2. misc-audio
  3. 160445-114477

Downside to "revealing" system?

Greetings, hope all are well. Since upgrading my rig over the years( ML 11a, REL s812s, VPI Prime Sig. Soundsmith The Voice cart, Pass xp25 phono, and Luxman L509X with Cardas cables and various powercords, plus S/R room treatments which have been unbelievable) many beloved older pressings have revealed themselves to be just about unlistenable. I'm speaking of, for example, 70s Reprise Neil Young, Randy Newman, Joni etc. Pressings are immaculate and cleaned on an Audio Desk cleaner and table is definitely set up properly. Newer " audiophile" pressings sound great. End result is I am listening to more cds since acquiring an Esoteric X01 D-2 which make even old cds sound great. I've always been a vinyl person and have over 4,000 records acquired over 30 years. I am thinking of getting a new cart next year and have heard great things about the Dyna XV-1s. ( input appreciated) Anyway, forgive the long post, I am actually grateful for a diversion from current events, stay well friends!
joeyfed55

Showing 2 responses by kennyc

kennyc
1,689 posts
 
@joeyfed55 
Perhaps you may prefer the sound of adding tubes into your audio chain to take the edge off of revealing/analytical and move you more towards musical.  Tube phono preamps are a relatively inexpensive option to try such as the Pro-ject Tube Box S2 $400.  
4000 vinyl lps , I’m impressed.  Seems you are deeply into music playback.  Perhaps you should consider digital music streaming services which would greatly open up your musical selection options.  Also, if you are the vinyl cover art/info, Google CD “metadata” to see if you want to pursue.    

kennyc
1,689 posts
 
The difficulty of making bad vinyl recordings acceptable is that the compromise may adversely affect good vinyl recordings.  Whether the compromise is acceptable is highly subjective. 

Maybe you can live with a compromise cartridge.  Or maybe have a separate forgiving cartridge for the poor vinyl recordings.  A Multiple tonearm turntable may also be a good idea in your situation.  

Swapping out other components (phono stage, preamp, amp, speakers) can be very expensive.  Seems that changing your phono stage may be most economical fix (besides exiting this hobby).

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