2. analog
  3. 1098120960

Analog Upgrade Suggestions Welcome

I am thinking of making several upgrades to my current analog rig.

Current system: click here

First, I am thinking of upgrading my VPI HW19 MKIII to the MKIV. I would like those with first hand experience to tell me if the upgrade is worth the money, and what I can expect to hear in improvement. I am currently using the SDS and SAMA modifications.

Second, I am thinking of upgrading my cartridge. My Sumiko Talisman Alchemist IIb is almost 15 years old and is ready for retirement. Some A'goNers have recommended the Shelter 501. I didn't want to spend more than $1000 for a cartidge as the majority of my listening is still redbook CD. I am open to other suggestions. I want the best cartridge for the money. Also, I am leary of buying such a fragile item used. I have heard others on A'goN say they'd never buy a used cartridge. Please share any experiences out there; good or bad.

My current cartridge has an output of 2.0mV which I assume means high output. Will I need a step-up transformer for a low output cartridge? Is the Shelter 501 at 0.4 mV considered low output? My Classe Six preamp has a phono section. The preamp comes with resistors that the user can change out to match the volume control knob position to the level of line components. I assume I'd need to change the resistor I'm using with my current cartridge. Otherwise I'd have to turn the knob way up to get enough gain with a cartridge with an output that's 1/5 that of my current cartridge. Is that correct?

Thank you all for your help and suggestions.

Cheers!

Mark
mstram

Showing 4 responses by cello

cello
645 posts
 
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Ok Raul,
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Off come the gloves. You are just unbelievable. How many people have to tell you that your behavior is unacceptable before it gets through your thick skull.
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You have no place on this thread or any other Audiogon forum.
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You tell people what they can and cannot hear. My sense is that you are audiotorally challenged and don't appreciate that people can hear what God was not kind enough to share with you.
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You are rude, ignorant of common social graces (in any language), pompous, an articulate incompetent, not able to carry on a logical and polite debate, and a royal pain in our collective Asses. Please don't address any of us as friends (anyone can offer here to be RaulÂ’s friend and correct me) as you do not treat people in a hospitable or decent way. Please do not use your English language limitations again for your rude missives.
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As a final thoughtÂ…..Raul, please shove your opinions where the sun fails to reach and leave us all alone.
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cello
645 posts
 
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Gregadd,
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It is quite nice of you to try to see the positive side of Raul's behavior.
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What I think you may be missing here is the long history of his rudeness and mean spirited statement.
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Please read through all of Raul's comments on all of his threads and in their entirety and you might sing a different tune.
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cello
645 posts
 
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Thank you Rushton - well put.
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Raul - My only point is that you stop attacking people personally. I would welcome any informed opinion provided that it is put forth in a positive and polite manner. Do that, and I have no issue with you.
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cello
645 posts
 
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At this point, I would not let set up be a reason not to own a Schroder tonearm.
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A Schroder is one of the true pure joys in life.
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