2. analog
  3. 1291079501

Upgrade suggestions

Hi
I use my turntable as a source for less than five percent of my listening, but I am contemplating an upgrade and looking for advice.
I listen to classical music. I currently have been using a Rega P5 table with a PS Audio phono stage. I have had the table for 5 years and have never upgraded from the Rega mm cartridge that it came with.
the rest of my system is an Ayre preamplifier, Parasound Power amp, and some Digital sources (Marantz 803 SACD, NAd DVD-A player both fed into a PS Audio Digital Link DAC). Speakers are B&W 803-D.
budget up to $3000.
richardfinegold
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
That's a very nice vinyl rig, I would think every bit as good as the rest of your rig. Maybe a Sumiko Blackbird, or a Soundsmith Aida cartridge set up properly? Get a MintLP protractor to set up your arm.
rdavwhitaker
173 posts
 
Over the years I have owned a lot of turntables, cartridges and phono preamps, and based on my experience here's what I'd suggest -

First, you already have a very good turntable and arm. I wouldn't mess with replacing either if they still function properly. Instead, I would suggest doing the following - look for a good pre-owned phono preamp on audiogon - a good choice would be an EAR 834P. The 834P can handle most MM and MC cartridgesThen, I'd purchase a Nitty Gritty 1.5 record cleaner, which will do more to improve the sound of your records than any other tweak you can buy. Then I'd take the balance of the $3000, whatever is left, and buy a new cartridge fro Shelter, Clearaudio, or Grado -- you might call the good folks at Needledoctor, if you don't have a local dealer you like, and ask for suggestions.
Post removed 
More to discover