2. analog
  3. 182013-176828

Need advice for upgrading my analog setup

Hello,

I got into records 2 years ago and have been using ProJect Carbon Debut Evo with a Sumiko Rainier cartridge. It has served me great as my first table and a way to see if I would enjoy playing records. Well I do enjoy records. And my dad gave me all of his records too (he's a CD guy but never abandoned his collection when vinyl fell out of vogue).

Anyway, I'm planning to upgrade my entire analog setup and I'm very much a buy once , cry once kind of person. I'm looking at a SOTA Sapphire, Origin Live Zephyr tonearm, and a Soundsmith Zephyr Mk.III cartridge. Is this a good combination? Are there any other combinations of gear in the $6k range I should consider? I try to buy American as much as I can. I've looked at VPI but I like the look of SOTA much more.

Oh and I'm using a Darlington Labs MP-7 phono preamp that I'm happy with and don't plan on replacing.

Thanks for reading and helping me out.

thefrator
brockwired's avatar
brockwired
53 posts
 

I have a SOTA Sapphire with an Origin Live Silver tonearm and SoundSmith The Voice cartridge. Love it. The Silver is one step down in the lineup from the Zephyr tonearm.  I need to upgrade my phono preamp. 

eddiechanghk's avatar
eddiechanghk
28 posts
 

@thefrator hello I also upgrading my vinyl system and I agree with @ghdprentice phono stage and cartridges are equally important just like the table. I tried over 10 different brands over the last 2 months (half of them auditioned in my own system) and I found Parasound JC3+ a good contender in its price range. Enjoy ! 

needfreestuff's avatar
needfreestuff
572 posts
 

Your choices are excellent. I would also consider the upgrade of your phono stage also. Now do not forget to upgrade your cables to !! Good luck

grislybutter
3,083 posts
 

I would not worry about the phono stage.

If it's no match for the new TT, you will start looking for one anyway.

How do you like the looks of the SOTA Sapphire?

 

boothroyd
365 posts
 

OK ~ I’ll be that guy 😉

No disrespect intended, just an option for maximizing musical resolution, image bloom and all around enjoyment with inherent isolation much improved over your existing Pro-Ject.

If you’re married to the Darlington Labs MP-7 phono preamp (not knocking it!), I’d suggest the best Grado High Output pickup you could afford after acquiring a Technics 1200G. Toss the current tungsten polymer record mat from Luxman on it followed by your favorite records.

While not sexy by audiophile standards, it would serve up the goods and the Americans who import these Japanese products are great guys.

@needfreestuff is correct to mention phono cables 👍 lots of good inexpensive solutions (such as Mogami) on this forum.

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