I need your help. I have an ARC Ref 3, ARC 110, Vandersteen 5As, but no turntable.


I am looking for suggestions for phono amp, turntable, arm and cartridge to match my existing system. The ARC110 does not have a phono, so I am stuck as to what will pair best. Thanks for your thoughts. JMW
jaym759

Showing 7 responses by bpoletti

@jaym759

In my studied opinion and personal experience....

I don't use ARC electronics any more (I used to, but moved on), but a lot of people (including myself) think the Herron Audio VTPH-2A is about as good as it gets for a phono stage.  Exceptional performance, flexible set-up, outstanding customer service and support.   Not the only cowboy in the rodeo, but definitely one of the strongest contenders in any very short list of cost-no-object components.  

Lots to choose from for a table / arm combo.  An easy choice might be a VPI Avenger fitted with an updated VPI arm.  A less expensive alternative might be a VPI Prime Signature.  If the Prime is chosen, place it on Bear Claw footers or (even better) original Stillpoint cones.  Lots of other tables that would perform at the exception level to match the rest of your system.

A good cartridge that matches this set-up is a Lyra Delos.     As an alternative cartridge(s), other consideration might include Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star or Lyra Etna SL.  Again, this is just a short excerpt from a long list of top performers.  Your ears need to decide.

In the end, it's what gives you the most musical satisfaction.  All the suggestions in the world might just provide some ideas rather than a hard-fast list.  

From a personal perspective, my point of view, there are a LOT of very qualified turntable / arm / cartridge combinations that would make a fine match in your system.  But also from that personal perspective and opinion, I don't think you can find anything better than a Herron Audio VTPH-2A at any price.  

If it were my money (and has been), I'd go with the Herron Audio VTPH-2A phono stage, VPI Avenger and Lyra Delos.  But that's just me.  YMMV.  YOMV.

That's MY OPINION.  
@fsonicsmith    

Given the OP's lack of stated budget constraints, why not suggest a good system rather than a more limited on?
A D103R?  Really?  Why not a REAL cartridge like an AT OC9/II?  The 103r can't compete at around the same price.  D103 was only EVER an OK cartridge in the 70s.  That's the 1970s.  It's now a cult cart of sub-mediocre performance.  Only after major overhauls by Soundsmith does the cart start to work up to it's original price point.
Here goes @rauliruegas, again.  Trying to write a classic novel in every comment.  And still in full denial that tubes work as well or better than solid state for phono stages.  Poor fellow.  Keeps getting his financial interests above reality.
@rauliruegas  - You are EXTREMELY BIASED toward SS and have deep financial interests in the products you promote.  
One more thing. Tonearm cable. It is the most important cable in the chain, again don't save on it and don't rush with the choice.

And keep the cable run as short as possible.  That will help minimize the cable interaction with the musical signal.


What @rauliruegas is trying to describe has been worked out over 50 years ago and has been generally a non-factor for the last 49 years. Any decent phono stage will handle RIAA EQ with aplomb.

And the phono circuit is all about good design and refinement. There is no such thing as a single all-encompassing constant such as @rauliruegas claims in his financial self-interest of solid state over tubes. It’s ALL about circuit design and refinement.