2. analog
  3. 1114893056

Need to re-discover analog - please help

Like the short-sighted, lazy, modern moron that I am, I threw away all my LPs and turntable when I got hooked on my first decent CDP, a Kinergetics Platinum KD-40, 15 years ago. Because it was easier to take care of CDs. Now, my mother who was a musician, and had a classical collection of about 200 really absolutely great recordings, collected from the 1940s til the 80s, has left me her collection. They just have to be preserved, played and savored. I need an analog set-up that will a) do them justice and b) not sound noticeably "worse" compared to the digital set-up I am now used to. My analog set-up that I discarded (I know, I know.........please dont rub it in, what's done is done.) was a Denon 103D and Sony PS-800 linear tracking TT and also a Kenwood marble platter with SME tone-arm and also Denon 103 D cartridge and circa 1980 PS Audio MC phono stage.
The present system, to which must now obligatorily be added a turntable: EMM DCC2/CDSD; Atma-Sphere Line-stage MP-1 MkII, Atma-Sphere MA 2.2 modified (27 tubes each); Kharma 3.2; Indra Stealth i/cs; PAD Dominus i/cs and S/Cs (Rev C & B).

I tried MM cartridges before - Dynavector,Ortofon,Shure V15 iv - but only liked the MC Denon 103D - so would prefer that MC "sound".

I have not kept up with the analog market, nor new equipment, and am totally ignorant about the components but would greatly appreciate input as to what TT, tone-arm, cartridge and phono preamp to get that would neither bankrupt me nor do the wonderful collection my mother left me a disservice, nor my ear that is now spoiled by the pretty "good" digital, ancillary set-up I have. Nor, obviously, sound "inferior" to the CDs:)

What sort of a budget am I looking at to keep the system within the overall quality of the associated equipment that I have, without going crazy, since i will still mostly be listening to CDs (unless i get totally hooked and go bonkers..........)?

I listen to classical 90% of the time and 95% of her collection is classical.

As always, I appreciate your advice.
springbok10

Showing 2 responses by rauliruegas

rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Springbok10: There are many options out there. Here is my advise:

TT: Acoustic Signature Final Tool. To beat this turntable you have to go for a Walker, a Verdier or the like. Great performer for the price. Hard to beat.
Tonearm: Moerch DP-6. An excellent one and you can match with any cartridge, because the use of different effective mass arm wand ( this is a plus. )

Cartridges: Sumiko Celebration ( lower price than the ZYX and great performer. Truly a bargain. ), Dynavector XV-1, Clearaudio Discovery, Allaerts Boron, Ortofon Kontrapuntk B, Denon S1, Shelther 90X.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Flyingred: I own the MAX-282 and the Ikeda tonearms and I have experience with the Triplanar. All these tonearms are differents and have different music/sound presentation, no there aren't equivalents.

Btw, I agree with you : the Micro Seiki beats the Schroeder with a tighter, better controlled bass.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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