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Dedicated Vinyl system next upgrade?

Hi. I love my system. I really do. I love vinyl and listen to vinyl nearly exclusively via “appointment listening”. I do Sometimes stream and listen while I walk or while working but I love just sitting and listening to my stereo. I believe I’ve arrived regarding finally achieving a great set up and have experienced that vinyl “magic” that audiophiles obsess over. I understand that limitations exist and a great stereo will reveal the quality of a recording - good or bad. The law a diminishing returns regarding  upgrading is something I’m mindful of. I don’t have endless funds to spend on upgrades. My question is - what should I consider upgrading next? Should I ditch the integrated amp considering I’m using an external phono stage? Or should I go with a better integrated amp? Or should I look at a better cartridge? Do I upgrade my turntable or just the tonearm? Do I upgrade the power cable on my amp? 
Here’s what I’m currently working with - and thanks for your thoughts/suggestions! 

Clear Audio Concept Turntable
W/ Hana SL cartridge 

Herron Audio VTPH-2a Phono Stage

Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II integrated power amplifier 

Kimber Kable speaker wire and interconnects (I forget which model - an entry lever set - nothing crazy) 

Bowers and Wilkins 805 D3 stand mount loud speakers

Set of two stereo REL S/510 subs

paulgardner
thehorn
111 posts
 
Holly law a diminishing returns is right.


Paul you have an outstanding base to start with & moving up the later is going to cost you large, so you’ve hit the nail on the head there. Compound that with the audio disease, meaning what ever you do will eventually lead down the road of discontentment.

Best path IMHO from both a sonic and economic prospective would be to up grade the caps in your Rogue with either Mondorf’s Supreme Silver/Oil or V-caps (do your research), along with some new high quality tubes, . https://www.vhaudio.com/21capacitorshootout.pdf


Another possibly is a Vishay volume control. But that’s getting expensive


The other suggestion would be to purchase only high quality recordings.


As for cartridges .... now you’re racking up the bills. There’s a host of used MM that might tickle your fancy, but as for their condition it’s a bit of a shot in the dark. You already have a far better than average cartridge in the Hana SL, so your next move might be a Soundsmith Aida, or Voice, but now you’re doubling and tripling the price of your Hana. Is it worth it ????? Now we’re back to the law a diminishing returns.

Then of course there’s the listening room. If I may suggest, address that if you haven’t already.

fleschler
2,021 posts
 
@paulgardner If you budget can afford it, mostly inconspicuous Synergistic Research HFT products can help your acoustics with minimal visibility.  I use them instead of large acoustic treatment panels on my front and rear walls.  I use just four around my 75" TV in a room with a lot of reverb (40' wide, 20' deep, 18' vaulted high).  The TV sound (with separate audio, speakers at the corners of the TV but open to hallways/rooms adjacent to the speakers-hence no baffling) concentrates so that within about 10' wide area from the speakers has greatly increased clarity-eliminates room echo.
paulgardner OP
183 posts
 
@thehorn thanks for the post! 
Would upgrading the capacitors require me sending the amp in or is that something I could do on my own?

Regarding the tubes - I have already rolled the small tubes to a Brimer NOS and some Gold Lions. These replaced the stock JJs. I have not touched the larger power tubes. I’ve been told those don’t affect the sound as much as the small tubes, more specifically the preamp tube. Thoughts?
Thanks so much!
Paul
drewmb1's avatar
drewmb1
67 posts
 
Regarding the isolation base, buy with the option to return if not pleased
thehorn
111 posts
 
Paul wrote: Would upgrading the capacitors require me sending the amp in or is that something I could do on my own?

I don’t know Paul. If you’re an electronics Tech and know your way around a sodering gun, built Heath Kits, and are in the Instrumentation Dept at work, I’d say ya. Other wise I’d look around for a VERT REPUTABLE Tech.

Good move on the tubes, I believe that Amp uses 1 12Au7, 2 12Ax7’s, and KT88, or KT120 power tubes. I also believe Tung-sol is the only company that makes Kt120’s, so that limits that, but I could be wrong.

There’s now a KT150, and I have to admit I don’t know if you can use them in your Rogue (check with Rogue), or if they’re grainy. But the KT150 "should" give your amp more slam, the caps more grace.

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