Thanks everyone so far. While the phonostage recommendations are helpful I'm really trying to think of this as a phono playback system and purchase a cartridge and phonostage that are particularly well suited together. I'd really be interested in hearing from Scout owners who have played around with different cartridges and phonostages until the found an exceptional combination--ideally in my price range. On the other hand I'm happy to continue using my 20XM since it has less than 100 hours on it so recommendations for a phonostage which mates well with this cartridge would be fine too. I'm leaning toward solid state and would like a unit that provides some adjustability of load etc so in case I change cartridges later I can continue to use the same phonostage.
Vinyl Front End Upgrade
I've been sitting on the sidelines without vinyl playback for far too long and am looking to get back in the game. I've got a VPI Scout/JMW 9/Dynavector 20XM (1mv version). I've got no phonostage since I sold my ARC SP16 and bought an LS26. The rest of the system is an ARC SD135 driving Daedalus Audio DA-1.1's through Empirical Design cables. I've spent the last few months listening to digital source material through my Esoteric X-03SE, saving my pennies toward a vinyl upgrade. My plan is to keep the Scout and work on a cartridge and phonostage pairing that will give me vinyl playback as good or better than what I'm getting on the digital side. I've got $3K to spend on new or used components. I'd appreciate some suggestions.
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- 19 posts total
- 19 posts total