I doubt the RP-1’s onboard phono will tap the capabilities of your existing Bronze and Black, much less a more expensive MC. Lots of good choices in the 2K - 3K range, including the Rogue Ares. Lots of decent choices in the 1K - 2K range too. For a budget option I’m extremely partial to the Hagerman Trumpet MC, which at ~ $1200 new or < $900 used is just ridiculously good for the money. It’s still the best I’ve heard my Benz LPS (which is a bad match for my much more expensive SUT-based MC stages), it did a shockingly good job with Koetsu Coralstone Diamond, and it DEFINITELY got the most out of a humble Ortofon 2M Blue! I’m about to hook mine up again for a new setup at my girlfriend’s home, but it’s tempting to snag it back for an occasional spin in my (very expensive) main 2ch rig too - when I do this it is by far the least expensive component in that rig (including cables), and it’s not even close.
If you like a warm sweet sound, you may even prefer it to $3K options. Great tube rolling opportunities, too. Jim Hagerman really cut costs way down on his current line (wall wart switching PSU here) but he somehow kept sound quality extremely high.
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!