I had let my collection of 2000+ near mint LPs fall into disuse before buying this Phon.
‘Now I’m really enjoying them.
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bkeske,
‘Do you have the Saphire VI?
‘Does it require an arm separately?
‘The price is right.
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Tomic601,
As much as I would love to improve my analog side, I don’t think I have the level of commitment and resources that it takes. I don’t even trust myself to install a cartridge, no less a tone arm. So I think I’ll pass on a new setup.
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After reading a few reviews, I have serious doubts about the Technics turntable.
I’m looking further, to see if I can find something superior to what I have in the 4K price range.
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Slaw,
Yes, I think I’m going to be listening to a lot more records.
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I’m using a Conrad-Johnson preamp as my phono stage.
I don’t think I can do better than that.
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Thank those of you who submitted a recommendation.
I’m considering all of them.
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The main issue with my turntable is a lack of transparency, that I am getting with digital sources. The instruments don’t exist in a three dimensional space. The tone quality is fine
My hope is that new turntable in the 4K range will provide that. My cartridge is relatively high end and, I may be wrong, but I think the phono stage on my recapped Conrad-Johnson PV 11 preamp is adequate to the task.
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I think my query has been answered here.
it’s apparent that $4000 is not going to bring my analog side to the level that I’m hoping for.
Thanks everyone for your help.
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My dealer is trying to talk me into a VPI turntable (of course because he doesn’t carry Technics, although he can get it.)
Anybody have any love for VPI?
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The Techniques is a game changer for me. It seems to fit every qualification, including the price.
Now, if I can only find a way to get it past my wife!
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mr_putty,
Thanks for the input. I’m seriously interested in the Prime. My local dealer has it and is willing to set it up for me, I’m NOT a DIY person. I’m happy to hear you like it so well. I just hope it will be a significant upgrade from what I have now.
‘My cartridge is fairly high end, costing four figures and my phono preamp is a Conrad-Johnson. I do have a cleaning machine for my 2000+ records.
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My dealer is telling me he likes the sound of the VPI Scout over the Prime.
Anyone have an opinion on that? It’s certainly more affordable.
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My dealer refuses to let me try out a new turntable with my Clearaudio cartridge in my system. I can’t say that I blame him (it would be a lot of work) but it’s a deal breaker for me. I don’t want to be stuck with a turntable the equivalent of mine. My very upgraded Rega tonally really sounds great. My problem is that It does not do the job of separating the instruments with space around them the way my digital system does. Maybe it’s too much to expect that the relatively inexpensive VPI will do that any better. As someone previously mentioned 4K is unrealistic. So, I may have to be satisfied with my very rich and smooth sounding analog side without the soundstaging.
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Well, I had a long talk with a Music Direct person today, and I’m not getting a turntable after all. I’m getting a Sutherland 20/20 phono preamp. This is probably the best first step in my quest for better sound.
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Well, I got the Sutherland 20/20 installed on my system. The good news is that it sounds fantastic right out of the box! Night and day difference. Probably a much better choice than getting a new turntable,
‘The bad news is that somehow, by shutting off one of my two power conditioners in preparation, I can’t get it to restart! I’m going through the jungle of wires behind my set to find the plugs. It may take days.
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I really didn’t know how much information was on my records. It’s amazing that a preamp by itself could make that much difference. I guess the rest of my setup isn’t that bad after all.
I’m just dumbfounded!
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The only downside is that the preamp reveals the flaws in bad records as much as it enhances the quality in good sounding records.
The other issue I’m having (not really a problem but a concern) is the difference in texture between the records and digital sources. Digital sources are more finely etched with better sound staging whereas analog rounds off the edges a bit, but still has wonderful detail.
‘That might be a cartridge issue.
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Actually, it’s a developing proposition. Since I’ve only had the phon 1 and 1/2 days!, my changes in perception are happening moment to moment. I think some breaking in is taking place, as I’m listening constantly. At any rate I’m liking records more and more as I listen.
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ghdprentice,
Thanks so much for sharing your voyage through the seas of audio.
‘Very valuable information.
As I’m listening to the new preamp I’m liking it more and more. It seems, on my system at least, analog and digital have different flavors, both of which I’m enjoying greatly. I wish, like you, I could equalize them, but, for now, I’m appreciating both for what they do.
‘For the time being I’m a happy camper.
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