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
I have stock DL103R cart in my system. My soundstage is wall to wall with excellent imaging and detail.

Just for comparison, my system is DL103R on Linn Axis table with Linn Basik tonearm, to Electrcompaniet step up transformer to Audio Research sp16 pre-amp (tube) to BEl Canto Ref1000m amps to OHM Walsh 5 series 3 speakers which has similar lowest impedance specs.

Take a look at the ref1000m amp specs online. You will see where this mates well to the ARC tube pre-amp (100kohm input impedance) and is also well suited to control and  drive the speakers well in that the damping factor is fairly high, which is a big + for the OHMs in particular.  

It’s impossible to know exactly what something will sound like without actually hearing it, but from what you indicate, were it I,  I would very much want to hear what a different amp perhaps better mated to pre-amp and speakers might sound like in your setup. I would expect better detail, more balanced tonality, lower distortion and larger soundstage going in.


Another cartridge, not that the one you are using is bad but a different prospective is always entertaining.

If I was to improve that setup, it would definitely be the front end. 

Michell Gyro SE
Lyra Delos
Parasound JC3+

Denon cartridge and Linn Linto are the weak links by far. 
I agree re AC mains. The biggest improvement I ever had was adding a dedicated Hi-Fi ring main from the mains fuse board (I am in the UK). The old house power outlets which connect to the other house sockets remain and sit next to the new dedicated Hi-Fi ones. This means I can easily A/B demonstrate the difference and everyone I do this to is amazed at the difference.

Some say say you need thick cable but I just used standard internal wiring. I found no need for expensive sockets: I put 3 double sockets in the Hi-Fi mains and I tried one soctet with gold plated contacts, and two standard sockets - no difference between the two.

Total cost = £600 ($800). Amazing upgrade.


The thread is really useful. Will look up about the mains side of things. Confused about the Michell Gyro SE recommendation this is a fair bit cheaper than my current VPI. What makes you think this needs replacing?