Lost on next upgrade from SME 20/2 + IV.Vi arm ...

Hi all,

Raul: I guess what I'm after is a little more soul and dynamics. I have all the micro dynamics, detail, imaging, musicalality if you will. My vinyl front end is just effortless. My cd player (esoteric dv50s) only does one thing better, it's plays with a soul. Music is more forward and jumps. It's a hard thing for me to describe. Other than that, I listen to my vinyl set up 99% of the time. Digital just doesn't do it for me...my BAT phono stage is pretty darn good, I don't know what else to go for except maybe a Aesthetix Io. Then I am back to 2 boxes and I don't have a lot of room on my rack.

Strapper211, I hear you on the Walker. I have 2 good friends with Walkers in Dallas. Didn't you used to have a Basis?

Jonathon: I'll try that on the suspension, I am a little higher than that the spacer allows, so if it's 3mm, I may be at 4-5 already. I do have the tonearm damping thing all the way out of the fluid. It helped liven it up.

I do have the BAT phono set on the defaults for cartridge loading and capicitance. I haven't played with that to much. I had my previous Helicon loaded down two steps, tamed the top a little with my then WP 6's. Maybe that's a suspect here as well.

Thanks for the comments so far !!

JRManders: I just took my suspension up...maybe at 5-6 mm now. It does open it up some, a little more energy, detail, depth - especially on top, but nothing grainy still effortless, subtle but noticable. I need to listen it this way for a bit, not sure I lost anything at first listen, seems like a step in the direction!

I really appreciate all the comments and help here. Raul has written a lot and he may be right in the end. Also the comments on the Walker are spot on. I may be best just saving for the next real upgrade instead of trying to do a budgeted move now.

FYI: I do have the newer SME power supply, just a old pic and yes that was a nice upgrade. Transparency and some dynamics were gained. Some nice guy wanted the old one, I got lucky and swaped with him plus $700. Nice deal for me.

I do think the Skala is underated, It is likely one small lil notch down from the XV1s, Titan i, PC-1, although is likely a price performance winner.

Larryi, you really nailed what I was after. In your first sentence.

I spent some time at my dealer in Austin yesterday. It's not a easy choice at the moment. Although if I stick with the BAT equipment, moving to a REX seems like a clear path from the 51SE. My real issue with that is shelf space (i know, why care) heat (but I have heat pouring out already what's a little more), and retubing costs (but that's once every 3-4 years).

CMK, thanks for your comments! I should try the Validpoints. I do have Cerapucs undereverything, but footers do change things. Might be a good thread for me to start comparing them! I have had 3 Lyra's in a row, lydian b, helicon and now the Skala. The Skala is a keeper, maybe I just need to try something else. Maybe a 2nd arm and a Triplaner or Graham on the SME with a XV1s or PC 1. I wish it was easier to try this at home !

I hope all keep posting, I have enjoyed all the commments suggestions, and conversation. If I make a decision, I will post it as well.

A sincere THANK YOU to all so far !

Ok after much listening, thinking, planning, fretting various options (like heat, more tubes, more shelf space) I decided on the following:

1) upgraded Purist Venastus tone arm cable to Purist Proteus Provectus (umm wow what a diff)
2) upgrading Wilson WP 8's to Maxx 2's.

I stretched my budget a bit. The Maxx 2's will make a dramatic improvement. I can't wait ! I was really close on the TW Acustic Raven and/or the REX/Aesthetix. I am sure I made the best call here. The BAT 51SE/150SE are just a killer front end and improvements can be made, but dimishing returns kick in fast I think. I just had a hard time on the Raven, even with the killer feeback/reviews, just to much to switch out the SME.

I did hear the Nagra stack in my home. VPS, PLL, VPA. It's great equipment. The Nagra VPS is killer good. Transparent, dynamic, perfect balance of warmth/detail. Amazing for 6k. Easily a top contender for best phono stage.

Again, thanks to all for commenting, if anyone want's to hear Maxx 2's, stop by soon!