2. analog
  3. 1064785054

Advice wanted on mid range setup

Hi,

Having heard an SME 30 setup blow away a DCS elgar digital at Sound by Singer last year, I am finally ready to get back into analog. (BTW, it was an all out assualt: All boulder electronics, into the JM labs grand utopia using a chesky reissue lp against the same recording on CD. It only took about 10 seconds to come to the conclusion, it was by no means a sublte difference)
My idea was to see if I could find software, stating this weekend. So far, after 2 days of hunting, I have about 70 lps. Cost: Zero.

People will just give this stuff away, amazing. So, I am humbly asking the advice of the analog denziens here for ideas on a rig that will be of matching performance to the rest of my system.

Currently, I have ARC electronics (LS16 MK2, VT100 MK3, CD), running through audioquest cabling (diamond X3 silver balanced interconnects, Caldera Biwire for the speakers) Speakers are Martin Logan Ascents and room treatment is by ASC

I Would like to spend an upper limit of $7,000, including phono stage (tubes, if possible), arm, TT, cartidge, and interconnects. I would be looking for used stuff here on Audiogon, with the possible exception of the cartridge. I have some reservations about buying a pre owned cartridge: is this a valid fear?

Thanks in advance for all you help.
rlips
sc53
720 posts
 
Rlips--you can most certainly use the ARC PH-3, because you add its gain to that already provided by your preamp. You will be fine with the PH-3. Used they are about $900. I use that phono pre with a BAT VK-30SE, but previously used it with an ARC LS-15--plenty of gain for a medium output moving coil.
twl
3,251 posts
 
Rbirke, I suggested a 501, and that the IO would require a stretch of budget. They can be had for about $2700 used, if you look for awhile. You are right, it would cost considerably more than his budget. But it would be a one time buy, and he'd be set.

And if he selected the Teres 255 instead of the 265, he'd save $900 right there and still get a hell of a good table. Heck, my 245 is a hell of a good table, and a 255 is better than that! A 255, OL Encounter, Shelter 501 rig would be only $4900 retail. This would leave $2100 for the phono stage, which is only about $600 shy of getting a good used IO. I think we are getting pretty close.

If he could get a dealer to cut him a 10% discount on the arm/cart combo, then he'd only be about $400 shy of the IO. If I know audiophiles like I think I know audiophiles, the $400 hurdle is capable of being overcome. I know I was willing to eat hot dogs for awhile to get my new amp!
rlips OP
105 posts
 
Ya know, $400 is what, 5% of 7k? Seriously, I don't think it would be a stretch to tell my wife I came in on budget. If +/- 5% is good enough for the electric utility, it's good enough for me.

Still wondering about the ARC PH3, seems like the 54db is just on the shy side for .4mV output.
Ron
aceto
273 posts
 
Can't improve on TWL, but you might have the pace of acquisition or playing to use Disc Doctor's manual system of terry cloth, purified water, miracle cleaner and brushes until you want to spend more for a machine cleaner. And dont forget the Last preservative to cut friction and noise.
reb1208
518 posts
 
You could get away with 60db for your .4mv cart. 54db is too low- it will sound distant. I am using 64db at 15k loading with my .35mv cart into the LS-25mk1. The LS-25 is set at 18db gain and this is just about right. It is a much better synergy to have proper gain in the phonostage than apply excessive gain in the linestage. The dynamics and information lost can't be recovered. There is a limit to the amount of voltage input before clipping- that the LS16 can handle. The set-up I use just brushes up against that threshold- so be aware of that.
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