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VPI table, cart and phonostage? - Novice.

I am strongly considering getting back into vinyl. I've got 200+ lps in boxes, many relatively new.

My current digital setup is Bel Canto PL-1 Universal player, Krell HTS 7.1 prteamp, Bel Canto 6 channel amp, B & W N 805 speakers. I play mainly Classical and Jazz.

Houston has almost no high end TT dealers. The one store I went into had a Nottingham Spacedeck and I heard a 45 rpm Belafonte disc, and got the vinyl concept in my brain. Wow!

I probably will get a VPI, based mainly on reviews and reputation...also made in USA!

Scout or Scoutmaster? Is there that big a difference? Both are Stereophile Class B,I believe. Are there carts that are "wasted" by putting them on a scout, whereas on a scoutmaster you get that extra value you paid for? Basically, to what level of cart would you go on a scout or scoutmaster?

Should I get a aolid state or tube phono stage for these TTs? Any suggestions. I am somewhat open minded about budget, but I want to get components that are about in the same league. I mean, a $1.5K TT with a $5K cart and a $7K phono stage seems crazy, or does it?

Is the SDS worth getting for either of these?

Also, does anybody out there think I, a novice, can install a cart and set it up myself without an analog saavy compadre around? I've read the beginners guide to cart setup and its not rocket science, so I think I can.

Thanks for the input.
dolifant
upstateaudio's avatar
upstateaudio
249 posts
 
If you can't go for the Spacedeck go for the Horizon SE and Ace-Space arm. The low torque motor on the Nottingham is superior to the VPI motor. Dynavector carts work well with Notts as well as VPIs, I have heard that the Dynavector phono preamp works well with the carts. I have not heard them myself though.
zenieth
381 posts
 
Dolifant,

I jumped back into vinyl about eighteen months ago. I too had a modest lp collection. I bought a VPI Black Knight and fitted it with a Lyra Helikon cartridge. My phono stage was built in to my Spectron model 10 pre. I loved the performance of the Balck Knight/Helikon combo. The cartrige installation wasn't that difficult with the directions and hardware supplied by VPI. You'll need a stylus pressure guage to get the pressure right. I considered the SDS unit but never got around to buying one. After years and years with out a turntable. I thought jumping back would be very pleasurable. It was for the short term. There was no comparison in sound over cd. Vinyl just has that sweet,sweet sound! After about a year of intense labor of cleaning lps, changes lps, ect. I sold the complete unit but retained my collection of lps. I bought an Audio Aero Capitole MKII. This is really close to vinyl but not dead on. I'm happier as far as the labor load goes...............Good luck and enjoy!
readster
241 posts
 
I think the new JMW-9 signature tonearm is going to be awesome, i can't wait !!! I'd love to hear people's opinions once they start shipping.
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rauliruegas
13,123 posts
 
Dear Dolifant: About the cartridge I agree with Sberger: Sumiko Celebration, great performance ( low price, too ) especially if you mate with the SME IV/V tonearm or a Moerch DP6/4.

For the turntable my advise is that go for the Acoustic Signature Final Tool. Beats any of the TTs named here. Awesome design and at its price: a real bargain !!!!

Btw, Ije: if you are thinking on the Shelther 901, don't do it ( it is on the hifi side ) and go better for the 90X that's hands down the ZYX 2/3. There will be no problem with your today tonearm. You can do an improvement here too: Moerch DP6.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
stanhifi
224 posts
 
Dolifant,
The Shelter 90X is a cute cartridge but not in the same league as the Zyx Airy 3. No way, no how, not today, not tomorrow.
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