If you are satisfied with the sound/dynamics of your digital front end: Try auditioning a few different phono pre-amps and cartridges with higher outputs. That's one of the most critical relationships in an analog system(that and cartridge compliance/tone arm mass). Be certain the cartridge is loaded properly(capacitance/impedance). That will have a major influence on your sound also(though usually the freq. response rather than dynamics): (http://www.extremephono.com/Loading.htm) As mentioned: The quality of records varies widely, like any other media. be certain to listen to records of known quality when your judging the equipment.
question about the "analog sound"
Hi all-I am an analog newbie with a very modest setup; Project DebutI, Grado Platinum cart, Bellari phono preamp. The sound I am getting is very natural, but lacks the fullness, richness, and overall oomph that my digital front end delivers. My question is, am I hearing a representative analog sound, or simply hearing the weaknesses of this setup? Or, do I perhaps have a phono preamp/cartridge mismatch?
Please, no advice to buy a whole new setup, as I don't wish to do that right now. I would, however, make changes such as a new cartridge, if folks thought it might make a difference.
FWIW, the rest of my system is as follows: AES tube preamp, B&K ST-140 amp, GMA europas, HSU subwoofer, Arcam cd-72.
Thanks much for your thoughts!
Please, no advice to buy a whole new setup, as I don't wish to do that right now. I would, however, make changes such as a new cartridge, if folks thought it might make a difference.
FWIW, the rest of my system is as follows: AES tube preamp, B&K ST-140 amp, GMA europas, HSU subwoofer, Arcam cd-72.
Thanks much for your thoughts!