2. analog
  3. 165394-158347

Analog upgrade path

The source I’ve been using with my integrated amp is a Technics SL-1500 mk1. Well, I’ve recently decided to step things up and have acquired an ARC linestage, which does not have an onboard phonostage. Now I’m beginning to think that pairing my Technics with my new linestage might not be a well balanced match, quality-wise.

What I’m wondering is, where will my money be best spent? Buying a nice phono stage (been looking at the Black Ice F159 or ARC PH5) and sticking it out with the Technics, or upgrading to a higher end ‘table (been looking at the VPI Scout Prime or maybe LSA T-3) and running it through a budget phonostage. Obviously the optimal solution would be both, but that’s not in my budget currently.

thx for the feedback


rfnoise

Showing 5 responses by rfnoise

rfnoise OP
153 posts
 
The integrated amp I have been using is an old Vector Research with onboard MM/MC stage. I’ve sourced an ARC LS25 mkii, as well as a Legacy power amp which is essentially a rebranded CODA Stage 3.3. Both of these pieces are sitting in their factory boxes until I can get together an appropriate front end to pair them with.

The Technics is in very good shape, although fitted with a very basic AT-3600l cart.
rfnoise OP
153 posts
 
I had a chance to look at my Vector Research, it’s a VA-1400.

Ok, looks like I’ll be hanging tough with the Technics for awhile. 
The Hana SL has some pretty great reviews. Wouldn’t I require a step-up transformer in addition to a phono stage to run that cart, however?
rfnoise OP
153 posts
 
Well, this seems to be escalating quickly...
That Soundsmith Voice cartridge is well outside my budget. The article on stylus shape was certainly informative, however.
$4-5k was my (now very much blown) original budget for getting a complete system up and running lol.

Oh, my power amp’s s/n is 92.5db, since that was mentioned.

Any thoughts on the Goldring 2500? I’d been looking at that cart previously.
rfnoise OP
153 posts
 
@grk my budget started out at $500, then I thought maybe $1000 was more in the proper range, now it’s looking like $1500 is my absolute upper limit and giving me an ulcer thinking about it. What can I say? I’m a proletarian.

I’m actually really interested in the Decware Zen Triode ZP3, since millercarbon was kind enough to alert me to it’s existence. Great review in Toneaudio issue 74. Seems like a very reasonable price considering what you get, and I like that it includes the option to later add an SUT with adjustable loading if I decide to take the plunge and move to a MC cart.
rfnoise OP
153 posts
 
@anthonya I read on another site that the 1042 has a very close sound to the 2500 at a lower price point, as well as being amenable to a wider variety of tonearms.

@chakster I read a previous post of yours regarding the Garrot brothers. A very storied history with a rather tragic end.

I came across an 11 cartridge shootout on another site 

http://soundadvicevinyl.com/2017/12/04/under-1000-moving-magnet-cartridge-shootout-11-cartridge-reviewed/

the winner was The Vessel r3sm. What caught my attention was that the cartridges were all evaluated on a Technics ‘table, which makes me think this might be a good match.

I will say that I’m really picking up (no pun intended) the difference a cardridge can make. I have on hand a Technics SL-2000 I bought as a gift for my younger brother. It’s fitted with a Shure m93e, and I can say that I certainly prefer the AT-3600l on my ‘table.




More to discover