Thanks Al, I’ll check with him and post the reply |
Thanks. Interesting that you both suggested AT carts.
@oregonpapa ARC obviously makes great components, and I appreciate the suggestion, but I get Leary on used tubes. Should I? My reading also leads me to believe people in lots of forums rave about the ART-9. Thanks.
@bpoletti Seens like lots of folks love the Herron VTPH-2A too. Thanks.
Those would both leave me with room to get the VPI Prime, or maybe even the signature. Is the Signature worth the extra $2k over the Prime? I could be wrong but from reading the VPI site the difference seems to be mostly on the base and tonearm. In other words, looks like the same motor, platter and bearings. The pulleys only have a difference of 0.00015” tolerance. In other words, negligible to speed when you have a 300 RPM motor “geared” to 78 RPM. Thermal expansion of the Aluminum platter between 65 and 80 degrees would make a bigger difference. (Sorry - I’m an engineer lol). So I guess you’re primarily paying for the tonearm and base.
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Thanks all - you are a tremendous resource.
@jperry Thanks for the suggestion. I was leaning VPI due to their Rep and the fact I live in Jersey.
Let’s assume I’m going with the prime and ART9. On to the pre - and matching.
It looks like several of you guys are pretty fond of the Herron. I researched at his site, and although much of the specifics is beyond my knowledge, I like his design approach; particularly with the way he allows for loading adjustments.
@almarg Thanks for bringing the input impedance requirements of the VTPH-2A to my attention.
That the AX-7A doesn’t meet them should be a temporary problem as I plan on upgrading the amp section next year. How much would the mis-match affect the sound until then?
Would I be better off getting a different used pre that’s a better match to the Ax-7 for now?
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@bpoletti Thanks also for the suggestion to call Keith Herron.
As to the feet, it looks like VPI knew they needed improvement there. From one review I found:
”The four isolation feet on the bottom of the Prime, sitting in Delrin corner posts, were inspired by Stillpoints according to Weisfeld, ”
but I guess they didn’t quite hit the mark. |
I sent an email to Keith Herron, his prompt reply regarding the VTPH-2A and Ayre Ax-7:
"
We have VTPH-2A customers that are using preamplifiers with 20k Ohms RCA single ended input impedances that are pleased with the sound.
I don't recommend going any lower than that. The 2 X 12AX7, 3 X 12AT7 version of the VTPH-2A has an output impedance of 400 Ohms so it will drive the Ayre preamplifier much better." |
@rauliruegas HA HA “It’s always easy to spend other people’s money” is one of my most favorite expressions, although it’s usually used when I’m talking about government or business.
Generalizations on SS vs tube aside, I get your points; that the P5-xe would match well with the current Ax-7e, and later an AX-5 Twenty, or VX & KX-5 Twenty pair if I were to stay with Ayre. As well as the point that the cart will make a bigger difference than the pre.
Thats is why it- the Ayre phono pre - and the Herron are the two on my short list.
Right now, although it would be a bit more initial cost, and despite the obvious synergy with other Ayre products, I’m leaning toward the Herron. This is because primarily because of its adjustability to different amps and carts, and because it’s well received by many here (some with Ayre gear), whose opinions I respect.
Unfortunately, getting a personal Px-5e to VTPH-2A comparison will be near impossible. Which, actually, is another reason I’m thinking Herron. If I go with Ayre again, because of the frequency that their components are resold, I could get a Px-5e, do a comparison, and if I decide to keep the Herron, resell the Ayre pre for the same price I just paid.
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@sbank and @atmasphere
Its not too late at all.
I won’t be making my purchases for a month or more. The only items I’m petty convinced on are the Herron and the ART9.
Thanks for the leads. |
Hmmm, according to this review, the Technics SL1300G needs some mods to bring out its potential.
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@atmasphere Thanks- Any suggestion on playter pad upgrade?
@stringreen I was just at John Rutan’s a couple of weeks ago, listening to the new Ayre EX-8 integrated.
As far as TT’s go, he carries VPI, and Clear Audio, which is the reason I was considering a Prime TT. It seems difficult to find places where I can audition A/B comparisons on turntables. Never mind cartridges.
I actually like the idea of getting an older Technics or Garrard, but the realistic vs idealistic debate inside my brain leaves me leaning towards a new TT, set-up, calibrated, and delivered set up and ready to go. |
@rauliruegas I’m certain you have an expert opinion to debate with others, yet at this point the debate of SS vs Tube phono pre-amps is irrelevant to my decision. I’d appreciate it if you’d take the discussion to a different thread or engage privately with those that wish to debate the point. Thanks
Jim |
Thanks all- very sincerely! The question that plagues my mind is where and how I can audition these different preamps and turntables, or more importantly combinations of same - and at the same time separate the differences in the carts or other gear the dealers have. With other gear, I have been working with Johnny Rutan at Audio connection. He sells VPI and Basis. I haven’t talked to him yet about turntables, but from what I’ve seen the Basis units are out of my price range. Another local dealer sells Clear Audio and Pro-Ject but I’d rather not give him my money (bad history). Ultimately, it seems that I need to just make a decision that leaves me with modification options in the future.
Since the major difference between the Technics and VPI seems to be belt vs Direct drive, perhaps that’s the area I need to concentrate on as far as my listening preference.
Interestingly, Technics own website states that DD was/is mainly considered for DJ use, while belt drive was for “Hi- Fi” use.
I guess I’ll just have to find some different dealers and audition different turntables. Still I don’t know how I will differentiate it does sound quality between turn tables versus other gear that the dealers use.Uggh. |
@joey54 Thanks, as I recall he has blonde hair and glasses.
I figure that I’ll buy my phono pre and so I can audition with my amps.
I would appreciate if anyone can comment on the tables these brands offer as I’d like to buy from Audio Connection; both because I like John, and because he’ll give me a discount since I plan to buy Quatro CTs at the same time. Although that doesn’t mean I’ve decided against the Technics SL1200G or a different used TT, although again, I hesitate to buy used since I can’t audition, although I guess I could re-sell. Thanks
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@joey54 The adjustability is one of the main reasons I’m currently planning on the Herron VTPH-2A. When I spoke with Keith he said I probably wouldn’t need any loading plugs with the AT9. I’ll talk with Nick first and see what other carts he might recommend and be sure to talk with Keith Herron again. From what I have researched online any Basis is way outside my budget.
@tomic601 I have spoken with @ctsooner(Pete) before. He was real helpful when I was looking at speakers (Vandy) and amps (Ayre). I’m unfamiliar with Delos and NOVA. I will give him a call. Thanks |
That does look like a good deal. The only issue is shipping to NJ. I messaged the guy and he’s willing. I just need to think about it and maybe contact VPI to see if they'll give it a once over. |
@sbank
Thanks for all your insight, I’d go on but be superfluous. Really appreciate it.
@bpoletti
Thanks to you as well, I don’t disagree that that TT isn’t a great deal, but not for me,
Cheers,
Jim |
