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Guidance on cartridge options or new table

How much is too much?  I own a Luxman PD 151 Mark II turntable and a Luxman EQ500 phono preamp.  I purchased from a dealer end of December and it has about 100 hours on it.  I have the Luxman cartridge that matches the system and goes for $2500. I have them connected using XLR’s. My system consists of Burmester 218 reference amp, 088 pre amp by Burmester, Wilson Alexia V speakers. For streamer I have a Grimm MU1 and a Nagra Tube dac with separate power supply. After acquiring the new amp and pre amp in February my digital side sounds terrific and find my analog set up to be the weak link.  Based on this set up  where do I reach a point of no return purchasing a better cartridge?  Should I be looking at a new table and cartridge?  Would a new cartridge significantly improve the sound? I primarily listen to Jazz and some classical music along with rock. 

Thanks for your assistance!

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dover
2,286 posts
 

@woots 

Personally I don't think your turntable is up to the rest of your system.

So rather than try other cartridges I would suggest considering a complete upgrade, depending on budget.

However, given the quality of your Burmester 088, I would invest in the Burmester phono module ( MC ) for the 088 and ditch the Luxman phono. I suspect this would be a significant improvement even with your existing front end might be a good first step before you upgrade the TT.

The Burmester MC phono module in the 088 provides much more flexibility in cartridge choice than the Luxman phono which is quite limited.

Of the turntables mentioned above I like the Kuzma R or M with 4point9 or 4point11  tonearms. Outstanding performance and more importantly the Kuzma TT's and arms a very easy to set up. I prefer them to the SME's ( I've used both extensively ).

 

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woots OP
312 posts
 

@rsf507 excellent point.  I'm traveling to meet with a Kuzma dealer next week.

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woots OP
312 posts
 

@dover Ironically, when I purchased my Burmester pre amp they gave me the option of a dac module or a phono module and I selected the phono module because my dac set up is decent and that technology seems to be changing more in dac's than phono's are.  Also, I currently have the Luxman phono stage connected with XLR and that is what the Burmester has also.  I guess I just found my weekend project.....By the way as I mentioned in an earlier post I'm traveling next week to check out the Kuzma product.  In addition to the arms you mention I am also going to demo the "safir arm," do you have any knowledge of that arm?  And, while you are helping me what have you used for cartridges or do you recommend?

I really appreciate your honest feedback.

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yoyoyaya
841 posts
 

@OP - the Safir arm is extremely expensive. You should upgrade your turntable first before considering the arm - or at least consider both together in the context of your overall budget for turntable arm and cartridge. Along with the other brands/models that have been suggested, I recommend you audition the Clearaudio Reference Jubilee with either the Universal or Unity tonearms. You can start with your exisiting cartridge as a point of reference - a better turntable and tonearm will show you what the cartridge is capable of.

bigkidz
3,411 posts
 

just buy a Denon 103 and get the wood body for it and then you can be done  it sounds as good as my gold bug

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