2. analog
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recommendation for a high end analog system

I never had an analog system until last month. I bought a 1989 SOTA TT with vacuum/Sumiko MMT arm/Dennon 103R retyped with elliptical/sapphire cantilever. My phono is Kitsune MK5 WBT that is amplified by Don Sach 2 tube preamp and Pass X350.5. My speaker are Sound Lab M545 ESL. The TT has been very   well maintained despite its age. It sounded very good until I heard my friend's system which has the same TT but with Lyra Skala cartridge and first generation Triplanar arm (Spectral pre/amp). His sounded noticeably clearer and fuller. What is the best way to get a noticeable improvement in my system without breaking the bank (or before I have to squint to hear the improvement). I would love to hear some wisdom from analog-philes.
128x128chungjh

Showing 1 response by artemus_5

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artemus_5
1,916 posts
 
In the past, the hierarchy of importance in the vinyl chain was. table 1st, arm 2nd & cartridge 3rd. Atma-Sphere has stated that with his Triplanar could make a much less expensive cartridge sound better than an expensive cart on a lesser arm.

As far as the hierarchy goes, I think the phono preamp is as important as the Tonearm. IMO, I’d rather have a lesser cartridge on a great phono pre than a great cartridge on a lesser phono pre.

I don’t know about the 103 except it gets good reviews for being a budget cartridge. But it is no Lyra Skala. Nor is the MMT tonearm a Triplanar. I’d start with the arm and review the phono pre again to see if its up to the task. It may be good but I don’t know. Whatever the case, enjoy the journey
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