The Ear 834 is very nice, found one for about 900 bucks used in mint shape with original tubes. You could also move up to the pro-ject tube box ds2 @ about 1000 bucks. For the cartridge, I’d try the Hana el low output moving coil. That ortofon red is not that great. Another choice would be the 2m bronze. You are able to add the 2m black stylus to it at a later date, as they share the same body. You could eventually go the SUT route, and grab the Jensen mc 2rr. It pairs nicely with the aforementioned Hana el.
New to vinyl - How to get the best out of old classical discs?
I’ve recently added vinyl to my classical listening lineup (mostly piano and chamber music) after realizing how many extraordinary recordings aren’t available in other formats. I wanted to start small, but now that I’m a little more comfortable with the gear and know I like the format, I’m interested in where the biggest improvements can be found. Generic suggestions are always welcome, but there are issues that seem to come up more often with of these old classical discs so if anyone has extensive experience there I would be particularly grateful. My budget is around $1000, and any gear that holds value is preferred.
My current setup:
Prep: Ultrasonic/IPA/detergent, new sleeves, quick wipe with dry swiffer duster before play
TT: Denon DP-51F
Cart: Ortofon Red
Phono: Pro-ject Phono Box S2
Then (usually):
MiniDSP
Scott 222C (EL84 PP amplifier)
Klipsch RF-5s (discontinued floorstanders, similar sound to Heritage)
Thanks in advance for any advice!