2. analog
  3. 193664-115039

Guidance on cartridge options or new table

How much is too much?  I own a Luxman PD 151 Mark II turntable and a Luxman EQ500 phono preamp.  I purchased from a dealer end of December and it has about 100 hours on it.  I have the Luxman cartridge that matches the system and goes for $2500. I have them connected using XLR’s. My system consists of Burmester 218 reference amp, 088 pre amp by Burmester, Wilson Alexia V speakers. For streamer I have a Grimm MU1 and a Nagra Tube dac with separate power supply. After acquiring the new amp and pre amp in February my digital side sounds terrific and find my analog set up to be the weak link.  Based on this set up  where do I reach a point of no return purchasing a better cartridge?  Should I be looking at a new table and cartridge?  Would a new cartridge significantly improve the sound? I primarily listen to Jazz and some classical music along with rock. 

Thanks for your assistance!

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xwoots

Showing 1 response by blisshifi

blisshifi's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
blisshifi
1,224 posts
 

Agree with @yoyoyaya that the Safir is quite expensive for its performance. A Tri-Planar U2 SE or U12 will outperform it at half the price, and it will be a better fit aesthetically for the Luxman table.

I am a Tri-Planar dealer with a very close friend nearby that owns the Safir arm.

I should also mention that I am an authorized Grimm dealer, and to match the presence it can deliver, while the Tri-Planar would be an excellent upgrade, you can also experiment with rolling tubes in the EQ-500. By default, the EQ-500 is a bit overly laid back, and rolling to more transparent tubes will yield much better results.

More to discover