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New Cartridge or New Preamp

Hi All,

I have upgradeitis. 

Here's my system:

Rogue Rp1 Preamplifier

Rogue M-120 Magnum Monoblocks

VPI Prime Scout w Ortofon Black (and Bronze)

Ohm Walsh 5 LE

 

So here's the thing, I just replaced the tubes in my preamp, same tubes, gold lion with gold lion, and the improvement was astounding. Everything sparkles. Happy listener.

So now I want even more and the next logical thing is that the lifespan of my cartridge is nearing the end so I need to start thinking about replacing.

My top choice is the soundsmith zephyr. I've heard it on my table, have really enjoyed it and know it would make me very happy. BUT the RP1 pre-amp is nearly the same price as the cartridge, What's the rule of thumb there, if any?

My belief is a nicer cartridge with a very well made pre-amp will still make a noticeable difference and price doesn't matter, your ears do...but I'm interested in hearing other's opinions.

Another thought would be getting a new external phono pre-amp. I do have a musical surroundings phonomena ii+ but I didn't find it to be all that much better than the onboard phono of the rogue. But open to ideas.

I'm looking for more detail in my playback at this point. I'm very satisfied with the openness and power I get from the tube monos and ohms currently.

Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

sammyshaps

Showing 1 response by macg19

macg19
978 posts
 

I went from an Ortofon 2m Bronze and a cheap Pro-Ject external tube phono-stage with upgraded tubes, to a Hana ML ($1200) and a GoldNote PS 10 with the PSU 10 external linear power supply ($3200 for both) and it really was a massive (and necessary) leap forward.

I’ve since moved from the Hana ML (it’s for s a l e on that other used gear site - shameless plug), to an Aidas Cart (same Phono stage) and wow, everything opened up.

Based on my experience, I think I did well by investing in a good quality, really flexible PS (the GS can handle almost any MC/MM cart, dont know about MI) that was future proofing cart upgrades down the line, which to me is way more fun to play with than changing stages every time you get that itch for a better cart.

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