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Phono for Ikeda 9TT LOMC

Hi!
I need some advice regarding to the phono stage in my system. My system is currently: VPI Classic TT, Ikeda 9TT cart(0.2mV) , Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL phono(0.4mV, 24db headroom, channel sep. 86db) Dynaudio BM5 mkIII monitors with dedicated volume box.
I am listening to music at usually 40-45% of the max volume (+6db setting on the phono and +4db on the monitors). I am satisfied with that.
But my monitors have way too loud stativ(?) noise. 
How would you improve the performance? 
1st:
I am thinking about to sell the phono and getting a better one. Maybe vintage, used.
Which one would you choose under 1500pounds? Would IT solve the problem?
2nd: 
Get a better PSU for the phono (recommended).
3rd:
Replace the unbalanced cables between the phono and active monitors with balanced xlr-
4th
Replace the studio monitors

Which one would be the best upgrade choice?


--
Simon Milán
128x128korakotta
15 responses Add your response
bukanona
174 posts
 
If to look into the system now weakest component is speakers. 

Although before that you have to find out the reason of noise. Maybe one ground is missing as monitors are active ones - so you can order cheap balanced cables between phono and monitors in music shop to check the result.

If you have skills is always good to find out the source of noise. For that purpose I will use cheap MM phono cartridge with headshell just to be sure.

SUT definitely is good solution for Ikeda.  
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Would be nice to hear your opinion on Vida, it's a shame that optional loading for Vida cost extra. 
andrei_nz
192 posts
 
A bit late in the play, but anyway ... I have a 9TT and I struggled to get a phono stage.  Eventually, more out of luck than anything else, I hit on the LCR network type phonos.  So I sought out a Vida or an Allnic.  I currently run an Allnic 1500 and it is a fine match with Ikeda.
korakotta's avatar
korakotta OP
50 posts
 
I have checked the nighthawk among several phonos what can be good for my Ikeda. Now I have more questions than when I started. 
I think the best if I am starting a new post...

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
What's the hype about that Italian PH-10 phono stage? 

This and most of the other phono stage designers never even thought about 100k Ohm optional loading for MM cartridges, but they gave us many loading options for MC 

As Mr.Fremer stated Decca London manufacturers never used anything, but the standard RIAA curve back in the days! He asked retired Decca engineer about it to stop the speculations about some special curve for Decca records, nobody needs this curve (only standard RIAA for all Decca). 

I'm not sure about Columbia

In the first review of PH-1 it was compered to F117 Nighhawk, does anyone checked that Nighhawk ? 
korakotta's avatar
korakotta OP
50 posts
 
Huhhh, now I am confused a bit.
I am open to buy now either a Step up or a Gold Note phono.
I would prefer a Gold Note Ph-10 with the 0.1mV+ but I've checked the Ph-7and the Ph-1. Both of the last phonos offer 0.15mV+ input sensitivity. Would you recommend the last two also? I know the Ph-10 is superior but I am open to save some if its not a bad choice.

Ok. So, why would I go for a step up if the phono is enough according to the specs?
What else, if not the Denon? Ortofon T20? But I still prefer a "Gold Note" if its not a trade off.


nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

@roberjerman, I use my Denon in combo with Klyne 7PX3.5 .

Klyne is considered as one of the best phono-amplifiers but

it has not sufficient amplification for (very) low output carts.

My choice for Denon was not only based on its quality but

also because it covers all impedances from 2-40 Ohms.


roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
+1 nandric for the Denon AU-S1 !
korakotta's avatar
korakotta OP
50 posts
 
Huhhh, that Gold Note looks awesome with the 0.1mV+ input sensivity.
... But in this case I have to sell the MF phono.
Would it make a significant improvement over getting a better PSU + change unbalanced connections to balanced all way from the tonearm to the monitors?

 Other phonos worth to mention with 2mV or less input sensivity?

I am not going to get other carts, I am sticking with this one, maybe upgrade the monitors in the Next 2 years, or the TT with some extras. I bought the 9TT+ VPI Classic together for about 2700pounds. The cart was new, the TT is demo. I think IT was a good deal and now I am trying to match the rest of the system... The phono stage is almost new also and I like it, so it's not easy to decide to sell it... 
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

@musky1963 , Sorry I wrongly understood your ''I have one

on order''.

musky1963
28 posts
 
Don't be so anal. Just a suggestion.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

@musky1963 , This is the wrong sequence. The first question

should be answered first and then , eventual, order the thing.

There are no ''best SUT's''. But there are adequate for your

situation.

musky1963
28 posts
 
How about a Gold Note PH-10? I have one on order.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

''If it's possible I dont want a step up...''  . Well what is possible

will depend from your means. Ikeda 9 TT cost about $4000.

If you need $15000 for a ''suitable'' phono-pre you can grasp

the problem. I use Denon AU-S1 which I got for 1000 euro

(retail $3000) with all my low-output carts with different impedances

in combo with an ''decente'' 'MM phono-pre. This way I can afford

more carts instead of one  expensive MC phono-pre.

BTW while Ikeda 9 TT is a ''nice cart'' I still prefer FR-7fz and

Ikeda 9C  (cantileverless kind).  ''New stuff'' is not necessarily

''better stuff''.


korakotta's avatar
korakotta OP
50 posts
 
If it’s possible I dont want a step up...
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