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Questions - returning to analog

I have some basic questions and am seeking some recommendations:

I am steadily upgrading my old college system (Yamaha receiver, Von Schweikert monitors, Sony CD changer), and have now running purchased Maggie 3.5's driven by Plinius 8200 integrated w/ internal MM phono stage, HHB pro recording CD for digital.

I have not yet upgraded my analog gear. I have an old Technics SL-BD20, and as an interim step before buying a better 'table have purchased a new cartridge on the cheap (due to Technics P-mount arm).

Question 1: New cart has much better high end than old Shure M94P, but also a lot of sibilance especially with cymbals. Hi-hats sound like spitting, breaking glass. What causes this? When I increase tracking, sibilance seems to reduce...but sound is less animated, seems muted and strained. It is currently unlistenable and am not ready to use it as a frisbee yet.

Question 2: I'm on a budget. When I upgrade, what's a good 'table / tonearm / cartridge that won't set me back too much, but will provide enduring listening benefits?

Have seen MMF-1's and other entry-level models used on Audiogon at reasonable prices. But I am also curious if biting the bullet for MMF-5, Rega, VPI or similar tier would be a better long-term purchase.

I also love the look of the Basis 1400 and have heard some good things about them, but am more interested in realistic sonic matching with my other components...despite that really cool acrylic plinth.

Thanks in advance for all your responses, Audiogon has never failed to provide me real-world, meaningful suggestions. But I'm really afraid this is starting to turn into an obsession...LOL

Tim
timwat
macdonj's avatar
macdonj
118 posts
 
Tim,

I'll 3rd Basement's recommendation. I really like my HW-19 Jr. Vinyl is a second source for me, but I bought the 19 because it is upgradeable. While I don't think I'll ever want vinyl playback to progress to the TNT, Master Reference or Simon Yorke level in my system, the Jr has some room to grow.
twl
3,251 posts
 
I would heartily recommend the TERES AUDIO turntable line. It is higher priced than REGA 25, but is one hell of a TT for the money. For $1350 for the TT, and about $250 for a RB250 arm, and the cart of your choice, you have a top-end contender, with room to upgrade. The TT can be upraded to lead shot-filled bases and platters. The RB250 can be upgraded with the Origin Live Mods, which transform the arm into a real great one. Add a Heavyweight, and a Incognito wiring kit, and you've got it. A rig like this would be competitive with tables costing well over $5k. It would cost you about $2k-$2.5k with all the mods. Plus cartridge. But you could get started real well for $1600. I have a TERES TT, and alot of really high-end TT owners would freak out if they heard how good this thing sounds for $1350. And it looks super too. It looks almost exactly like a Clearaudio Reference. And I think it sounds at least as good, and maybe better than the Clearaudio Reference at $6k. It's all acrylic, with a 2.75" thick clear acrylic platter, a huge, ultra-close tolerance bearing, Stand-Alone DC motor with microprocessor controller. Just beautiful. Check out their website, at www.teresaudio.com
timwat OP
132 posts
 
I just purchased a VPI HW19 MK. II, with a Rega RB600 arm for $700 in perfect condition. Also, it ends up the Plinius is set up for hi output MC cartridges, so I have my eye on a used Dynavector 20X-H which is priced the same as their 10x4.

Some of the tables mentioned (Oracle Delphi, Teres) are just astounding, aesthetically speaking. I just couldn't justify making the additional jump up in expense to buy one of those works of art, but I am very pleased with the VPI and my records have never sounded better.

Thanks again for everyone's input and help. Of all the audiophile forums out there, the analog folks on Audiogon have consistently provided the best, most insightful and accurate advice. I'm very grateful.

Tim
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