Please evaluate my system...


Interested in what you guys think of the following and if there are any obvious weaknesses:

- VPI Super Scoutmaster (standard)
- Denon DL103 with Paratrace retip
- Linn Linto phono stage
- Audio Research Ref 3 preamp
- Cyrus APA7.5 Monoblocks
- Focal Scala Utopia III Version 1

Not sure where to take the system next! Thanks, Tim

tim_field
Your components look very good.
Are you using dedicated circuits for your system?
I start with the AC power and power filtration system including outlets before I move up to the component line.
Don't think it's a dedicated circuit however given the state of mains power wouldn't it be more sensible to get mains regenerators if going this route?

Keith Herron is the best person to contact directly to determine the ease of getting his equipment into the UK.  It's not rocket surgery, but there is a process.
@tim_field 

You have a very nice system and more importantly you like it.

You asked for suggestions so, if I were going to make any changes, I would first upgrade the cartridge. The Denon is a great performer for the price, but there are better, including some made by Denon (DL-S1). If you have a local dealer they might help you with this if they have any demo stock on hand. I like EMT and Ortofon generally, but I don’t know your system or preferences, so you have to let your ears guide you.

I don’t know much about VPI, but among the fans they think the 3D arm is great, so you could consider changing to that if you don’t already have one.

If you like the Linn phono preamp keep it. You could try some others to see if you can find something you like better. Sounds like you are in the UK, so I would buy something that could be serviced in the UK. There are many good phono preamps out there, you just need to try some to see if you like them better than your Linn.

I would make any changes one at a time and take some time to evaluate each change so you have a baseline for any future changes.

Best Regards,

Jim Perry
All good stuff. What aspects of the sound do you find lacking?

Off the cuff, have not heard that amp but on paper its input impedance is on the low side for use with a tube pre-amp. 60Kohm input impedance or higher ( a common rating for amps designed to work well with tube pre-amps) would likely yield better dynamics and less distortion. Also I would probably think twice about using a zero feedback amp (higher output impedance) with speakers that dip below 4 ohm impedance at some frequencies despite 8ohm nominal rating.

So teh overall integration of amp/pre-amp/speakers is worth considerations and some discussion and might be improved if you find there are issues with dynamics, detail and/or tonality.

Also of course worthwhile making sure speakers are set up well? Enough distance from walls to avoid early reflections that obscure detail? Isolated from floors perhaps if fllors are not a solid foundation rather suspended plywood? Fat or too much mid bass that obscures mid-range detail would be an indicator of that.