Phono Amp for new Rega Planar 10 with Apheta 3

At least you know what you want/don’t-want now.  I’m a vinyl addict and feel exactly the same toward digital.  

@mofimadness - all is good :-)

WRT...

Sad, but it happens all the time

Too true - but then there are the people that return to vinyl after many years and the new adoptees from the younger generation.

So all is not lost :-)

@arturgorniak - I’m not an agressive proponent of vinyl and have spent many years fine tuning the various aspects of both the digital sides and more recently the analogue sides of my system.

For me, the real eye opener for both sides was
the introduction of some excellent cables.

I found the cables actually made a significant contribution to the effectiveness of the various components on both sides - to the point where I am unable to tell the difference between them anymore.

However - I do tend to agree somewhat with your statement regarding

it is very difficult for analog to match or outperform digital without spending major $$$$$.

In my case the analogue rig has cost approximately 3 times the amount I spent on the digital rig.

The other factor that works against vinyl is the quality of the actual pressing, as it seems there is no sure fire way of guaranteeing a great product. e.g. Scratches, debris in the grooves, poor cutting techniques etc... Then there is the maintenance aspect of vinyl, which is time consuming.

Whereas with digital, you can ensure that each track is "digitally complete" before playing.

But there is still "something" about vinyl that people are unable to quantify.

That "something" seems to be responsible for the resurgence of vinyl after many years of digital production.

And with todays entry level turntables, cartridges and phono stages it makes vinyl affordable to those wishing to dip their toes into the "analogue pool" if only to appear "COOL".

For me, the vinyl recordings I have (even the older albums) convey a sense of realism. In that they transport me into the venue, regardless of it being a either a live recording or a well engineered studio recording.

I do have a few digital albums that also meets that benchmark, but alas, they are few and far between. But I believe that will be rectified over time.

But - I have to wonder why you initiated this thread to begin with, when you now seemed resigned to abandon further analogue pursuits?

Just curious :-)

Regards - Steve

Steve,

when I started it, I intended to further pursue the analog....Audiogon changed the way you edit your posts so I cannot delete it. Hence the discussion...

"The problem is that I do not want to spend $20k just for my analog front experience to justify it as better"

Your assessment is neither right or wrong. What sounds "better" is up to your ears.

Subjective, like everything audio.

The P10/Apheta setup is a a great combo.
Put through appropriate level downstream gear, some  ears will find it superior to a digital rig. Others will think....meh.

I'll take your table setup with some great pre 1980 records anyday. If you're just playing those new 180 gram reissue "CD's", no surprise your digital setup gets your attention. Naturally, it's a YMMV thing.

I like the ultra/uber digital systems. Perfect sound, convenient. Music at your fingertips.

For me, the unexplained emotional reaction I get playing a near perfect, 1969 Led Zeppelin or a 1958 Ella Fitzgerald just isn't the same when selected from an Ipad.

Your listing for the gear is a great price. Perfect time for someone to acquire a nice piece of equipment, that otherwise may be out of reach$.

Hello all,
I just started using my new Planar 10 with the Aphelion cart. 
I have about 25-30 hrs. on it and LOVE it. It replaced a "supermodded" P-9 with ET air bearing arm that is currently 'kaput' due to clear audio cart broken and sitting on a shelf at Soundsmith (maybe someday he will fix it ???)   
Anyway I am using a Benz Lukaschek PP1 latest version with an expensive hot rodded power supply. So far so good, sounds great. 
If I make any change I think I would opt for the Rega Aura which should match up real well with the Aphelion. 
Does anyone have opinion on the Accuphase phono stand alone phono stages?? my dealer is offering a good deal on a C-27.. should offer a little more gain than the Lukaschek.