2. analog
  3. 131232-76794

Analog Front End Next Upgrade

My analog front end currently consists of:

VPI Prime Turntable
MC Scheu SL Cartridge
Lehmann Audio Black Cube SE II

I'm using Cardas Iridium cables, and everything feeds into an Auralic Taurus MkII headphone amp.  If you had a $2000 budget, what is the weakest link, and what would you upgrade first?

I was thinking about upgrading the cartridge with either a Lyra Delos or Dyna XX-2, but was not sure if the black cube SE II is resolving enough.  The other option I was considering is going with a Lehmann Audio Decade phono stage.
cbl117
williewonka
3,072 posts
 
What IC's are you using from the phono to the amp?
Are you using the standard power cables on the Lehman?

I've found cables make a more noticeable difference on components in this price range

All your front end components are very good. A $2000 upgrade to any of them will not make any significant improvements, but quality cables will.

Take a look at the KLE Innovations web site.

Their gZero20 IC's are superb value (if you are using phono), but even theri gZero6 cables are exceptionally good for the money

Their power cables look to be very good also.

Regards...
cbl117 OP
45 posts
 
I have a 1m long Cardas Iridium Phono cable from table to phono, and 0.5m Cardas Iridium from phono to headphone amp.  

I'm using a PS-Audio dectet power conditioner and Pangea AC-14SE power cords to power the phono stage and headphone amplifier.

Any experience with Audio Sensibility cables?  They seem to be a popular recommendation in the VPI forum.
inna
7,251 posts
 
Pangea cords appear to be the weakest link. But what exactly is not good enough, what would you like to improve?
More to discover