It seems to me that your phono pre is not on the same level with everything else in your phono chain.
Analog Upgrade - Where to start?
I am looking to upgrade my LP playback system. My current system is a mixed bag of new and old: SME 20/2 turntable (from about 2005), Kuzma 4 point nine Tonearm and the SME Series V Tonearm, Dynavector MC DRT XV-1s (retipped by Soundsmith), PS Audio Stellar phono pre. I am looking to introduce more dynamic sound, detail (without edge) and musicality. The rest of my system supports this end. Any suggestions on where might be the best place to start the upgrade?
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Check out the new Acoustic Signature Neo turntable line or Dr. Feickert. Depending on the age of your tonearm...Kuzma has recently updated their tonearms with new bearings and other improvements. You may also want to explore cartridges from Ortofon, Hana, My Sonic Lab or other Soundsmith cartridges. Your phono stage has received many glowing reviews. |
Your system specs look good to me. Based on what you said; “ looking for more dynamic sound, detail (without edge) and musicality.”, the first places I would look at are 1., the phono cartridges…there are so many newer models at various price points since your last cartridge purchase, that this one upgrade may itself solve your quest, 2., the phono stage…again, many options to play around with at various price points for phono preamps. Depending on your budget, the cartridge market is a free for all. There are plenty of below the 5k mark, and in between, 5-10k, it is another world, and then above 10k, more rare species of cartridges. If you like what Soundsmith did for you on the retip, at the just below 5k range, the Sussaro MKII is exemplary. |
Why? is something wrong? Sure sounds right. You a valve person? Preamp, how about a Herron if you can find one.. Nothing BUT great reviews.. http://www.thebestamp.com/ LOOK really cool stuff JUST LOOK.. Decware, ZP3 its a real peach for the money.. Valves pure as the driven snow.. Point to point, ART by design alone.. Runs really cool to.. Regards |