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My Next Upgrade: Speakers or Turntable?

Planning an upgrade this year. Initially was planning to purchase a turntable so I can finally play the small collection of vinyl I have. But wondering if I should prioritize a speaker upgrade first. Here is my situation:

I have a Gryphon Diablo 300 with an internal DAC and phono card, connected to B&W 803 D2 speakers. Clarus Crimson power cords (will be upgrading) and AudioQuest Hurricane powering my InnuOS Zenith MKIII streamer and Roon Core. Clarus Crimson biwire, but have Nordost Valhalla 2’s on order.

It took me years to get to this point where I am very satisfied with the overall sound. Happy with the overall tone/voice which is clearly driven by the Gryphon, and I enjoy the musicality of the system. Also the speakers when driven by the Gryphon are incredibly unfussy with positioning, and have good off-axis performance when outside of the sweet spot. Very easy to listen to.

That said, I have heard what newer higher end speakers can do when driven by the Diablo 300. More transparency, more holographic soundstage, more air, more dynamics, and better presence and bass for my large-ish room.

I’d consider a VPI Prime 21 Plus or Signature for the turntable. For the speakers, I’d consider Magico A5’s or others in this budget range that I would audition in my area (Dynaudio, Wilson, Monitor, Paradigm, Audiovector, Harbeth - don’t bother listing others I should consider because this is all that is really available where I am! Also B&W are out as I find them too mid-forward without enough bass)

I can only do one of the upgrades this year. On one hand I would love to get into my vinyls finally, for a lesser expense than the speakers, or I can upgrade my speakers and seriously upgrade the overall sonic performance of my system. Also of note, I hear that lead times for speakers are 6-9 months these days. Maybe the same for turntables though. If you were in my shoes, which way would you go?  On one hand I feel like the speakers may be the priority, since the lower cost of the turntable makes it an easier upgrade later…

nyev
nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

Interesting to see somewhat opposing perspectives :)

The appeal of vinyl to me is more sentimental than anything. I am happy when a new LP arrives on my doorstep from one of my favourite bands. That said, I want them to sound amazing and I might get into the sonic benefits of analog (although I know some pressings could be inferior).

So the turntable would be more of a warm and fuzzy sentimental upgrade… And while I am happy with my system now, I know first hand what my system COULD sound like with upgraded speakers.  While auditioning the B&W 802 D3’s with my amp and an equivalent streamer, I had the experience of hearing new details in music I’ve listened to for almost 30 years….  But ultimately the 802’s were too mid forward, all about the mids in your face, too light on bass for me, and had terrible off-axis performance. Still, it was eye-opening to see what a higher end speaker could do with imaging, transparency, air, and dynamics. Of note, my amp is worth double my current speakers, so my system is a bit mismatched from that perspective.

But that’s me. I’m interested in what others would prioritize if in my scenario….

 

 

 

 

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 

Get both...better speakers and a good turntable. Even if a bit over budget, you will be glad you did.

deadhead1000's avatar
deadhead1000
714 posts
 

I had the same decision to make 2 years back as my old turntable died. But I upgraded my Speakers first and glad I did. Although I have a good 150  albums, I finally did upgrade to a nice table, but I really have found I don’t listen to vinyl as much as I used too. Not sure where you live but I had about the same choice of speakers to listen too. I also find the BW a bit too bright/forward, and went with Harbeth, which of course some find too laid back. I really liked the Magico a lot, but just couldn’t fit them in the room. Hope my experience helps. 

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

Thanks for sharing  @deadhead1000, good to hear of your experience.  I think my Gryphon adds enough tonal warmth (actually most describe the Diablo 300 as slightly “dark”) that I can live with speakers that are on the neutral side, provided they have adequate bass (not looking for a lot, just enough considering my large room).

The Magico A5’s look like everything I’m looking for, and people note that they seem to be rather unfussy with placement etc, with a wide sound stage, lots of bass, transparency and detail, and can be placed relatively close to the rear wall (20”).  I’ve also seen comment after comment on how great these sound at low volumes, which is another important trait I’m looking for (late night listening).  The Diablo excels at low volume playing too.

Sadly I am not in a position to get both a TT and speakers in the range I’m looking at…. Speakers probably make the most sense to prioritize….

elliottbnewcombjr
5,562 posts
 

I'd add a TT ASAP, enjoy the content, and take lots of time evaluating while savind funds for a future speaker change.

I always advise a removable headshell for optional MM, MC, Mono cartridges as you may desire.

A few inexpensive tools and skills are required for proper cartridge alignment, either you, a friend, your seller both for initial setup and future check/adjust..

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existing speakers, you might want to get a simple sound pressure meter and check what you are getting from your existing speakers which many people would love to have.

 

has a hole for tripod mount, check your drivers close, compare side to side. check from listening position, see what you are getting using test tones,, my favorite test CD, tracks 9-38

 

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