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Is turntable == phono stage == cartridge right?

Is this the preferred upgrade path still?

I've only owned three record decks in 30+ years as a music lover. I'd rather buy LP's than buy equipment!

Each of my two Thorens decks I had for about 15 years each. About 4 years ago, my wife gave me a Scoutmaster for an anniversary present, but I'm thinking of moving on. I admire the Scoutmaster, but I don't enjoy my music on it as much as I used to, despite its clear advantages for noise and detail compared to my old (very old) Thorens decks.

Current system is Scoutmaster w. Shelter 501 and Benz Lukaschek phono stage. And about 1500 mostly classical LP's. Oh, and a VPI record cleaner which to date was my best-ever analog purchase!

If I'm budgeting about $5-7k, where would my money best be spent for upgrading? I assume I should be looking for a new turntable? Recommendations?

Thanks for borrowing your experience!
dfhaleycko
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
You are going to get a lot of different opinions on this. I will tell you that while some folks really like the Benz Lucasheck phono stage, I found it to be uninvolving. Hard to put my finger on it, just a bit bland. You might start there. If you buy used and shop carefully, you can probably buy 2 or 3 phono stages and keep the winner without much loss of $. I've never heard the Scoutmaster or the Shelter cart. As far as a TT goes, you might consider looking at two US "boutique" manufacturers; Teres and Galabier.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,391 posts
 
If the VPI Scoutmaster doesn't do it for you, there are many improvements/upgrades from VPI. Personally, I'd look elsewhere. The Scoutmaster is a wonderful table.
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
Scoutmaster is a great table, no need to replace it. I also think that the Benz Lukaschek might be your problem. Also, what are the rest of your system? Problem could be somewhere down stream.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
a thorens 160HD...a new classic
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