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!
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- 36 posts total
@noromance - by *Front End* I'm guessing you mean the TT as a whole? Or is the phono stage included in that? I don't want to throw good money after bad buying fancy carts for a problematic TT, but I'm also not sure I'm ready to upgrade it (which I'm guessing would still have me purchasing a new cart as well?). Other folks I've talked to have said that even an entry level pro-ject, u-turn, or rega would run circles around my old Pioneer but I'm somewhat skeptical since my previous table was a modern Audio-Technica AT-LP120 (I know, I know, not the same class) and my vintage Pioneer outperforms that thing on every level. |
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-530.shtml You have a budget system, nothing wrong with that. Other owners of the Pioneer seem to like this TT so keep it for now and upgrade the cartridge/stylus. Definitely the first move to make. Here's a good place to familiarise yourself with cartridges from entry-level to high-end... https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges/cartridges/Moving-Magnet?orde... |
- 36 posts total