2. analog
  3. 182013-176828

Need advice for upgrading my analog setup

Hello,

I got into records 2 years ago and have been using ProJect Carbon Debut Evo with a Sumiko Rainier cartridge. It has served me great as my first table and a way to see if I would enjoy playing records. Well I do enjoy records. And my dad gave me all of his records too (he's a CD guy but never abandoned his collection when vinyl fell out of vogue).

Anyway, I'm planning to upgrade my entire analog setup and I'm very much a buy once , cry once kind of person. I'm looking at a SOTA Sapphire, Origin Live Zephyr tonearm, and a Soundsmith Zephyr Mk.III cartridge. Is this a good combination? Are there any other combinations of gear in the $6k range I should consider? I try to buy American as much as I can. I've looked at VPI but I like the look of SOTA much more.

Oh and I'm using a Darlington Labs MP-7 phono preamp that I'm happy with and don't plan on replacing.

Thanks for reading and helping me out.

thefrator

Showing 4 responses by grislybutter

grislybutter
2,344 posts
 

I would not worry about the phono stage.

If it's no match for the new TT, you will start looking for one anyway.

How do you like the looks of the SOTA Sapphire?

 

grislybutter
2,344 posts
 

the phono stage arguments seems to have descended into a bloody bar fight, I must ask: how about speakers? Do speakers matter more than the phono stage?

 

(I know it's not a "more" type of riddle. But still) 

grislybutter
2,344 posts
 

serious question: with all the recommended phone stages, what amp/preamps are acceptable choices?

let's say 

Parasound JC3 or any @audioguy85  listed

grislybutter
2,344 posts
 

@ghdprentice is it ok with you if I message you with a question about phono stages?

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