2. analog
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Should I consider a cartridge upgrade?

How "much" cartridge is too much?
Hi All,

I currently am very happy with my VPI Scoutmaster/JMW9/Soundsmith Paua/edensound Terracone footers/Edensound Terrastone platforms for TT and separate for motor/edensound brass damping weights for motor and plinth/Transparent Reference MM2 phono/Herron VTPH-2 analog setup.

I have another year or more before I need my Paua retipped.

I am wondering how much higher I can go with cartridge price/performance with this setup and still reap the benefits of the cartridge? I used a Zephyr Mk II before that, which I love; I did notice a significant improvement going to the Paua.

I know some will suggest just buying a different TT, but this was my late father's table, and I would like to stick with it.

By the way, the current setup sounds awesome, so I will be fine with retipping my Paua and sticking with it if that seems best.

Thanks for your thoughts!
Arsh

Main System:

VPI Scoutmaster, Soundsmith Paua, VPI SDS, Transparent Reference MM2 phono, Herron VTPH-2, Herron IC, Musical Fidelity NuVista CDP, Transparent Ultra MM and Transparent digital cable, Musical Fidelity NuVista 800, Transparent Reference MM2 SC, Wilson Audio Sasha, Transparent Powerbank 8 and Transparent power cords, Terracones and Terrastone platforms, Atacama Equinox rack.

arsh
tablejockey
4,081 posts
 
I have not heard your particular cart, but I'm certain it s consistent with the other upper end SS carts-very lifelike and convincing.
At least that's what I heard in a SS room with Mr. Ledermann playing my records at a show. 
If the rest of my system were up to snuff, along with having a few bucks to throw around, the Strain Gauge is just short of having a stringed quartet in the living room. 

Wouldnt even bother unless I were ready to REALLY move up the food chain $$$

arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks for your suggestions guys. I don't know much about the Walker speed controller. I have read some good things about it though. The sound of the cartridge is indeed very lifelike and convincing. It is very musical. I have not thought much about the strain gauge, because one would have to buy the accompanying preamp. However, I have been seriously thinking about the Hyperion.

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
That is an awful lot of cartridge for that table, but hey, if you have the dough and the desire, why not? I wouldn't recommend putting a $7500 cartridge on a VPI Scout, but then I have been known to do other "crazy" things, like putting a $7500 power cord on a $3000 phono preamp.

This is a crazy hobby, I know of someone who uses $24K speaker cables on his $2K speakers. It's your money, spend it anyway you want!
Have fun, and enjoy the music!!

Cheers,
John
inna
7,923 posts
 
$7500 cord on $3000 phono is crazy, $24000 cables on $2000 speakers is far beyond that.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks John. My turntable is a scoutmaster, with significant modifications primarily in terms of vibration isolation. I have aftermarket footers as well as an aftermarket platform for the turntable itself and a separate smaller one for the motor. I have damping weights on the motor and the plinth. In addition I have very good phono cables on it as well as an upgraded VPI record clamp. Finally I have the S DS speed controller. so, it's a little more than a standard scoutmaster. My purpose in making this inquiry was to get a sense for whether that indeed would be too much cartridge for my table. I appreciate your advice.
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