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Upgrades to Analog System

Hoping to get some thoughts/advice on upgrade to current analog system. Current setup is

Avid Reference turntable
Sme v tonearm
Dynavector xv1s cartridge
Aesthetix Rhea phono stage (basic not signature)
Marantz pm11s2 integrated amp
Focal 1007be speakers
Rel b3 sub
Hydra 8v2 (everything except sub)
Hydra v2 (sub)

I've been generally happy with the system but there is always room for changes. When I purchased the Rhea 2yrs I had planned to do the signature upgrade. Now I'm debating on whether to spend $3 grand on signature upgrade on purchase new phono stage in the 5-7k range (would sell the rhea). The Avid Pulsare II phono stage is on my list.

Any thoughts on rhea upgrade vs another phono stage would be much appreciated. I'd also like to hear any advice on where $5-7k could be spent making other changes to the system if phono stage change isn't going to make a much of a difference.

Thanks in advance.
marlonrsmith
dover
2,200 posts
 
Atmasphere MP3 is a very highly regarded full function tube preamp with outstanding phono stage, Convergent Audio Technology is another. You could pair this with a reasonable solid state power amp eg Gamut D100 ( $1500 used here now ) and get a great sound. Shindo pres have excellent phono's built in but they have a high output impedance and you have to be careful matching with solid state power amps. If you dont mind gear looking different, the Artemis Labs tube line stage has had excellent reviews if you want to keep the Aesthetix phono. I would spend as much as possible on the phono/pre and buy a 2nd hand power amp around $1500-2000. Below this price point the Quad 909 power amp is quite musical.
dayglow
1,784 posts
 
I agree that the Marantz PM-11S2 is the weakest link. You have a great analog front end and an excellent speaker set up. If you like the polite sound of the Marantz consider a Jeff Rowland Concentra 2 or if you want more power a Coda CSiB. These are very cost effective options that will still tame the beryllium tweeter but will offer a higher degree of resolution.
bigby
147 posts
 
The most critical element is the room. Take a look at the real traps web site and RPG Diffusor Systems. Read about room treatments. Then spend your $$ on buying sound treatments for your listening room. It will completely change the sound of your system. Include absorption and diffusion.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
I had a Rhea Phonostage and was disappointed from it (limited detail, narrow soundstage, higher gains not useable based on tube rush...). I sold it very fast. I would replace the Rhea & Marantz at once, probably with Manley Steelhead or Chinook and a Lamm LL2.1. Atma-Sphere MP-3 + internal Phono is also a very interesting option,
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Agree w Syntax that the Rhea can be bettered at that price. The Signature w NOS tubes was easily bettered by the following head to head- Manley Steelhead and ZYX Artisan into the line stage of a Doshi Alaap, and also by VAC Ren II and Doshi Alaap (both used full function). Analog front end was Teres/Triplanar/ZYX Universe. Downstream components Doshi modified Lectron JH-50 and B&W N802Ds. All 5 or 6 of us (can't quite remember who all was there) agreed that the Rhea did not measure up to the others and that the Doshi was the best, but opinions on the order of the three in-between varied. At least that's the way I remember it from several years ago.
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