2. analog
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Next step?

I am looking for recommendations for improvements to my vinyl front end. I listen to different varieties of music, but mainly rock and jazz. I want my analog front end to rival my digital front end.

My current analog setup is a 90's vintage Systemdek I 960. This is sort of a rega planar 3 clone having a Moth 300 arm but a acrylic platter/subplatter and larger MDF plinth. I am currently using a Dynavector 10x5 cartridge but also have a Linn Adikt. I have re-wired the tonearm with Cardas wire and use a Kimber Tak H cable. I have added Michell tonearm weights and the Riggle VTA adjuster as well as the Herbie audio TT mat.

I have a PS Audio GCPH (Underwood hifi mod) as a phono pre. I use the balanced outs to a Pass XP10 pre and XA 30.5 amp. Speakers are Legacy Focus SE. My digital front end is Linn Akurate DS. I stream flac/wav files from a NAS.

I think I've basically tweaked out my current setup more than any reasonable man should. I was wondering if a new cartridge or a new TT would be the best next step (or both?) and if so how far do I need to go. For example, would a VPI Classic 3 be more of an upgrade than going to a Dynavector 20X2? Or would a Classic 1 or Rega RP6/8 be a significant upgrade? VPI Traveller? Well Tempered? Clearaudio?

I have been ripping vinyl using a HRT Linestreamer which is fantastic. This way I can buy vinyl and listen to it through the TT or stream it from the ripped file depending on the situation.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
128x128karl_desch
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch OP
445 posts
 
Thanks Jjrenman, Mechans and Manitunc for your responses.

I was leaning toward a LOMC cartridge, like a Dyna 20x2L or a AT-OC9ml/iii but wanted to make sure I wasn't wasting time in the context of my somewhat ancient turntable. The logic being if the new cartridge didn't get me to where I want to be then I can always mount it on a new TT/tonearm.

I received several LPs in the mail today. One was a new release from The Knife. Its a 3LP set that included the album on CD! I like it how labels/artists are recognizing our mixed digital and analog needs.

Other experiences are welcomed. Was your analog quantum leap a new table or a new cartridge or some other tweak?

-Karl
jperry
2,465 posts
 
I had a Rega P-25 turntable with a Dynavector 17D3 cartridge. My progression in steps was:

1. Purchase of an older Basis 2000 TT with a Basis modified Rega arm
2. Changing to a Shelter 901 cartridge
3. Changing to a Basis Vector 3 tonearm

One of the most significant changes was the last change to the tonearm. It was a stunning change that I did not expect. I think most in this hobby have made changes to their systems ands said "I think that sounds better", but this was a change where I said, "I can't believe how much better this sounds."

So in short, each of the changes made a difference, that I could hear for the better, but the quantum leap was the Basis Vector tonearm.

I hope you enjoy your quantum leap as much as I have enjoyed mine.

In the meanwhile enjoy all of the small changes along the way.
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch OP
445 posts
 
Jperry, Sounds like a good plan.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
I'd upgrade the table/arm. You are in the vicinity of a Well Tempered Amadeus or Simplex, which would get you an upgraded arm and table. At $2500, you could get both a Simplex and an upgrade at cartridge (20XL if you like the Dyna sound).

Even with the wiring upgrade, I think that the RB300 is probably your weakest link.
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch OP
445 posts
 
Hi Roscoeiii,
I'll be getting an in home demo of an Anvil "Alloy Convertible" turntable on Tuesday. I guess that is one perk of living in Ann Arbor, near Anvil Turntable HQ.

I'll post what I'm hearing with that nice and heavy rig.
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