2. analog
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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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woots's avatar
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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.

yoyoyaya's avatar
yoyoyaya
848 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
3,413 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

blisshifi's avatar
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blisshifi
1,224 posts
 

Agree with @yoyoyaya that the Safir is quite expensive for its performance. A Tri-Planar U2 SE or U12 will outperform it at half the price, and it will be a better fit aesthetically for the Luxman table.

I am a Tri-Planar dealer with a very close friend nearby that owns the Safir arm.

I should also mention that I am an authorized Grimm dealer, and to match the presence it can deliver, while the Tri-Planar would be an excellent upgrade, you can also experiment with rolling tubes in the EQ-500. By default, the EQ-500 is a bit overly laid back, and rolling to more transparent tubes will yield much better results.

knock1
254 posts
 

I would try the Burmester phono and see if you like the difference, if any. Instead of going turntable/arm route, the cartridge would be the next logical step.

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