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Which to upgrade first: Turntable or Phono Preamp
Hi, I just recently got back into vinyl about 8 months ago after switching to digital 30+ years ago. My current setup is as follows:
- Pro-ject Classic Turntable
- Hana ML cartridge
- Vincent PHO 701 phono preamp
I'm very happy with the Hana, but am thinking about upgrading either the turntable or the phono stage. Although I'm not entirely unhappy with the current setup. Just going through some upgrade fever I guess. The question I have is which one do you think I should upgrade first: Turntable or the Phone stage?
I'm thinking about the Clearaudio Concept turntable and the PS Audio Stellar phono stage, but I'm open to suggestion. I'm hoping to spend under 3k on either.
Anyway, the real question is whether anyone thinks which upgrade will give me more bang for the buck: Turntable or Phono stage?
Thanks very much in advance.
- Pro-ject Classic Turntable
- Hana ML cartridge
- Vincent PHO 701 phono preamp
I'm very happy with the Hana, but am thinking about upgrading either the turntable or the phono stage. Although I'm not entirely unhappy with the current setup. Just going through some upgrade fever I guess. The question I have is which one do you think I should upgrade first: Turntable or the Phone stage?
I'm thinking about the Clearaudio Concept turntable and the PS Audio Stellar phono stage, but I'm open to suggestion. I'm hoping to spend under 3k on either.
Anyway, the real question is whether anyone thinks which upgrade will give me more bang for the buck: Turntable or Phono stage?
Thanks very much in advance.
63 responses Add your response
I wouldn't start with upgrading the phono stage first, as it will unveil flaws up the chain (cartridge, tonearm and turntable). Your plan to incrementally upgrade will be out the door. I will not name which brand and model. Your cartridge is a good one and can be the last component to consider upgrading. I would upgrade the turntable first. Whenever you upgrade a component, always choose the best you can afford. You should hear incremental improvement in SQ. Live with the improved SQ for a period of time. Perhaps you won't need to upgrade for a little while. When you're feeling the itch and start to hearing the limitation of your system again, upgrade your phono stage next. |
Love the Vincent pho-701!!!.... just bought a Stellar phono to try. OP...I definitely would be interested in a follow up from you if you move away from the Vincent. I have tried quite a few phono stages (some much more expensive)...and none have surpassed it in my system....to my ears. To me ....the 700 and 701 are giant slayers! |
Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I might be leaning towards phono stage first. Part of the reason is that I don't have a lot of understanding of how much does a turntable matter. In my mind, the cartridge matters more than a turntable in terms of SQ, as long as the TT has reasonably low noise level and tracks well enough. But I can be wrong. I have heard about Herron. Seems to have some good reviews in this forum. I will give it a serious look. I do like the PS Audio 30 days home trail. Fairly low risk. Thanks! |
You guys stop pushing this Herron/PS Audio/whatever you got on every occasion. Your credibility suffer. There are many phono stages under $3k, especially if used is acceptable but even if only new. You don't even know the rest of the man's system and his sound preferences, why the hell do you jump with recommendations ? |
Get the Herron. What I have, fabulous, highly recommended. Only reason I didn't, a bit above the OP budget. Probably if side by side it would come down to one is pure tube (and triode at that!) the Herron does use JFET. I think. Something SS in there. So just that little hint, vs pure tubey magic. Total keeper either way. Next step up from there would probably be SG1. |
Here's my thinking on this. Upgrading the turntable at this point will tell you nothing about your phono stage. However, upgrading your phono stage will allow you to hear if there are any problems with your turntable/arm combination much better. Go for the phono stage. Get the best you can afford. The Hana is a really nice cartridge. Can't help you with what phono stage, as I'm looking at them too, but I have 3 on my short list so far. The PS Audio Stellar Phono on the low end, the Parasound JC 3+ in the middle, and the Herron VTPH-2A on the upper end. Good luck. |
The Vincent will be a baby step and the Concept will be a lateral move. Thin gruel for the money. The Decware ZP3 will be a huge leap forward, and well within budget even if you do need to get the SUT for your Hana. Lifetime warranty, perfect for what may well be a foundation component you will keep many years, if not decades. https://www.decware.com/newsite/ZP3.htm |
