Cartridge and/or phono stage upgrades


I have a VPI Classic 1 stock tt that seems fine as I’ve had it for 3 yr and bought used from a relative. It has a Transfiguration Axia cart with God knows how many hours and I was looking to maybe upgrade. I was looking for advice from someone with a positive experience with an upgrade for this gear. I’m running Parasound JC 3+ phono pre; Hegel H590 int amp; Magico A3; pr. of SVS SB 4000. I know an obvious phono upgrade is the Pass XP27 but a little more than I want to part with. I’ve been tempted by a trade for a ModWright PH 9.0X but I’m not sure that’ it is an upgrade or just a lateral move. 

hysteve

Showing 2 responses by hysteve

@pindac several people here have suggested retipping too so I already have an exploratory email to Expert Stylus & Cartridge Co in GBR. Eg can they inspect and retip my particular cartridge? I didn’t know where to start and saw some positive reviews for them on line. Just getting back into record playing 3 years ago after a 45 yr hiatus so I’m not as up to speed as I need to be on cartridge parts and tt lingo in general. You are way ahead of me. I’m learning though and will check out the Swiss connection you mentioned if Expert falls through. I have a really good digital system I got before retirement when I had more dough for such frivolous things. Just trying to bring the analog along to compete but, as frugally as possible if it is even possible. 😆

@macg19   The Softone sounds tempting the way you described. How can they make a decent pre for $800? Chinese? I paid more for the balanced interconnects than that. And then I’d have to buy the RCA’s.