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Upgrades to Analog System

Hoping to get some thoughts/advice on upgrade to current analog system. Current setup is

Avid Reference turntable
Sme v tonearm
Dynavector xv1s cartridge
Aesthetix Rhea phono stage (basic not signature)
Marantz pm11s2 integrated amp
Focal 1007be speakers
Rel b3 sub
Hydra 8v2 (everything except sub)
Hydra v2 (sub)

I've been generally happy with the system but there is always room for changes. When I purchased the Rhea 2yrs I had planned to do the signature upgrade. Now I'm debating on whether to spend $3 grand on signature upgrade on purchase new phono stage in the 5-7k range (would sell the rhea). The Avid Pulsare II phono stage is on my list.

Any thoughts on rhea upgrade vs another phono stage would be much appreciated. I'd also like to hear any advice on where $5-7k could be spent making other changes to the system if phono stage change isn't going to make a much of a difference.

Thanks in advance.
marlonrsmith
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Agree w Syntax that the Rhea can be bettered at that price. The Signature w NOS tubes was easily bettered by the following head to head- Manley Steelhead and ZYX Artisan into the line stage of a Doshi Alaap, and also by VAC Ren II and Doshi Alaap (both used full function). Analog front end was Teres/Triplanar/ZYX Universe. Downstream components Doshi modified Lectron JH-50 and B&W N802Ds. All 5 or 6 of us (can't quite remember who all was there) agreed that the Rhea did not measure up to the others and that the Doshi was the best, but opinions on the order of the three in-between varied. At least that's the way I remember it from several years ago.
agiaccio
147 posts
 
You should look at upgrading your Marantz before touching your analog setup.
lewm
13,021 posts
 
I agree with Syntax. Rhea was a bit disappointing to me, altho I heard it in someone else's system. I have also heard the Signature version, in the same system, and it is a lot better. However, the cost of the upgrade might not be justified, since by selling your Rhea and saving the $3K, you could buy a very nice alternative, especially if you are willing to consider used units. Manley, Lamm, Audio Research, Atma-sphere, Pass, Coincident, Artemis, etc, etc. In the end, it's a crapshoot until you find your own Nirvana, but I think you are justified in your dissatisfaction with the "plain" Rhea.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I think you would realize an incredible upgrade if you changed to a Prima Luna Integrated or mono blocks with a prologue three. These are very affordable new! And I think otherwise your system is Awesome!

Matt
marlonrsmith OP
2 posts
 
Thanks all for your responses. I picked up the Avid Pulsare II. Very nice phono stage. Super quiet. Power. I then went back to the Rhea. Certainly not as quiet, but the soundstage had more depth and the music was enjoyable. Not that the Pulsare wasn't enjoyable but this helped confirm for me that I actually like the Rhea. Will likely upgrade to the signature, but I am also going to try some the suggestions from above and check out alternative pre / power amps - I still like integrateds but will give some separates a try. Will post the forum on my evaluations.
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