Turntable and cartridge setup known for a marvelous bottom end.


I could use some advice. I am thinking on upgrading my Pro-Ject Classic turntable and Hana SH cartridge. My speakers are Monitor Audio Gold 300's. They go down to 30 which isn't quite a subwoofer spec, but because they are so darn close, I really don't want to complement them with one.

 

What I am thinking is rather that getting a sub, with your help I would upgrade my turntable setup with a turntable and cartridge that has been proven to have a wonderful bottom end.

So far my only guides have been the end of year rating in the audiophile magazines. For the most part these guides are over the place.

The only turntable that shows up in all the audiophile magazines is the very affordable Rega P-10. They all report that it is a splendid turntable, but not once have I heard of anyone marveling over its bottom end. I'd like to keep the $$$ down to around 10 grand. Thanks for your help.

 

The phono stage is Parasound JC3+ going to a Benchmark LA 4 pre-amp to a Benchmark AHB2 power amp.

Thanks

 

marshinski15

I like the Technics 1200G and the Pickering XSV 3000.  Nice analog sound with very good bottom end.

I am not sure you have asked a "good" question, but my Stanton 981LZS has particularly excellent bass clarity and downward extension.  Really, low bass in the room will depend upon many many other factors, besides the cartridge and TT, not the least of which is the tonearm.

+1 @lewm 

i too was hesitant about a sub. My speakers are supposedly down to 20hz. It wasn't until I added a sub that I got the bass I was looking for. My point is, just because the specs say so doesn't mean it produces it at a level that you like. You will need to do more than change TT's & cartridges. Bite the bullet and get a  Rel sub which integrates very good and enhances your speakers output as well. Just my opinion

 

If you really want a terrific bottom end it doesn'y cost anywhere near ten grand but it does involve 4 subs. $3k will get you there easy. And I know, because I have that terrific bottom end- both the speakers and the cart/turntable. Which by the way you left out the other key ingredient, the phono stage. 

I just upgraded from Koetsu Black Goldline / Herron VTPH2A to Soundsmith Strain Gauge and it is head and shoulders better in every way except the bottom end. Koetsu/Herron simply was fabulous. Will be upgrading the power supply to hopefully get me there. 

This is all by way of explaining everything matters. You could get my Koetsu/Herron, we know it produces absolutely superb bottom end. With just your two speakers however you will hear only a fraction of it. I know. My Moab have superb bass. Probably because the woofers are so far apart. "Distributed" being the key word in Distributed Bass Array. Even so, turn on the subs, it is a whole different experience. Not so much because "more" but mostly because better.

If you go this route do yourself a favor and disregard the "get a sub" people. One sub, or even two, only worth doing if en route to four. Do your research. You will find the only ones arguing with that have no experience on which to argue. While every single one of us who has a DBA knows.

Hopefully you can take all that put it together and figure out what will work for you.

Wow I appreciate all the return comments. I picked up the Pro-Ject Classic at Music Direct, in Chicago. It’s about a 40-minute drive from me. I had Music Direct remove the Sumiko Blue Point #2 and Install the Hanna. The tech worked on it for over an hour so I have always assumed it was mounted correctly. The only place I have for a sub is on a side wall close to the seating. The front of the 16 by 16 foot room is completely filled.

The problem to answering a lot of these questions back to me is that I have jumped the gun. I have up- graded the whole system from just an AVR receiver to all separates and the only equipment I have received so far, are the GeerFab Audio D.BOB Digital Breakout Box, and Innuos Zenith.

The Benchmark equipment is next week, and the Parasound JC 3+, who knows. I should have waited till I had the whole new setup before I asked for advice. I can be a dunce at times.

I can only imagine that once I hear the Hana going to the Parasound to the Benchmark Pre amp and power amp, I will probably orgasm.  But then again, I still would love thoughts on the best set up 10 grand can buy. 

Right now, the Pro-Ject Classic goes to a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 then to my AVR Dennon 45H for amplification.