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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.
128x128dodgealum
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum OP
1,405 posts
 
I ended up buying a Whest PS30R so we will see what that does. I'll check back in once I get it inserted into my system and then again after I check the cartridge using the Best Tractor. Thanks everyone (again!).
cmalak
681 posts
 
So how is the Whest phono mating with your Dyna20XM cart? Have you been able to match/better your Esoteric digital front end?
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum OP
1,405 posts
 
Cmalak: So far I'm very impressed. I'm still playing with gain and loading options and will check back in after I've had some time with the unit.
nolitan
865 posts
 
Im curious, how does the VPI scout with Whest stack up against the ESO Digital player ? Is it close ? Or the vinyl rules ? thanks.
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum OP
1,405 posts
 
I've got the Whest dialed in at 65db of gain and a 100ohm load and it sounds phenomenal. I wasn't sure how big a role the phonostage plays in vinyl reproduction but now I'm a believer. The Whest is very, very dynamic, detailed and has fantastic PRaT. Tonal balance is very neutral. Voices and instruments have appropriate warmth and body and there is good dimensionality. Comparing my Scout/JMW9/Dyna 20XM with the same recordings played through my Esoteric X-03SE is interesting. With my old phonostage (built into the ARC SP-16) there was NO CONTEST--the Esoteric killed it. Now my vinyl and CD/SACD playback are on par. The vinyl is a bit more three dimensional, layered and organic while the digital has rock solid bass and dynamics. It's a toss up which I prefer, which is exactly where I hoped I would end up. Of course, comparing the Whest to the ARC SP16 isn't entirely fair. Since I sold the SP16 I've upgraded to an LS26 and an SD135 so the Whest is feeding better components down the chain. Regardless, I am very pleased with the Whest and would recommend it highly. It performed better in my system than the EAR 834P, ARC PH5 and the Acoustic Sounds PH-1. Really a super phonostage for the money.
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