2. analog
  3. 179417-169523

Analog Upgrade itch

Hello ! I would like to upgrade my turntable / tonearm / phono preamp 

currently I am using Kuzma Stabi S / Stabi S VTA 12” tonearm / Gold Note PH10 phono amp. 
Gryphon Antelion EVO + Pandora pre , Magico A5 speaker. 

My music preference : 50% classical / 30% pop / 20% modern Jazz 

I like my current cartridge: Etsuro Urushi Cobalt so I am going to keep it. I would like to upgrade my Turntable (possible Linn LP12 or Kuzma Ref2 or any suggestions ) with Kuzma 4 point tonearm (or recommendation in the $ range?). My biggest uncertain is phono amp : I’d like to have warmer sound (tube preferred ) with ideally 2 inputs (Manley Steelhead or EMT126 are recommended by my local dealer but not sure if they are worth the money ) .  I know matching (cartridge / arm / phono stage) is more important in analog system so I’d like everyone’s comments / experience that matches my system. Musicality / warmth is what I’m after rather than microscopic details. Thanks in advance

E 

eddiechanghk

Showing 5 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,539 posts
 

@sksos 

 

Thank you for identifying yourself and your comments. Because of your forthrightness I give your opinion credibility. Thank you.

ghdprentice
7,539 posts
 

OP, That is the right question, difference in sound… not better. I like Hong Kong. Where do you live? Must be challenging listening in an apartment. 

ghdprentice
7,539 posts
 

@rdk777 

 

You live in the Pacific Northwest? I will happily let you come over and listen to my Linn LP12 and see if you think that is true. I’ll happily listen to your Kuzma. 

ghdprentice
7,539 posts
 

OP,

I believe the sound of the Audio Research will be much more natural and musical with outstanding mid-range bloom, without loosing detail… something the Steelhead is known for. Personally I would unquestionably buy a ARC Phonostage unheard… but, of course, that is because I have heard so many.

ghdprentice
7,539 posts
 

Nice looking system.

From your description, I get the feeling we have similar tastes. You can see my systems. I would keep your cartridge as you said.

I have a Linn LP12 which I bought a couple years ago at the Akurate, mid-level with a Koetsu Rosewood Signature cartridge. I have since upgraded the sub chassis and tone arm for what I consider well worth upgrades, significant sonic improvements. The Linn is small, beautiful and sounds outstanding.

 

One class of upgrades I consider the most significant over the last 40 years has been phonostages. They have always produced what I consider outsized sonic improvements. I found until my last upgrade my phono stage was always holding back my TT. I started with a Class A $200 Phonostage in about 1980… which I can’t even begin to tell you how terrible it sounded. I quickly upgraded a couple times until at last bought a new Audio Research PH2. From then on I never left Audio Research. PH2SE, PH3, PH3SE, PH8, and now REF3. I recommend PH8 or better for your system. ARC preamps and Phonostages… really sets them apart.

 

My combination is wonderfully musical with good midrange bloom, great sound staging and highly detailed. But the key words are natural and musical… the tone arm upgrade to the Ekos-se brought up the detail significantly with loosing any of the musicality. 

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