2. analog
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Help with TT recommendations.

I'm rediscovering my love for analog and wanted to bring it to the forum for some helpful advice. I inherited a Dual CS-505-3 and an outstanding collection of pristine vinyl. In the few months I've owned the Dual, I've upgraded the cart to a Sumiko Blue Point Special (MC) and modded the tonearm cables (same concept as the Incognito harness mod, only with custom cables & RCA). Although I'm pleased with the results, it's not as responsive and lively as I'd like. It's an older table, albeit well maintained, and it's not giving me "ahhhhhh" that vinyl can deliver.

So, I'm thinking it's time to invest in an entry-level table that scratch my itch. I've come up with several combinations based on threads I've read here and various reviews. I'm hoping you all may have some insight for me.

I typically listen to (1) vintage jazz & classical pressings (all pristine thanks to my benefactor); (2) new remastered 180-200g pressings of jazz (99.9% trio/quintet and some vocal), blues and some funk; (3) 70's-90's folk-rock (wilco/csny/rem/etc.) from my old collection; and virtually no true rock albums.

My current analog rig is made up of:
(1) Dual CS 505-3
(2) MS Phonomena Phono Stage
(3) JPS Superconductor FX IC's
(4) C-J PV-12al pre
(5) C-J MV-2250 amp
(5) Straight Wire Rhapsody S Cables
(6) B&W N805's

I've got a budget of $1500-$1700 for new or used gear and I've conjured up a few combinations that I'm considering:
(1) Basis 1400/RB-250 (w/ OL mod)
(2) Basis 1400/Graham 2.0
(3) Rega P25/RB-600
(4) VPI Scout/RB-250 (w/ OL mod)
(5) VPI Scout/JWM-9
(6) VPI Scout/Graham 2.0

Please keep in mind, I'm not up on all the price points, so some may be far out of my budget. Also, if some of these combos seem a little off or mismatched, that's due to my of TT education, or lack thereof.

Having said all this, I'm seeking your opinions/experiences on which would me the best in terms of value, quality & upgradeability.

One last note, I did read that the Basis 1400 is acutely accurate and almost emotionless in terms of delivery - not that accuracy is a negative characteristic, but one of benefits of analog is it's warmth & emotion it can convey. Although to use an analogy, I've seen some movies that I've absolutely loved that got panned by the critics, so.... I guess your mileage my vary.

Thanks very much for entertaining my ramblings and I look forward to your feedback.

Hat
hatfield

Showing 3 responses by sean

sean
6,231 posts
 
To all of the above, i would only add that i don't think that the BPS is a good match for your Dual TT / tonearm. I do not know if you picked this cartridge or it was recommended to you. If it was recommended to you as being a good combo, i would avoid consulting that party for further advice. Low mass tonearms and MC cartridges simply do not go well together in the vast majority of installations. Be careful who you listen to when it comes to spending your money. You'll find all kinds of "experts" out there when they are spending someone else's money or trying to get yours. Sean
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sean
6,231 posts
 
Twl, i've always agreed with your choice of the Denon 103 being a great cartridge ( regardless of price ) and your statements that it needs ( at least ) a medium to ( preferably ) high mass arm to work best. Between that, the loading requirements and the lower output, it simply is not suitable for a lot of vinyl rigs though. That is what resides in my ET-II.

While i've not heard the Shelter, i know enough people that have heard / own it to believe that it is a very fine cartridge. The Lyra Helikon is also another fine cartridge that comes to mind, but definitely getting up there in price. Some of the ZYX's are supposed to be quite nice sounding also. You can find them for sale on Ebay from the Far East sometimes at VERY reasonable prices. As you mentioned though, matching the cartridge to the arm is very important. Sean
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PS... Hatfield, don't feel bad about your cartridge / arm selection. I found out the hard way after taking the advice of a VERY well known dealer that specializes in vinyl. Mating a Benz MC cartridge to an arm with an effective mass of about 4.5 grams is NOT something that i would ever do again. Live and learn....hopefully : )
sean
6,231 posts
 
I have three Sota tables ( two Star Sapphires and one Sapphire ) with one of them in for inspection / repair. As such, i needed to call Donna to find out what was up with that one. Thanks for the reminder !!! : ) Sean
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