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Upgraditis

I'm sitting in the sweet spot...listening to one of the truly sublime albums of all time...composition, performance and production...Tea For The Tillerman.

Ortofon 2m Blue on a Rega RP3 with ttpsu, groovetracer ref, subplatter, assymeyrical counterweight, white belt.  Cambridge 651p phono stage.  Very happy with it all (subplatter made a phenomenal difference, btw)

just looking for for that bit of atmosphere I've heard in my favorite dealer's sound room.  So where can I find it? Go up to the 2m black?  Phono stage?  Acrylic platter?  Or is it elsewhere in the system?  Odyssey Candela and Khartago extreme into B&W CDM1 SE's. ..mid range audio quest wiring throughout. 

Any my input would be much appreciated.  This system is mighty close to where I'd want to go.  Modest by most standards here, but feels like an old favorite flannel shirt, ya know?
128x128lwal22
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
Before doing any upgrades, you might want to try the less than obvious and get your room under control. After that, then concentrate on anything in the system that vibrates. Micro vibrations smear the sound. Here's some things that work:

1. http://highend-electronics.com/products/shakti-hallograph-1

2.  http://highend-electronics.com/products/synergistic-research-black-quantum-fuses

3. http://highend-electronics.com/products/sr-hft-high-frequency-transformer

4.  http://highend-electronics.com/products/synergistic-research-pht-phono-transducer

5.  http://www.originlive.com/turntable-belts-replacement-new.html

6.  If you have any tubes in the system, check these out:
http://herbiesaudiolab.net/rx.htm

These six tweaks will transform your existing system and take it way beyond your expectations. 

OP
infection's avatar
infection
807 posts
 
As nice as the Cambridge is, it's only a $200 phono stage.

So...his entire system is budget...
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,943 posts
 
So...his entire system is budget...

His system is far from "budget". His table with all the upgrades is pretty decent. He also has a nice preamp and amp. IMHO, a sweet little system that could definitely use a better phono stage.
lwal22's avatar
lwal22 OP
76 posts
 
thanks for all the good input... the consensus seems to be that the Cambridge is a weak point.  I'm going to see what I can find used around 400-500.
Room treatment is intriguing, though I think my room is fairly good as is. 15x 22 asymmetrical, slanted ceiling and effectively damped at 1st reflections.  Also diffused in the corners.  Balance of rug an hardwood.
Equipment well isolated on a good stand with flagstone shelf under the TT.

Wondering about AC power.  I have a dedicated 10 amp line to the system from my panel.  Does anyone have a thought on the effectiveness of improving power cords on a system at this level?

OP.. those are some pretty esoteric devices and a bit out of my budget in some cases. Maybe if my basic system were a bit more sophisticated...
I have the Herbie's platter mat, very effective. I'll give the tube dampers a shot too.  The Rega white belt does make a difference, albeit small.  Do you think OL belt goes further?


oleschool's avatar
oleschool
722 posts
 
jmho i would look at room treatment ,i use gik they are very helpful.It has been one of the biggest sound changes on any system throughout my life.Next would be you phono stage,nice set up though 
good luck ...

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