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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
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lewm
13,170 posts
 
FWIW, Dover is correct; the Triplanar does fit fine. I now recall that I had my Triplanar mounted on my Star Sapphire once upon a time. The only issue is in the vertical direction wrt the max extension of the VTA adjustment and the height of the platter or rather the sunken depth of the arm board. Anyway you’ve made your choice.

My recommendation was to go for the Eclipse system as biggest bang for the buck.
chungjh's avatar
chungjh OP
265 posts
 
I see that there is a Triplanar II upgraded to VI on audiogon. TP VI is supposed to have effective mass of only around 11 gm. With my Denon 103R retipped with Sapphire cantilever, I probably need a higher mass. I can increase the effective mass with a head shell weight. Where does one get such a thing (other than taping pennies)?
lewm
13,170 posts
 
Yes, 11g is the standard quoted effective mass for the 9-inch Triplanar, regardless of the "version" as indicated by Roman numerals.  And yes, that is probably not the best choice in terms of effective mass for the Denon 103R, but it is probably a good choice for any of several other modern LOMC cartridges that have higher compliance.  You could add any 5g weight at or near the headshell of the TP and be in good range for the 103R.  Double-sided carpet tape would do the job as adhesive. Thought you had decided on a Graham.
chungjh's avatar
chungjh OP
265 posts
 
No, haven’t decided on the tonearm yet. Is there a more professional way of increasing the tonearm/head shell weight than using a tape?
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