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 1 response by labpro

labpro's avatar
labpro
90 posts
 

Sounds like you received some great advice.

If you love vinyl and really want to get the most enjoyment from your system, become a “student” of the hobby and read, discuss with others about proper set up and room acoustics.

1. Learn how to use (or get a friend to help you with) a Smartractor. Getting proper cartridge alignment will solve many issues.

2. Watch Michael Fremer’s YouTube video on setting VTA with a mini microscope. It gets you close to 92 degrees then you can finish by ear.

3. After about 50 hours on your new cartridge, adjust the VTF.

4. I’m still not good at this, but read about best practices for setting Azimuth.

5. Watch Art Noxon (Asc, Acoustical Sciences) videos about proper room set up and acoustics.

 

Hope this helps! Enjoy!! 

More to discover