2. analog
  3. 1373314708

Best way to warm up the sound

I have a MF 5.1 turntable and the 2.2 phono stage , also from MF with the stock Ortofon cartridge. I would like to warm up the sound and don't know what would be the best way to proceed .
My dealer has suggested replacing the cartridge with a Grado unit .
I have not been able to find much on phono stages and would prefer a tubed unit .
I am new to turntable mods and don't know how much change can be done with these methods . I am familiar with tube rolling in my amp and know how much change is possible there . I have an integrated amp and it does not have the ability to use a separate pre amp .
So , should I change the cartridge , possibly to a Grado ?
Or should I look for a tubed phono stage ?

Thank You
saki70

Showing 2 responses by heyraz

heyraz
177 posts
 
If you're satisfied with the sound from your CDP, then I would turn my attention to either the phono preamp or the cartridge. But before investing in another phono stage, I would check the cartridge's alignment. I can't speak for Ortofon, but I know the sound from my Grado varies with the VTA. Something like "heel up" and the sound is tinny, "heel down" and the sound is boomy (I might have that reversed, I don't remember). I had to vary the VTA (and overhang) till I got it "tuned in" to my liking.

My gut tells me you're eventually going to end up with a better phono preamp before you're satisfied. Right now I'm using a Jolida JD9, which has the gain of solid state with a cathode follower tube output stage. It has more than enough settings to accommodate most any cartridge or system, and is designed to be very upgradable. Op-amps, tubes and output capacitors are easy to swap, and the basic unit is very reasonable, around $499.

Check out "The official JD9" thread on AudioKarma for more information.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=344317

I'm not saying it's the last word in phono preamps, but the Jolida is very adaptable and clear sounding. I didn't realize how misaligned my cartridge (Low output Grado Statement Sonata1) was until I got my JD9, it is very revealing. A few changes here and there and my vinyl has never sounded so good.
heyraz
177 posts
 
The JD9 has dip switches for loading, capacitance and gain as well as two sets of outputs, high and low gain. Look for the chart concerning those settings and you'll see how customizable the unit is. It's not just MM/MC or Hi Gain/Lo gain, it's everything in between. Rather surprising to me for the price.
My line stage preamp has a tube phono stage and I have a Grado PH1 and a Hagerman Bugle, the Jolida is in another league.
More to discover