2. analog
  3. 176110-172731

The best way to start adding A=analog to my system

When I started this hobby, I never thought I would need a turntable, so I didn’t think about phono stages etc. That changed with a recent listening session. Vinyl just sounds better to me so now I am trying to figure out where I need to spend, where I can go cheap for the moment. Should I balance all parts at the same level or begin with one great piece and gradually upgrade around it?

For context, my current system has:

Blumenhofer Genuin FS2 speakers, Art Audio PX-25 power, Audio Research SP16L pre-amp. I have a Ayre Cx5 CD player/DAC and an MD-90 tuner.

For turntables, I have auditioned Pro-Jects Xtension 9, Rega P3 and the Clearaudio Concept. I am planning to listen to the Clearaudio Performance next and based on what I have read and heard, I think that may be the answer. but that is a $2k step up in price. Part of me is thinking just get the better table and maybe the Tracer arm and start with cheaper cartridge/stage for now, vs matching things that are more within budget and then having to change everything later.

What makes the most sense?

saulh
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 

There are also a growing range of Energizers that are produced by Third Party designers, which is encouraged by DS Audio to be produced.

There are a growing amount of reports that make some of the quite affordable third party devices seem like a very attractive option.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe it is now possible to use a DS Audio E1 with a energizer from a third party for approx’ $2000ish dollars.

There are a large amount of Cart's without a Phonostage that can go onto a shortlist that will exceed this price fourfold. 

sns
3,338 posts
 

I too prefer the direct drive route, tried a number of belt drives over the years, always left me wanting for slam, drive. If you can handle diy route, one can put together very nice setup starting with Technics SP10 MkII, and really for pennies on the dollar if you're judicious with choices and have maker skills.

 

I'll maintain it cost bucks to build entire top flight analog setup. Diy tt route, various Denon 103 modified cartridges will help keep costs down, $2-3K phono stages don't do it for me.

 

The issue with analog is once you've attained highly resolving and natural sounding digital setup, cost of analog exponentially goes up. Digital incurs major costs attaining analog like flavor, analog incurs major costs attaining best digital resolution.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,561 posts
 

for any novice wanting to TRY VINYL, find out if you will stick with it or not: this is a very easy and affordable start

AT120 with built-in OPTIONAL phono EQ. I had one for years, and surprisingly preferred it’s built-in optional phono to my McIntosh C28’s phono. Preferred it to Cambridge Duo.

here’s a very nice used one

 

1st thing, upgrade the cartridge, my former recommendation, AT540ml pre-mounted in a headshell. Microline Stylus shape.

 

That $600. combo is definitely good enough to reveal VINYL in a positive enough sound to ascertain if you will get hooked, then move up.

 

saulh OP
56 posts
 

@sandthemall intrigued by the hagerman. I am all tubes in the pre, power stages I read a review that seems to say the hagerman might be too "tubey"?

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

@saulh

I have the Hagerman Trumpet as well. I have a feeling you read the Mikey Fremer review. To be honest, I think Mikey botched that review. Seems he really didn’t take it too seriously.

Is it too ‘tubey’? Perhaps, with the stock Mullards installed. But still sounds good. I first replaced the 12ax7 Mullards with new Genalex Gold Lion gold pins, and that leaned things out and provided better detail overall…..then found some NOS Dynaco branded Telefunken smooth plates, and they improved the Gold Lions by a fair degree with more smoothness and refinement.

Nice thing about a tube pre, you can change the sonics per your desire.

The Hagerman Trumpet MC is a steal IMO.

More to discover