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Help my analog sound as good as my streaming

Hi all - total newcomer here, really enjoying the forum and looking for some advice.

Relevant details: Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO w/ stock Sumiko Rainer cartridge, into a Hegel H95 via a Parasound Zphono XRM. It sounds great-ish, but doesn’t blow me away like Qobuz via Bluesound Node 2i into the Hegel DAC. I’ll acknowledge that this entire system has a lot of room to improve in the eyes of many here - while I suppose I’ll eventually want to upgrade, I am absolutely thrilled with the streaming sound for now. 
Question: is the cartridge the weak link here, or am I expecting too much out of the PDC EVO? If the former, does the Ortofon Bronze seem a good option?

Many thanks for any suggestions/thoughts!
coys21
petg60
1,486 posts
 
You are not going to be blown away with only a cartridge change, but rather going the right direction. There is nothing wrong with streaming and your system now is better at that. Analogue today requires a bigger investment than your current one whatever the upgrade cartridge.

G



jperry
2,446 posts
 
I don't place a great deal of stock in reviews, but coincidentally read this review of your analog front end today.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/pro-ject-debut-carbon-evo-turntable

One of your issues might be your source material. I don't know what records you have, but you might want to consider, as others have suggested, some original recording. I also agree the Dire Straights represses sound good.
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
Try to avoid reissues made from digital sources! Seek out old original pressings! There is magic in those worn grooves! 
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
A new Technics DD plus a lomc cartridge like a Hana SL would get you a good ways there! The cartridge is so important to getting detail out of those rotating spiral grooved disks! That is why some cartridges cost thousands!
coys21 OP
62 posts
 
All - thanks very much for the responses. 
@jjss49 I have Sonus Faber Sonetto III’s - loving them. I’m not sure which thread you’re referring to - I may have already seen it, but sounds appropriate if you wouldn’t mind pointing me.
My source material is all from the 60’s - 80’s and I think for the most part decent quality. I’ll have to do some research to see if they’re generally original vs reissue. 
While I may play around with some things before buying a new TT, I would guess that at my current price point, my ear simply prefers what the digital side can do. I think I’ll have to put in some time at my hifi shop (such punishment) to determine where the breakeven is for me in terms of analog returns sounding like i’d want. I really do think I’m an analog guy at heart, but maybe not. I will have fun finding out and will not be too sad if my budget never lets me get there - the LP’s and system I have do sound ‘great’ - they’re not going to gather dust in the meantime. And (ducking), I do love what the digital is giving me. Thanks again. 
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