No idea on your price range, but I would get a ARC phono preamp to match compatibility, appearance and sonics with your existing ARC gear.
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@jaym759 In my studied opinion and personal experience.... I don't use ARC electronics any more (I used to, but moved on), but a lot of people (including myself) think the Herron Audio VTPH-2A is about as good as it gets for a phono stage. Exceptional performance, flexible set-up, outstanding customer service and support. Not the only cowboy in the rodeo, but definitely one of the strongest contenders in any very short list of cost-no-object components. Lots to choose from for a table / arm combo. An easy choice might be a VPI Avenger fitted with an updated VPI arm. A less expensive alternative might be a VPI Prime Signature. If the Prime is chosen, place it on Bear Claw footers or (even better) original Stillpoint cones. Lots of other tables that would perform at the exception level to match the rest of your system. A good cartridge that matches this set-up is a Lyra Delos. As an alternative cartridge(s), other consideration might include Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star or Lyra Etna SL. Again, this is just a short excerpt from a long list of top performers. Your ears need to decide. In the end, it's what gives you the most musical satisfaction. All the suggestions in the world might just provide some ideas rather than a hard-fast list. From a personal perspective, my point of view, there are a LOT of very qualified turntable / arm / cartridge combinations that would make a fine match in your system. But also from that personal perspective and opinion, I don't think you can find anything better than a Herron Audio VTPH-2A at any price. If it were my money (and has been), I'd go with the Herron Audio VTPH-2A phono stage, VPI Avenger and Lyra Delos. But that's just me. YMMV. YOMV. That's MY OPINION. |
You are asking a question that has no answer. Your choice of equipment only tells us a little about you. You like ARC, like tubes, and you either seek value in used equipment or haven't updated perfectly good gear in quite some time. I owned that VS110 until a year ago btw. And I now own a Ref 6 and Ref 150SE. So this meaningless answer is like throwing a dart with a blindfold on after having been spun around like a game of the pin the tail on the donkey. How do you know you will like vinyl? What's you game plan if you don't? If you have to ask such a broad question on a Board like this, how in heck do you plan to set it up correctly? Turntables mean cartridges and cartridges mean set-up expertise. I started out with a $1000 Pro-Ject RPM-5, then went to a VPI Classic and then to a VPI Prime and now I mostly used a hot-rodded restored Thorens TD124. I like to quote Art Dudley who recently wrote that he has a hard time recommending any current era new turntable. I am going to nonetheless venture out on a blind limb and suggest you consider this; http://www.hifigem.com/polytable.html and a Manley Chinook. Why? Well this table is not the sharpest looking but it delivers on sound basic principles. The Jelco arm on this deck is a classic, proven value. I advise all vinyl neophytes to avoid unipivot arms. That means forget about most VPI models. I own a Manley Steelhead and love it, so I am biased in favor of the Chinook. Let me say it again, answering your question is like answering, "what card am I thinking of?" You need to find someone to set up the table for you. You ought to also try and install a wall mount for your new deck unless you have poured slab floors. Good luck. In fact, since I just invested ten minutes, please PM me or report back publicly in this thread about where you end up. |
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