Personal analog evolution


Forgive me if this is repeating an old thread, but an archive search revealed nothing.

Having read a lot here recently about re-entries into analog, requests for comparisons of pretty expensive hardware, etc., I'm curious about the analog evolution many of you have taken over the years.

I have virtually none to speak of:

- my dad had a garrard changer,
- I purchased a BIC belt drive in junior high school,
- Bought a Technics SL20 / Shure M94 into Yamaha receiver when I first got married, and
- Recently moved up to VPI HW19 MKII / RB-600 / Dynavector 20XH into Plinius integrated.

I feel like I've been rescued from an deserted island, but am also sure there are many more improvements I can plan for over time. Curious to see how you all got to where you are now, where you see your system moving towards.

Tim
timwat
Tim:

You have made real progress in your "analog journey". The next step I recommend is to upgrade your VPI HW-19 Mk2 to the Mk4 version (heavier platter, heavier suspension springs, and the spindle/thrust bearing used in one of the versions of the VPI TNT). The upgrade to the Mk4 is cost-effective and substantially improves the performance to the VPI HW-19. (See the description of my system for my analog components.)
Technics direct drive/AT cart

AR XA w/stock arm and Denon DL300 - really opened my eyes

Harmon Kardon TD160 belt drive with Grado cart

Project 6.1 with Sumiko Blue Point cart - UPS just destroyed this one on it's way to it's new owner

VPI Scout/JMW arm with Dynavector 20X - awaiting it's arrival
BSR something with ceramic cartridge
Dual 1218 with 91ED
BSR710 with Shure m91ed
Pioneer PL 71 with m91 ed, ADC something (excellent cartridge) then Sonus Blue
Teac TN400 ( fabulous table) with Stax UA7 with Sonus Blue then Ortofon M320 Super, Grado Signature, Shure V15 MR, Supex 900 Still have and use the table with most of the catridges

Lin Sondek/Ittok then Valhalla with Supex 900 then Sumiko Blue Point special
Started out, like many, with a Garrard table in 1973. Can't remember the cartridge, I think I remember a Shure Type??
Then in 1975 I got into the B&O line of turntables. I started out with the Beogram 3000 and evolved to the linear tracking 4004 (?) with the highest-level MMC cartridge (the only kind that could fit on B&O turntables).
Finally got a real table circa 1986 with a Thorens and a Grace Ruby cartridge, into the phono section of an ARC SP-14. I owned that for many years, then finally got my first Linn LP-12 in 1993, with a van den Hul MM-1 moving magnet cartridge--still into the ARC SP-14. Upgraded the LP-12 over the years w/Cirkus, Trampolin, Akito, and Lingo. Bought an ARC PH-3 phono pre in 1997 or so. Bought a van den Hul MC-One Special moving coil cartridge in 2001. The MM-1 is still good, I just wanted to try a moving coil after all these years. It sounds great!
Finally in 2001 I purchased (on this site) a full blown LP-12 w/Ekos and Archiv cartridge. Now I have two LP-12s and have decided to sell my first one. I think I only need one turntable. But I may discover I'm wrong.