2. analog
  3. 194995-162022

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 1 response by jdal

jdal
166 posts
 

I was looking to upgrade my phono stage for my Lyra Kleos. Modwright and some others were on the list. Instead I bought a Sound-Smith Sussurro MKII Gold, Sound-Smith's MC phono stage, and an SBooster power supply. I was able to buy a demo cartridge from an authorized dealer at a significant discount but with Sound-smith's retipping policy it was a no brainer. 

I have had both the JC3+ and the Herron. What I have now is more musical to my ears. It may just that I prefer the SS to the Lyra. 

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