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Questions - returning to analog

I have some basic questions and am seeking some recommendations:

I am steadily upgrading my old college system (Yamaha receiver, Von Schweikert monitors, Sony CD changer), and have now running purchased Maggie 3.5's driven by Plinius 8200 integrated w/ internal MM phono stage, HHB pro recording CD for digital.

I have not yet upgraded my analog gear. I have an old Technics SL-BD20, and as an interim step before buying a better 'table have purchased a new cartridge on the cheap (due to Technics P-mount arm).

Question 1: New cart has much better high end than old Shure M94P, but also a lot of sibilance especially with cymbals. Hi-hats sound like spitting, breaking glass. What causes this? When I increase tracking, sibilance seems to reduce...but sound is less animated, seems muted and strained. It is currently unlistenable and am not ready to use it as a frisbee yet.

Question 2: I'm on a budget. When I upgrade, what's a good 'table / tonearm / cartridge that won't set me back too much, but will provide enduring listening benefits?

Have seen MMF-1's and other entry-level models used on Audiogon at reasonable prices. But I am also curious if biting the bullet for MMF-5, Rega, VPI or similar tier would be a better long-term purchase.

I also love the look of the Basis 1400 and have heard some good things about them, but am more interested in realistic sonic matching with my other components...despite that really cool acrylic plinth.

Thanks in advance for all your responses, Audiogon has never failed to provide me real-world, meaningful suggestions. But I'm really afraid this is starting to turn into an obsession...LOL

Tim
timwat
mwilson
430 posts
 
Hi Tim,

As for decent MM cartridges:

Goldring 1042 and Shure V15 (check revision #) are classic, current-production MM cartridges for $250-$350. For an excellent "value" cartridge, I love my Shure M97xE. That cartridge costs about $90 and replacement stylus runs about $50. For the price, you can start out with a decent cartridge, and later use it as a backup if you decide to buy a better cartridge. For the price, you just about can't lose.

http://www.shure.com/m97xe.html

As for starting out with a new table, I have the Music Hall MMF2.1 and it's a nice table for the money, but beware the tonearm (bearings, mass, counterweight) isn't designed for MC carts - the MMF 1.0 wouldn't be either. These two tables won't exactly grow with you. I think the 5.0 is fine for MC carts, but I am not positive. As far as your concern about long-term purchases, this sort of thing speaks to "Yes" - buy a little more table now than you think you need, and you'll be happier you did later on.

I would start with Rives' suggestions. Some Rega owners may also be able to name some good Rega tables that might be in your price range. I haven't played with one, so you'd have to get an owner's perspective.

Lots of fun,
audioman4
174 posts
 
CHECK OUT NEEDLEDOCTOR.COM THOSE GUYS ARE GREAT..
I AM RUNNING A REGA P3 WITH A RB300 ARM
A CLEARAUDIO PHONO PRE WITH MC AND MM INPUT AND UPGRADED TO
A GARROTT K2 CARTRIDGE..
THE CART MADE THE BIGGEST DIFFERNECE YET.. IT IS MC VS MM AND
THE MUSIC IS MUCH MORE 3D SOUNDING.. THE GAIN INCREASED, THE BACKGROUND NOISE DECREASED AND IT IS MUCH MORE DETAILED ON THE HIGHS AND VOCALS... I CAN LISTEN TO THIS FOR HOURS..
TURNTABLE 450 , PHONO PRE 200, CART 300, GOOD TURNTABLE MAT 50... YOUR SET!!
ALSO IT DOESNT HURT TO HAVE A NICE ARC PREAMP WITH TUBES FROM UPSCALE AUDIO...HAPPY LISTENING,
jOE
ohlala
1,242 posts
 
Tim, relative to other types of components (e.g. amps, CDPs) the return in good sound for higher quality, more expensive TT rigs is high. I am not you, but I would and have bitten the bullet. Are you in a position to listen to some players at a dealer(s)? Just something for your RADAR, the rig that I own and am now very happy with is a Nottingham Interspace ($999) w/ Origin Live modified RB-250 ($450) and Dynavector DV-20x-H (~$450) (10x4 as a substitute (~$300)). This is a solid combination at the same price-point as the 1400 & P25 and better than the P25/Exact that I heard. Good luck
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
Check out Grado's cartridge offerings since you need high-output. Their moving iron (variable reluctance) designs offer output levels at low, medium, or high levels, some cartridges within the same model-name even offer different levels of output depending upon your needs.
Tim regarding long term satisfaction: if possible, try to shoot for ther next level above what you're presently considering. Your Maggies & Plinius are more in that league than the bargain stuff.
basement
245 posts
 
Tim,
You say this may be turning into an obsession, but obviously you are enjoying it.
all of the above recomendations are good, but as you say you want something that will endure, I would definitely get something that is upgradeable, and is interchangable.
The VPI hw19jr is only a little more money than a rega with the same arm, is upgradable, can be found used as well as new, and parts are all over and easily replaceable, and will be for many years, I'm sure. Same with any Sota, from the jewel up. Both can use virtually any arm. I think the Basis you mention also falls into this catagory.
Another suggestion; check on a benz-micro mc20e2 I think they may still be only $150. It may leave enough in your budget to get a better table, and good enough to get the sonic benifits of the money you spent on a better table.
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