2. analog
  3. 1124638169

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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,114 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.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,114 posts
 
Dear Stanhifi: +++++ " The Shelter 90X is a cute cartridge but not in the same league as the Zyx Airy 3. " +++++

Of course it's not.

Maybe you like more the ZYX sound " presentation " and this is a very personal issue.
There is no single area where the ZYX beats the 90X, and this is a subjective issue too.
But there is a non subjective area where the 90X CRASH ZYX ( even a deaf man can hear it ): low bass performance.
The 90X has many bass characteristics that the ZYX miss: excellent control, excellent pitch, transparency, bass notes discrimination, etc, etc, ...

I don't want to start a debate here. Think what you want about, but that low bass ZYX problem is a fact.

Judy426: sorry to disturb you. No more.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
stanhifi
224 posts
 
>>I don't want to start a debate here<<
Yeah right!! LOL
robm321
932 posts
 
I use Dynavector 17D2. I'll probably replace it with the same one when it wears out.
More to discover