your power amp from conditioning.  Most amps sound best 'straight into the wall'.)

Speaker placement can have a profound affect on soundstage & imaging.Quick Tip:  I find that many people use too much toe-in, and that will shrink the soundstage.  When asked, they say they like the 'focus'.  But what I often hear is a compressed soundstage - and depending on the speakers - a bit too much treble.

It's best to start with a pretty good room... if you can.  I recommend restraint in room-tuning.  Too much can make the sound 'dead'. You mostly want to deal with early reflections and bass bumps.

I hope that helps! 

More to discover