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Vinyl System Upgrade Path Recommendations

Hey gang! New to the forum but I’ve been really enjoying reading through old threads. I would be interested in the community’s thoughts on a natural upgrade path for my system.


Current System:

  • Pioneer PL-530 w/ Audio Technica AT 13 Ea
  • Apt Holman Preamplifier
  • Eico ST-70 (using as a power amp, line in)
  • Totem Arros


I listen to a wide variety of genres but with an emphasis on jazz and more recently classical. Overall the system performs well. I’m getting a good warmth for my taste and decent detail.


Moving forward I’d like to pull a little more clarity and separation out, but not create a clinical reproduction. I do dig the warmer sound. I’m also interested in trying to reduce background noise and pops/clicks. I’m already big on cleaning my LPs which has helped a ton, but I’m curious where to invest next.


I’ve also started listing more on headphones (Schiit Jotunheim + Hifiman HE400i) where I notice even more background noise.


So what do think? Better stylus / cartridge? Different TT? Alternative phono stage? Cables… ?


I try to be conservative with my spend (everything I own was purchased used), but I’m not afraid to shell out where appropriate.


Any suggestions? Thanks!



128x128designtaylor
designtaylor's avatar
designtaylor OP
48 posts
 
@islandmandan  - thanks for your note. You make a good point that to really know where there's room for improvements ruling out the media is a great first step. I use the groovewasher system on a daily basis and the Spin-Clean for more problematic LPs. 

@glennewdick - yeah, I've been interested in trying a new cart to see how it alters the sound, @Otofon blue has been recommended numerous times as a quilty, but not crazy spendy, option. s

@mr_m  - seems like an outboard phono stage would also be fun to mess around with. I've been shopping those as well from the very direct Rega Phono Mini or Schiit Mani, to more complex and configurable things like the Puffin Phono DSP. 

@lowrider57 - I don't know anything about power conditioning. I'll have to get up to speed on that. 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,711 posts
 
It’s time to replace that 40 year old cartridge. Are you using the original stylus?
designtaylor's avatar
designtaylor OP
48 posts
 
@yogiboy - I believe it was swapped by the original owner, but not sure how much time it's done. That's a few votes for a cart upgrade. 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,711 posts
 
You should start with the stylus replacement. The stylus life on cartridges is at most about one to two thousand hours! Here ya go!

https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATN13EALP.html
designtaylor's avatar
designtaylor OP
48 posts
 
@yogiboy - ah right, just the stylus, that's good value, thanks! 
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