Most important vinyl component to upgrade first ?


1. Phono Pre
2. Cables
3. Table
4. Arm
5. Cart

I would like to speak in generalities if possible, so
I'm not going to refer to my own equipment, maybe later
on in the thread, or a different thread.

In my opinion, I would say the transducer, which is
the cartridge. ( I feel the same about the other system
transducer, the speakers.)

So, as a generality, is it safe to say (if you agree with
my choice) that it would make the most audible difference
to upgrade your cart first ? I hope not to make this a
loaded question, what I mean is: what component do you
think would be most important soundwise, therefore what
would you upgrade first ?
noslepums

Showing 1 response by noslepums

Hi Everyone, and thanks for your responses!

My 1-5 list was in no particular order.

I admit to being indecisive and neurotic about which
gear I want to end my Search with, I want to make final
choices on the combo and be done (even happy), I don't
want to experiment with gear the rest of my life if for
no other reason than it costs so much. This is why I
truly value everyone's advice here.

Almarg, it's beginning to register in my head,
the point about first having a stable platter upon which
to experiment with a good cart. I'll keep the SP-10.

Syntax, your point on the preamp makes sense. Eventually
I'll have to decide where to stop on this. Currently I
have a Linn Linto and an Acoustech PH-1P. I guess I won't
rule out looking further, but at the moment, this will
have to do.

Viridian, I believe I agree with you, in fact your point
makes me the most nervous. Where to stop in pursuing
arm/cart Magic ?

Raul, you are correct in listing my current gear, plus
my second phono pre above. I suppose I will reveal the
crux of my dilemma here. I have the SP-10 with the factory
obsidian plinth, and the SME-V arm. The arm is new and
not yet set up in the plinth. I will probably take one of
three directions here:
1. Stop buying anything and just be happy.
2. Only seek additional magic by trying different carts
on the V arm. The Clearaudio Accurate needs to go ?
3. Sell the obsidian plinth and the V arm, get a V-12 arm
and then figure out what to do plinth-wise. (V-12 won't
fit on the obsidian plinth.) I think this would be
the end of the line for me (with the possible exception
of a better pre, maybe......)

Again, I humbly thank you for guiding this old HiFi nut....