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Step up transformer or upgrade phono preamp?

So I’m looking to further develop my analog system. I currently have a vpi Aries scout with a jmw9 tonearm and a Soundsmith zephyr MIMC star going into a Vincent pho 701. I enjoy the sound I’m getting but I am constantly looking for “better”. More dynamics, higher resolution etc. I know my phono pre is the weak link in that lineup and I’m wanting to upgrade. So what are your thoughts? Upgrade the phonostage or invest into a separate SUT? 
james1911
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I hope you can borrow a SUT to try if you want, or even a phono stage. 

You can always buy more different cartridges if you are looking for you type of sound. A cartridge that actually work without external SUT or Headamp, because some of them cost more than a better cartridge!




artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,992 posts
 
If you have enough gain now, then IMO a step up is just another piece of equipment lengthening the signal path rather than shortening it. This is just the opposite of good design principles. The phono preamp is as important as the Turntable itself. It handles the smallest of signals. So spend the $$$ on an upgrade which is a new phono preamp, not a SUT.
james1911 OP
18 posts
 
Unfortunately I do not have the ability to try a SUT or a phono pre. My current phonostage only has 60db of gain and my cartridge suggests 62-64db of gain. I was looking at a rogue ares which would have plenty of gain. Do either of you have tube phono preamps in the $2,000 that you would suggest?
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
James, you need friends (audiophiles) in real life or dealers who can loan you gear to try. Remember that your line level preamp also have gain (if it’s not passive). When you add SUT you connect it to MM input. Headamp can ne better than SUT, for example ZYX CPP-1 headamp is agood alternative to any SUT. 

I prefer solid state phono stages, tubes are noisy, microphonic and they do not last forever. I can’t recommend tube phono stages. 
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
You already have enough gain. What you don't have is enough phono stage. Listen to artemus_5 and skip the SUT and go straight to a better phono stage. Huge improvement. SUT will be a lateral, and depending on the interconnect maybe even go the wrong way. 
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