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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
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
In the beginning (1973)I had a Phillips GA 212 with Stanton 681EEE. Next an AR with Lustre Tonearm and Panasonic Strain Gauge cartridge. Then came SOTA Sapphire with same Lustre. Later bought ET-1 arm. Had an early Linn briefly, then went to VPI with MMT all the while using strain gauge with Rowland board. Ultimately settled on Well-Tempered Reference with full Marigo package and Audioquest 7000 into Rowland Concentra. I can't remember all the phono sections I used but Encore, Levinson, Analog Audio, CAT, Audio Research and Classe were among them.
I'm sticking with the WT Ref. indefinitely since there isn't much of anything to wear out. Maybe someday I'll need new fishline or silicone.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
at the age of 3 -- the old gromophone played 78rpm.
after complete dissasembling it due to curiosity i was rewaded by
tube radiola(lp-player combined with tuner amp and speakers in one huge box) at the age of 5.
it could play 33,45,78.
than
Arktur belt drive lp-player(aka dual with built-in phono) with AT something cartridge with replacable needle and pitch control.
Technics SL-something DD turntable with Stanton cartridge.
Rega planar 3/RB300/Elys than Benz Glider...
Michell Gyro SE/Incognito RB300/Lyra Helikon regular and Benz M0.9 as a back-up and certainly with help of VPI HW16.5 and other cleaning tweaks.
Future DIY modification onto my current turntable will certainly due.
upstateaudio's avatar
upstateaudio
249 posts
 
1976-82-Thorens TD165C w/Shure M91ED , ADC XLM
1982-83-Denon DP30L w/Shure Type IV
1984-1995-Denon DP45 w/ Shure Type V, Blue Point
1995- 2001-Rotel RB900 w/ Blue Point, Benz Micro Silver
2001- present Rega P3-2000, OL modded RB250 arm, Dynavector 10x4MkII

Goal- Nottingham Interspace or VPI Scout w/Dynavector 20XH (Not for a while, I have to fix up my house)
mike_cole
31 posts
 
I started out by listening to my Dad's stuff, first a Garrard and then an Elac Miracord. My first TT was a BSR. The when I started earning money, I got a Dual 721 with various upgrades via the Shure V15 line of cartridges. Then I started getting into "hi-end" gear and bought an LP-12/Akito/K5. This got upgraded with a K9 then a K18, then the Cirkus upgrade, then a Goldring Eroica and finally a Dyna 17D II. I don't think I will ever trade my LP-12. It just matches my musical tastes too well. It is the only piece of equipment that I have ever bought that *always* pleased me.

Mike
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
I listened to some pretty dismal TT growing up. First was my parents TT with speakers. My first stereo was from Readers Digest on monthly payments. I kept it for a long time. I think almost ten years.
After I was married I bought several Dual TT the best being a CS 505. When I started getting more serious I bought a used Oracle Alexandria. Next the husband of a lady who worked for me was getting out of HiFi and sold me his Sota Sapphire and VPI 16 record cleaner. After a few years with that I sent it in to Sota for possible upgrades and ended up getting a Sota Star Sapphire instead.
It's been quite a trip from that first TT but what I have now sounds so much better. I have a $3500 CDP but would still rather listen to my Sota/Rega/Benz!!!
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