2. amps-preamps
  3. 182501-119931

Where to spend my money...

Over the years I've mostly purchased great used gear that works within my budget....and with much success.

I'd like some input on where to next invest my money for the most sonic improvement...a new turntable and stylus upgrade vs a new power amp.

I'm interested in pre-owned VPI tables and Pass Labs amps....particularly VPI Primes over the last say ten years....and something close to the current  Pass Labs X-150.8.

I currently enjoy Wilson Sophia speakers (version one)...a VPI Scout Junior TT with a Dynavector cartridge....Audio Research solid state 100.1 power amp and LS-16 Pre-amp.

I listened mostly to vinyl  (jazz and classical)...but also have the Cambridge CXN V2 streamer with Qobux as my source.  I realize any Pass Labs amp will stretch my budget but I'd like to get some input. I could see spending $2200.-$2700 on a new TT...and for the amp maybe $4000.00 to $5000.00 eventually...Just can't do both at the same time...

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

Greg

gsieg
gsieg OP
6 posts
 

Great response.  Thank you.  And yes I do have a good friend who I trust alot who used to work at Progressive Audio in Columbus.  He has never steered me wrong and has saved me money.  He has a very good ear and is honest.  When he gets really clean gear within my budget he normally reaches out.  And it virtually every case I can audition before i commit.

I was just looking for some other opinions.  I appreciate your thoughts.  I do like the tube sound.  My pre amp actually is a hybrid  (two tubes)...but I'm not sure if i will go that way with a large amp only because of the cost of tube replacement.  Today's tube prices are crazy....

soix
9,549 posts
 

What improvements are you looking for, and what preamp and cables/power conditioning do you have?

tablejockey
3,915 posts
 

If you're looking to improve turntable magic, I'd first determine if the existing setup is optimized.

No mention of an outboard phonostage, so assuimng the LS16 has one? If so, arguably your table setup may not be fully exploited.

Since you like the tube sound-tube phono stage and maybe a cart upgrade.

Used Primes for a good deal are an easy find. You might also consider a nice tube integrated.

Tube usage/cost is not that big of a deal as you may think.

 

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

I'd go for the VPI Prime and add a Dynavector arm with a Dynavector lomc cartridge into an SUT (Denon, Entre, FR ...). Does the LS-16 have a phono stage? I'd consider something like a Herron or Counterpoint tube phono stage.

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Regarding amps - get a First Watt F4 and drive it with the LS-16. That will give you 50wpc@ 4ohms of Class A power! For jazz and classical that's enough power. BTW I have an F4 that I can drive with my ARC SP6!

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