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recommendation for a high end analog system

I never had an analog system until last month. I bought a 1989 SOTA TT with vacuum/Sumiko MMT arm/Dennon 103R retyped with elliptical/sapphire cantilever. My phono is Kitsune MK5 WBT that is amplified by Don Sach 2 tube preamp and Pass X350.5. My speaker are Sound Lab M545 ESL. The TT has been very   well maintained despite its age. It sounded very good until I heard my friend's system which has the same TT but with Lyra Skala cartridge and first generation Triplanar arm (Spectral pre/amp). His sounded noticeably clearer and fuller. What is the best way to get a noticeable improvement in my system without breaking the bank (or before I have to squint to hear the improvement). I would love to hear some wisdom from analog-philes.
128x128chungjh
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
@chakster is correct in that the Denon shines in heavier tonearms@jasonbourne52 is also on point in that the Denon is known to sound best with a good SUT ( even if you have enough gain )
However this is a good time to see how far you can push the existing setup. It will help of you would describe your process to optimize table and cart setup ( vtf sra azimuth zenith ) etc. So others may chime in with their experiences. May as well vett this gear fully before upgrading ( which you may have done but not yet described )
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,520 posts
 
I think everybody is on the right track...a new cart. 
chungjh's avatar
chungjh OP
265 posts
 
I am embarrassed to admit I never checked the azimuth, zenith... because I don't really know how to do it. I just trusted the person who sold to me. He seemed to be very knowledgeable. The recommended tracking force is 2.5 gm. I am concerned that such high tracking force will gouge out the LP over the years.
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chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Tracking force recommended by the cartridge manufacturer in the manual, there is a range, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

There are cartridges like Ortofon SPU with much higher tracking for e up to 3-4g.

2g tracking force is standard for most of the MC cartridges, for high compliance MM it can be as low as 1.2g

Anyway, if you ignore manufacturer’s recommendation then less tracking force can be worse for your records!
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