Analog Front End Next Upgrade

Pangea cords appear to be the weakest link. But what exactly is not good enough, what would you like to improve?

Well, here’s the thing, I can’t really complain about anything in particular with my current setup. I seem to be stuck in this perpetual upgraditis, and I’m wondering what is my weak link now.

Within the past 6 months I’ve upgraded my phono stage from musical surroundings Phonomena II+ to Black Cube SE II, which noticeably lowered the noise floor and improved soundstage focus and detail retrieval. I upgraded from a Hana SL to the MC Scheu SL, and noticed vast improvement in timbre. Most recently I traded out an aries scout for the vpi prime. The improvement was most noticeable in less distortion which resulted in smoother sound and eliminated the last bit of tracing errors I had at the inner grooves.

I think after all these positive upgrades, I want more, and wondering what else I could improve. Would moving to Cardas cygnus cabling offer any improvements (assuming my gear is resolving enough)? I’m also considering trading up to a Lehmann Decade because I think the phono stage may be my weak link. Is there a rule of thumb for order of precedence with analog front end gear?

@cbl117 I tried Audio Sensibility Impact phono cables and wasn't particularly impressed. Music was muddy and not as clear as my Jelco/Mogami 2534 cable. 

I would upgrade the phono first not the cartridge, and this new phono should be able to handle Lyra Delos and Dyna XX that you might get later. What to upgrate to? I think, you could consider starting separate thread while listing all your equipment and preferred sound and taste in music. Some will say go up the Lehmann line, some will recommend Pass or Sutherland, yet other will say to go tubes.

inna, I agree with your assessment about upgrading the phono first.  I'm going to look into exchanging the Black Cube SE II for the Decade.  I think there is more to be had with the Scheu and Prime, and the phono will help to squeeze out that last bit of performance.  

After the phono upgrade, I'm going to look into moving up the Cardas line to Clear Cygnus cables.