2. analog
  3. 1198867713

which would you replace first?

My father is looking to improove his Vinyl set-up which consists of Soutmaster (STOCK) a Benz MC cart (the $600 model...red "ACE"?) and a Musical Surroundings Phonomena stage with Kimber Hero cables. Between the stage and cart what would give most bang for the buck in the $1500 price range if we only want to replce 1 of the 2 at this time. Thanks as always...............HAPPY NEW YEAR
chadnliz
tiger
313 posts
 
PHONOMENA, GET AN ear 845/324
chadnliz OP
3,736 posts
 
thanks so far, 2 replies 2 differnt ideas.......still confused :)
piedpiper
753 posts
 
figure on both in the long run; then the temporary mismatch in quality won't sting as much. In the mean time I would consider the Transfiguration Axia at a little over your budget. Is that the original Phonomena?

Dealer disclosure.
bobandkathy
2 posts
 
Hi Chadnliz,

I started with the exact same set-up less the Kimber cables. Based on your price range you can't go wrong upgrading the Cartridge to the Benz Micro - Wood Body. With a Benz trade in it will put you in the ballpark of around $800.00 a much better bang for your buck. IMHO Benz Micro wood body Cartridge is more detailed and muisical than the "ACE".

Bob
tafka_steve
115 posts
 
The Ortofon Jubilee cartridge retails for around $2k in the U.S., but if you can swing a deal through one of your dealer friends...then I don't see how a $1,500 phono stage can match this level of improvement.
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