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So what would you recommend for my next upgrade?

I'd be interested in your thoughtful recommendations for my little system. With some recent help on "tuning" the speakers, it's beginning to sound very nice. But, you know, there's always room to grow . . . or spend money. Equipment list is as follows. So what's my next step . . . uh I mean investment?

Analog Front End:
Rega Planar 3 turntable
Sumiko Blue Point Special cartridge
Connection to phono amp: MIT cables (ancient, no network box)
NAD PP 2i phono preamp
Connectors out: MIT MI-330 Plus interconnects

Digital Front End:
Rega Planet
MIT MI-330 Plus output interconnects

Amp:
Bryston B-60 integrated
Bottlehead Foreplay preamp is available
Zu Julian speaker cables - 12' (can go to 6' now)

Speakers:
Thiel 1.5s

Notes:
Own 4000+ vinyl records and growing continuously
Own 100 CDs and growing slowly
Set up for near field listening
Room under construction - will tune it when that is done

Thanks!
dancub
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
I would upgrade the speakers. The Thiels need more power/current to perform at there best. IMO the 1.5's don't justify spending more money on an amp/pre or even a larger Bryston intergrated. Since you like the Thiel sound think outside the box(lol)and consider a Martin Logan-ElectroMotion.

Not a bad idea...however, if he's content with the Thiels, I would suggest auditioning (not buying) a larger, more powerful amp.
dancub OP
82 posts
 
A couple of you have asked about my current amp (Bryston B60) or suggested something more powerful would be worth pursuing. I had, for a while, their bigger amp (3b) using it with several well regarded preamps. It never really floated my boat as it were. That may have been set up and room tuning, not sure. I don't listen loud very often. Like most people, I enjoy some lower end richness but recently - with my new near field setup - both the sparkle I'm hearing and the almost magical sound staging have been a real pleasure. I'm curious what, if anything, a more powerful amp might bring to the party. As always, thanks for the wisdom....
jperry
2,454 posts
 
Dancud, I was not sure of your budget so I was clearly a bit high.

My suggestion with regard to a phono preamp and cartridge is the Ray Samuels Nighthawk F-117 (about $500 - $550 used) and the Dynavector 17D3 (about $500 used). I own both and they are great performers and high value items.

The Dynavector should work on the P-3 with no VTA adjustment. It worked fine on my P-25

They both are seen occasionally on Audiogon and sell quickly, especially the F-117.

I would buy the phono preamp first to make sure you have enough gain for a low output moving coil cartridge

No free trial, but if you buy at the right price you should be able to sell for about the same and only be out shipping.

Good luck with your search and have fun.
jperry
2,454 posts
 
Dancud, I was not sure of your budget so I was clearly a bit high.

My suggestion with regard to a phono preamp and cartridge is the Ray Samuels Nighthawk F-117 (about $500 - $550 used) and the Dynavector 17D3 (about $500 used). I own both and they are great performers and high value items.

The Dynavector should work on the P-3 with no VTA adjustment. It worked fine on my P-25

They both are seen occasionally on Audiogon and sell quickly, especially the F-117.

I would buy the phono preamp first to make sure you have enough gain for a low output moving coil cartridge

No free trial, but if you buy at the right price you should be able to sell for about the same and only be out shipping.

Good luck with your search and have fun.
mesch
3,524 posts
 
Dancub, Given all that is presented above, it remains my opinion that your weak link is the phono stage. You have a quality $1000 TT and $400 cartridge (provided it is in good condition) mated to a good, however budget, phono stage. I also believe that a phono stage upgrade will provide you the greatest sonic improvement/dollar spent. Again I would encourage you, as a start, to call NeedleDoctor and Music Direct and ask to talk to a salesperson most knowledgable on phono stage offerings. I will say that the Jolida JD-9 I owned would make a good upgrade and is very flexible as to loading. Sold by both the aforementioned retailers. The latest version retails at $600. The original (which I owned) for $450-$500. It is rare to find one used. There are many others that could be recommended.
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