upgrading the analog setup


hi everybody
i’m listening to last joe walsh lp (love the man) and start thinking to upgrade my entire analogue chain.
I’m now a owner of a rega P5, denon 103, lehmann black cube se prephono.

For the cart I’m sure I’ll go with a dynavector 20X2L (loved very well a former 10X5).
That’s the only certainty.
For the TT on my list now there are:

Rega rp8 (2100 euro)
Well Tempered Amadeus (2800 euro + cable rca)
Linn LP12 (which incarnation?)
Technics sl 1200 + pbthals’s arm
a VPI
sota (my dealer sells them)

and for the pre phono a have no f idea… I heard good things about AVID and the dynavector p75 mkIII but to compensate the solid state integrated I was thinking a tube one..

Any input would be greatly appreciated

thanks

rockness

ps unfortunately I cannot audition any components but the sota.
rockness87
The tube Phono stage is just OK because you will be using an MM amplification factor. The problem with tubes which BTW I have in almost every piece I use, is that tubes are noisier (or get noisy with age) than good SS is. So I would suggest that you use tubes in other parts of your system, the best being your power amp, IMHO not the pre.
I use the cartridge you like and agree that it is good. I use a Graham Slee Gram amp2SE As for the rest of your questions I leave to the Analog gurus.
Hello Rockness,
The source is the most important part of any good audio system. The “Source”, meaning a Turntable (or CD player) is at the beginning of the audio chain. This is where the music starts and where one should not nickel and dime themselves.

I've owned both a Sondek LP12 and a WT Classic (not the amadeus but extremely similar in design). Like all TTs, these two have strenghts and weaknesses. My experience with both, well... these two are what I consider "high maintenance" tables and very fuzzy to set up and maintain. They will only sound at their best when they are set up properly. Reason why I decided to part ways and move in another direction.

I also owned a heavily modified SL1200 with Jelco arm for a while. Bottom line, dead steady but not so "quiet" as belt driven tables.

I have fallen in love with the new Rega tables! Their philosophy makes sense, light and rigid. The Rega P5 is a great TT and you would be hard pressed to "hear" more with any of the TTs mentioned above. The RB700 is equally superb IMHO. I have auditioned but not owned a Rega RP8. However, I currently own a heavily modofied Rega RP3 that is now closer in design/performance to the RP8 than the actual RP3.

My current TT:
Rega RP3 (I'm using the plinth, 24 V motor, bearing well, and double brase from the original RP3, everything else is gone)
Added the Rega TT-PSU
Replaced the RB303 with a new Rega RB808 tonearm
Added the following:
Groovetracer Reference subplatter w/zirconia bearing
Groovetracer Delrin Platter
Groovetracer 130 Grams Counterweight
Eduards Audio Little Belter
Dayton Audio ISO-4BK adjustable brass footers
Clearaudio clever clamp

Suggestion:
Try a better cartridge before you decide to part ways with your current TT. Again, this is where the music starts! Start with the DV 20X2L/DV P-75 combo in enhancer mode. You will be floored at how much more information you P5 will be able to retrive. For even better information retrieval and blacker blacks, go with the Lyra Delos. IMHO, no other cartridge will bring you closer to the music than Lyra.

My current 2 channel system:
Modified RP3/Lyra Delos
Cronus Magnum with KT120's and Genalex Gold Lion
Dynavector P-75 MKI, giant killer! (MKII/MKIII versions sound the same to my ears and you can get a P-75 for $400.00 and save some money for a better cart)
Golden Ear Triton 7
Straightwire maestro cables/interconnects

Happy listening!!!!!!!!!!