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Vinyl System Upgrade Path Recommendations

Hey gang! New to the forum but I’ve been really enjoying reading through old threads. I would be interested in the community’s thoughts on a natural upgrade path for my system.


Current System:

  • Pioneer PL-530 w/ Audio Technica AT 13 Ea
  • Apt Holman Preamplifier
  • Eico ST-70 (using as a power amp, line in)
  • Totem Arros


I listen to a wide variety of genres but with an emphasis on jazz and more recently classical. Overall the system performs well. I’m getting a good warmth for my taste and decent detail.


Moving forward I’d like to pull a little more clarity and separation out, but not create a clinical reproduction. I do dig the warmer sound. I’m also interested in trying to reduce background noise and pops/clicks. I’m already big on cleaning my LPs which has helped a ton, but I’m curious where to invest next.


I’ve also started listing more on headphones (Schiit Jotunheim + Hifiman HE400i) where I notice even more background noise.


So what do think? Better stylus / cartridge? Different TT? Alternative phono stage? Cables… ?


I try to be conservative with my spend (everything I own was purchased used), but I’m not afraid to shell out where appropriate.


Any suggestions? Thanks!



128x128designtaylor
designtaylor's avatar
designtaylor OP
48 posts
 
@glennewdick - Great feedback! Really appreciate the guidance and prioritization. The dollars per result tradeoffs are tricky (and I'm sure personal taste factors in), but your points are well taken. 

I'll probably start with cart, seems like one of the more obvious weak links. The phono stage in the Apt Holman seems to be well regarded by some and certainly made a huge improvement over the integrated one in my Eico, but I'm very curious to hear what an alternative sounds like. 

Better cleaning equipment and basic power management after that. Down the line, new TT, amp, speaker, cables, etc. ;) Rinse and repete. 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,705 posts
 
Start with improving your source. I would dump your front end altogether. If you don’t, noise and clicks and pops will always be an issue.
designtaylor's avatar
designtaylor OP
48 posts
 
@noromance - by *Front End* I'm guessing you mean the TT as a whole? Or is the phono stage included in that?

I don't want to throw good money after bad buying fancy carts for a problematic TT, but I'm also not sure I'm ready to upgrade it (which I'm guessing would still have me purchasing a new cart as well?).

Other folks I've talked to have said that even an entry level pro-ject, u-turn, or rega would run circles around my old Pioneer but I'm somewhat skeptical since my previous table was a modern Audio-Technica AT-LP120 (I know, I know, not the same class) and my vintage Pioneer outperforms that thing on every level. 
donvito
400 posts
 
+1 yogiboy
Replace that old worn stylus. You will be surprised with the improvement a new stylus will make. BTW, you will damage your vinyl with a damaged stylus!
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,411 posts
 
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-530.shtml

You have a budget system, nothing wrong with that. Other owners of the Pioneer seem to like this TT so keep it for now and upgrade the cartridge/stylus. Definitely the first move to make.

Here's a good place to familiarise yourself with cartridges from entry-level to high-end...
https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges/cartridges/Moving-Magnet?orde...



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