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
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I would say cartridge, and second Tafka_steve's reco of the Ortofon Jubilee, great cartridge. If he wants a bit more warmth you could try a Sumiko Celebration.

Cheers,
John
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,470 posts
 
Who's to account for tast... I'm not fond of the Jubilee. I heard it in 2 different systems..MBL, and I dont remember what the other one was,however, it was a megabuck system... butI got a HI FI, nut a musical sound both times.
radrog
157 posts
 
I believe the pre-phono is way more important then the cart.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Phono pre EAR 834P is one of the best values around, tube based and befitting of systems that cost much more.
ontjesr
157 posts
 
Doesn't you dad have the ARC REF 3?? I would think you'd try to find a cartridge to work with it & one you like, and drop the phono pre from the signal path. Sometimes, though, I realize that's not possible.
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