Phono Preamplifier Redux .. Damn This is Getting Expensive
I posted previously in search of a phono preamplifier, but as I put together a system I refined what I was looking for.
My current Analog food chain consists of Technics 1200G turntable, Hana ML cartridge, unknown phono preamplifier, McIntosh MA12000 integrated, Sabrina X, pair of REL S/812 subs. Also, Shunyata Everest 8000 power conditioner and a mix of Alpha V2 NR and Venom V10NR power cables. Other cables: AQ Earth balanced interconnects, William Tell full range speaker cables. Also, had to make some room acoustic modifications.
So, here is the problem. I just got a Holo May DAC DTE and have been streaming by Roon, mostly purchased and ripped files on a Synology NAS. The problem is that my digital side sounds much more musical than my analog. Part of the remedy is on the way with 3" Tiger Maple equipment rack, but digital and analog are not close. My Sutherland 20/20 LPT is going back. It has limited front/back sound stage and the upper mids and treble are a bit shrill. I say this because the Holo is just beautifully musical throughout.
Music Direct will be taking Sutherland back and has suggested the Esoteric E-02 Balanced as a solution. So this post I'm raising my budget to 9-10K new, or used and prefer balanced out. Looking for detail, dynamics and silent background. I just can't have the digital so much more enjoyable... of course there is always selling all analog and staying digital, but that doesn't feel right.
So, where do I go for balanced out and more musical, but retaining micro detail and dynamics?
There is a lot of good advice in this thread. However, before you end up spending thousands more on a turntable (which I don’t think is the issue), process of elimination is called for. If it’s even a possibility your vinyl rig is susceptible to vibration or EMI, fix that first. I love the Parasound J3+ and you can easily dial in your cart settings without dip switches, and it’s balanced although that output adds (6db) of gain. |
Based on my personal experience, and as another mentioned above, you probably need to spend 20k in analog to get SQ like 10k in digital, but from what I’ve read 60-80k in analog is better than 120k in digital. So, at lower prices, it’s hard to beat digital, and at higher prices it’s hard to beat analog. |
+1 @urbie Townsend speaker Bars were a game changer for me. Will not resolve your analog woes, but helps define your bass and isolate your speakers from the floor. Can’t say enough about them. Podiums would have been my preference, but I would have had to have them custom made for my speakers, so the bars were a more economical solution. E |
Agree with VTPH recommendation, and I’ll throw in the Manley Steelhead as another good one to look at as well as Pass Labs if you don’t want tubes. But the one that really intrigues me is the Allnic H5500. Here’s a review from PTA, and the reviewer actually uses your TT during the review and very highly recommends the combo. And as others recommended Townshend, I’d strongly recommend considering their Platforms definitely under your turntable and maybe under your phono pre as well. Best of luck in your search. |
Nice system. Looks like there are opportunities for repositioning… but I am sure that is your plan.
I have been into vinyl for over 50 years. I would stick with your TT now. The Phonostage is critical. I would look at Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, VAC, and Presto. Absolutely get tubes. They will not be a problem and will bring out the strength of vinyl. I am a ARC fan. And have owned and compared them for decades… highly detailed with great midrange bloom and bass. My general rule of thumb is put equal investment into the amp, preamp, TT/arm, DAC, and phono stage. This gives you some feel for what is needed. Today, you should be able to get better sound from vinyl than digital in the $10K - $20K system… then about equal further on until the high end where vinyl jumps ahead again. Poorly chosen components… the rule doesn’t work.
Of course you could just invest in digital and increase the sound quality of your existing system. |
