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New to vinyl - How to get the best out of old classical discs?

I’ve recently added vinyl to my classical listening lineup (mostly piano and chamber music) after realizing how many extraordinary recordings aren’t available in other formats. I wanted to start small, but now that I’m a little more comfortable with the gear and know I like the format, I’m interested in where the biggest improvements can be found. Generic suggestions are always welcome, but there are issues that seem to come up more often with of these old classical discs so if anyone has extensive experience there I would be particularly grateful. My budget is around $1000, and any gear that holds value is preferred.


My current setup:


Prep: Ultrasonic/IPA/detergent, new sleeves, quick wipe with dry swiffer duster before play

TT:  Denon DP-51F

Cart:  Ortofon Red

Phono: Pro-ject Phono Box S2


Then (usually):


MiniDSP

Scott 222C (EL84 PP amplifier)

Klipsch RF-5s (discontinued floorstanders, similar sound to Heritage)


Thanks in advance for any advice!


bluemountain
larryi
4,033 posts
 
I think a better cartridge and a better phono stage would be the first step.  Perhaps you could find a used phono stage in order to stay in budget.  Something like the EAR 834 would be nice.  
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
A set of $30 Nobsound springs under that table will do wonders for all your music but especially classical where ringing imparts a hardness on the strings. Your turntable is light enough to only need about 3 of the 7 springs per each pod. This will leave you with enough to make another set to use under your phono stage or amp. Either one will benefit, simply try under each to find which you like the best. $30 to improve two components makes this the bargain of the century. 

Spend the rest on as good a phono stage as you can find and afford. A good EAR will indeed be nice. Don't be afraid to spend, a good phono stage is huge. Especially since then with a good one you will be in a much better position to appreciate the benefit of a better turntable when you are ready for that later on.  

Alternatively you could do the table now and phono stage later. There really is no right or wrong. Never talk a man out of a better turntable. A lot of it has to do with what you are able to find. But seriously, no matter what: Nobsound.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Hahaha. I can’t believe I’m reading about springs again, it’s almost in every thread already. Unbelievable.

Nothing will change the sound more than a good cartridge in your current set up @bluemountain.
vinylshadow
497 posts
 
@chakster

"Hahaha. I can’t believe I’m reading about springs again, it’s almost in every thread already. Unbelievable.

Maybe because it works? Believable.

If you put pods under your table and then poo poo the performance, maybe anyone here might find weight in your criticism.

" Nothing will change the sound more than a good cartridge in your current set up @bluemountain."

Whatever you say professor.





audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
The Ear 834 is very nice, found one for about 900 bucks used in mint shape with original tubes. You could also move up to the pro-ject tube box ds2 @ about 1000 bucks. For the cartridge, I’d try the Hana el low output moving coil. That ortofon red is not that great. Another choice would be the 2m bronze. You are able to add the 2m black stylus to it at a later date, as they share the same body. You could eventually go the SUT route, and grab the Jensen mc 2rr. It pairs nicely with the aforementioned Hana el. 
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