@ctor
Agree that perhaps it’s time to look at a newer amp to replace that Bryston. I think a lot of amp makers have made great strides in sound quality over the last 15-20 years, including Bryston themselves! Unfortunately the prices have gone up, up up too. I absolutely love my new VAC 200iQ mono amps, they sound like magic, but the price is up there in "firstborn" territory.
Yes, also agree a good SUT can make for an excellent half of the phono stage equation.
There was some interesting discussion a year ago - I forget where, here or audio asylum - on the pros/cons of inverted bearings. I think some of that was specifically around the VPI TNT tables. That would be good to peruse before making a decision there. You should also of course examine the condition of your existing bearing. Steve Leung of VAS (known for pretty intricate cartridge repair and manufacturing) has shared on his Facebook page photos specifically of VPI tables with extremely worn ball bearings that he’s repaired lately. Looked pretty scary, tbh. But if your bearing is damaged than a repair or replacement should make a huge improvement in playback for relatively low investment. I think Steve uses a TNT, actually. You might ask him for advice - he seems exceedingly knowledgeable.
Agree that perhaps it’s time to look at a newer amp to replace that Bryston. I think a lot of amp makers have made great strides in sound quality over the last 15-20 years, including Bryston themselves! Unfortunately the prices have gone up, up up too. I absolutely love my new VAC 200iQ mono amps, they sound like magic, but the price is up there in "firstborn" territory.
Yes, also agree a good SUT can make for an excellent half of the phono stage equation.
There was some interesting discussion a year ago - I forget where, here or audio asylum - on the pros/cons of inverted bearings. I think some of that was specifically around the VPI TNT tables. That would be good to peruse before making a decision there. You should also of course examine the condition of your existing bearing. Steve Leung of VAS (known for pretty intricate cartridge repair and manufacturing) has shared on his Facebook page photos specifically of VPI tables with extremely worn ball bearings that he’s repaired lately. Looked pretty scary, tbh. But if your bearing is damaged than a repair or replacement should make a huge improvement in playback for relatively low investment. I think Steve uses a TNT, actually. You might ask him for advice - he seems exceedingly knowledgeable.