2. analog
  3. 1169095776

$3,500 for analog front end

I have $3,500 to spend to upgrade turntable (with arm), cartridge, and phono stage. What combinations have worked for you within this budget range? Listen to 70s rock, 80s pop, late 50s jazz, and classical. Feeds into an Audio Research VSi55 intergrated amp and Magnepan 1.6s. The TT is on loan but I own a NAD PP-2. Thanks for your thoughts, Scott.
srcatty
esoxhntr
196 posts
 
While it is hard for claim that any one setup will be best, it is hard in that price range for anything to compete with a Nottingham Space Deck & matching Nottingham arm, and either a Shelter 501, or Dynavector 17DmkII cartridge. Tons of phono stages to fit the bill, but a Blue Circle BC27 is a good bet for not too much money.
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
I second the Spacedeck/ Shelter or Dynavector
or Sumiko Blackbird

As far as a phono pre, I'm in purchase mode on a major upgrade to a low output MC system. I have an Audio Research PH2, built like a tank that would mate great with your system (MM, HoMC). Search the archives, it has great tonal balance and dead quiet, if interested contact me.

thanks
Tom
dicobrazil
33 posts
 
i think audiofiel gave excellent advice.follow it like he says and you should be happy with the results.
More to discover