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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
nkonor
635 posts
 
designtaylor,

I lived in Juneau, AK. Talk about Limited amount of shops available. You have some shops. Get to know them, What gear they carry, What services they can provide and get a feel as to whether you can trust and work with them. Brick & Mortar shops are getting scarce. I live in Chicago now. Have 5 High End shops within an hour drive, more if I am willing to drive 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I do not like every shop and their owners. Music Direct is about 40-45 minute drive. Still with all these resources, there is a lot of gear that none of them carry. Service and gear they carry has been on a downward spiral for years. Axpona is held in April. 

While surfing thur the threads this morning, I spotted mention of the "Lone Star Audio Fest". You live in Austin, TX. The Fest is held in Dallas, TX. Will be held May 3,4 and 5, 2019. My mapping says it is a 197 mi drive, 2hr 49 min - Tolls required.

One last thought about your Source / Records. Whether it is your current TT rig or a 20,30,40 K rig, You will use the same records.

Best
designtaylor's avatar
designtaylor OP
48 posts
 
@kahlenz - I've been looking at th4 Mani. I'm very happy with the headphone amp I have from Schiit and the reviews on the Mani are outstanding. At $130, gotta be worth a try. 

@nkonor - Thanks for the info on possible events to attend. I will get those on the calendar. Used to live in Chicago myself. Winter is coming ;) 
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,463 posts
 
Record cleaning should be the last thing you think about.  The difference between a clean record with just a wipe from a  microfiber cloth and a fancy vacuum system is minimal.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,463 posts
 
A good headphone with a dedicated amp offers sound that rivals multi-thousand dollar speakers.  ...a great way to get excellent sound on the cheap.
designtaylor's avatar
designtaylor OP
48 posts
 
@stringreen - I've been really enjoying my Hifiman HE400i with Schiit Jotunheim amp. The sound is strong, acurate, and exciting. But I still enjoy listening to speakers a little more. 
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