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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
lohanimal
659 posts
 
What is it that you most like about your friends set-up - what part of his audio chain - ie amp? phono? cartridge?
To add my tuppence worth of advice have you considered an MM cartridge like the Cartridgeman Music Maker or an offering by Soundsmith? in terms of drive, body and oomph they do something far more visceral than any MC out there - very satisfying. I have a Pickering XSV4000 MM that really changed my perception of MM's - just as enjoyable as my MC's
chungjh's avatar
chungjh OP
265 posts
 
SOTA has a magnetic levitation platter. Anyone know if this makes a significant difference in SQ?
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
 I have a Pickering XSV4000 MM that really changed my perception of MM's - just as enjoyable as my MC's

Absolutely, for MC lovers Pickering even made a low impedance (low output) version of his top MM - XLZ/7500 and this MM cartridge must be connected to MC input, headamp, SUT ... (or to MM input with high gain). The tip is also improved Stereohedron mkII version. Pickering top models like series 4000, 4500, 5000, 7500 are exceptional MM. Even cheap XSV/3000 is a good working horse. 
lohanimal
659 posts
 
@chakster 
I thought you'd like the Pickering - I ordered a replacement cartridge that I have yet to try by LP Gear - I'd have liked an NOS stereohydron - I will let you know how I get on
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@lohanimal I was lucky to find NOS genuine Pickering D4000 stylus in the box :) 
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