2. analog
  3. 1098120960

Analog Upgrade Suggestions Welcome

I am thinking of making several upgrades to my current analog rig.

Current system: click here

First, I am thinking of upgrading my VPI HW19 MKIII to the MKIV. I would like those with first hand experience to tell me if the upgrade is worth the money, and what I can expect to hear in improvement. I am currently using the SDS and SAMA modifications.

Second, I am thinking of upgrading my cartridge. My Sumiko Talisman Alchemist IIb is almost 15 years old and is ready for retirement. Some A'goNers have recommended the Shelter 501. I didn't want to spend more than $1000 for a cartidge as the majority of my listening is still redbook CD. I am open to other suggestions. I want the best cartridge for the money. Also, I am leary of buying such a fragile item used. I have heard others on A'goN say they'd never buy a used cartridge. Please share any experiences out there; good or bad.

My current cartridge has an output of 2.0mV which I assume means high output. Will I need a step-up transformer for a low output cartridge? Is the Shelter 501 at 0.4 mV considered low output? My Classe Six preamp has a phono section. The preamp comes with resistors that the user can change out to match the volume control knob position to the level of line components. I assume I'd need to change the resistor I'm using with my current cartridge. Otherwise I'd have to turn the knob way up to get enough gain with a cartridge with an output that's 1/5 that of my current cartridge. Is that correct?

Thank you all for your help and suggestions.

Cheers!

Mark
mstram
cello
645 posts
 
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Ok Raul,
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Off come the gloves. You are just unbelievable. How many people have to tell you that your behavior is unacceptable before it gets through your thick skull.
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You have no place on this thread or any other Audiogon forum.
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You tell people what they can and cannot hear. My sense is that you are audiotorally challenged and don't appreciate that people can hear what God was not kind enough to share with you.
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You are rude, ignorant of common social graces (in any language), pompous, an articulate incompetent, not able to carry on a logical and polite debate, and a royal pain in our collective Asses. Please don't address any of us as friends (anyone can offer here to be RaulÂ’s friend and correct me) as you do not treat people in a hospitable or decent way. Please do not use your English language limitations again for your rude missives.
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As a final thoughtÂ…..Raul, please shove your opinions where the sun fails to reach and leave us all alone.
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gregadd
574 posts
 
I guess someone should say something in Rauls' defense. When I made my first statement on the audiogon site regarding vta, someone thought they had the authority to tell me to go away. While I think it is everyones right to correct obvious mistatements of fact and scientific principles, we should stay from ad hominem attacks.
Audio is an inexact science. More importantly we are all amatures. I would say 90% of what is said on this site is opinion. Almost all of what I have read during my short stay on this site, is a good faith attempt by the writer to asisst others in getting the most out of thier existing or future systems. Predictably saying things like solid states sucks,you can't hear the difference between cheap wire and expensive cables,etc. is going to evoke a strong response.
For example at one time the Denon 103 was considered SOTA. That was 15 -20 yrs ago. It has almost surely been surpassed by todays modern mc cartridges. They are those who still find it has value especially at a price point or with particular components. However, if someone has invested thier money or credibilty in public on a particular product, calling it garbage will be offensive even if true. Accusing someone of delibeately mistating the facts will also stir up the hornets nest. I also think some have made unnecessary attacks on Raul.
Raul, for my money I hope you hang around and I will enjoy the music. Now go eat turkey and fight with the relatives you have not seen all year.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Raoul needs to follow my prescription...
cello
645 posts
 
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Gregadd,
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It is quite nice of you to try to see the positive side of Raul's behavior.
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What I think you may be missing here is the long history of his rudeness and mean spirited statement.
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Please read through all of Raul's comments on all of his threads and in their entirety and you might sing a different tune.
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gregadd
574 posts
 
Cello, I apprciate your response. But I think you inadvertently did something that contributes to a lot of the discord on this site. You assumed that I am not familiar with Rauls' previous comments. Sometimes Raul deserves to be slammed. A fact that I previoulsy alluded on this site in a different thread.(Do hsopital grade ac outlets make a difference?). I also think the person who thought it was his place to tell me "to go away" was way out of line. Moreover, imediately prior to making my post I scanned Rauls' comments. I can certainly see why he is on the hot seat, I still beleive that he should be allowed to post his opinion. People can take it for what it is worth. Or ignore it all together.
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