Phono Preamplifier Redux .. Damn This is Getting Expensive

@rmdmoore 

@audphile1 

That Brinkmann Audio Bardo Performance Edition is sure a beautiful piece and you might be right about upgrading table/arm/cartridge, but I'm going to hold off on that due to funds and concentrate on reducing cartridge vibration and look for a preamplifier and then look at table..etc..after I sell my Camaro ZL1.  So, I resisted tube phono stage because I have a tube preamp and fear of loss of detail, but I gather that better tube phono preamplifiers retain detail, mico-detail..and have the dynamics of modern solid state..or do you give up something moving from solid state.

@urbie 

I think that the Townshend Podiums look like a good idea with the REL subwoofers.

@avanti1960 

I used a lower gain setting when I first setup the Sutherland and preferred the higher gain setting, but I took your advice and lowered the gain and at this point after many hours of breaking the lower gain sounded better and the soundstage filled out more.... always been on 100 ohms.

@bubba12 

I've moved the turntable to seven different positions and it has the least interaction against the wall and near the sitting position and this might, in the end, be where it ends up, but that requires 4 meter interconnects, so I decided to go for very heavy rack with cones at each shelf resting on the next and I have a 3"thick tiger maple isolation stand on cones... rack weight, 5 sets of cones going to the floor, 108 pounds of integrated amp will be my first step and I will try the Townshend Podiums if that doesn't do it.  I'll go long interconnects and wall mount as a last step if needed.

You've gotten some good suggestions on better isolating your turntable from feedback. If it were me, I'd want to have that issue settled before chasing some new electronics.

One other last comment from me -- there is the possibility that this cartridge just doesn't fit your taste.  Any mechanical-to-electrical (or the other direction) transducer, whether a cartridge, microphone, headphone or speaker has an enormous number of variables that can color the sound.  Think of all the speakers with rave reviews you've heard that left you unimpressed.  Every piece of audio gear out there has its fans and detractors.

Just a thought...

@vonhelmholtz 👍

best to hold off and set everything up properly on the rack either between speakers or on the side wall. Like I said earlier, the ML is a phenomenal cartridge. Also, the 20/20 is a great piece. Don’t go buying anything on impulse.
Good luck and keep us posted. 

edgyhassle,

the podiums will actually get rid of analog problems because you won't have the vibration going through to your turntable I don't know if the bars will help that but the podium is definitely will, best upgrade I've ever done.