Rhea Signature vs. ARC PH-7

Where would you be buying the Rhea and Calypso upgraded from standard to signature from? At what cost? In general, units that are upgraded sell for a little less on the used market than units that are original, usually because the upgraded items are also older.

I would check out the Aesthetix Io mk II and Callisto Signature that are currently for sale on AudiogoN. That would be a full on Jupiter series setup for under $10K combined.

Also, I wouldn't even consider getting a better cartridge before you get a better table/arm. Many will say that the Delos is too much cartridge for the VPI Scoutmaster with JMW 9 Sig arm, and while that may be debateable, I certainly wouldn't put a Dynavector XV-1s on that setup, it's a waste of money to put a $5K cartridge on a $3K table/arm, IMHO.

I've owned a XV-1s and a Lyra Helikon, among many other cartridges, and the XV-1s has more power and punch, while the Lyra offer more detail and refinement. I have downsized my rig significantly, and I am now running a VPI Scoutmaster with JMW 9 Sig arm and Sumiko Blackbird cartridge. Certainly a very nice package for it's price point, but my amp, preamp and phono stage combine for a list price of about $8K. Your amps alone list for over $16K.

You would want a least a VPI HRX if you're looking at the XV-1s, if not a Galibier, Redpoint, Teres, Basis or some other fabulous table to get the most out of a XV-1s.

My experiences show that in general, no, you will not re-coup the money invested on upgrading these two Aesthetix units. Who knows? Maybe you get lucky and find a buyer who would pay...doubtful, but always a possibility.

I'm curious, you say that your systems 'sounds good to you', you say that you are 'not wealthy'. So now I'm curious as to why you are looking to spend so much money.

As for the JMW 9 arm, my knock is not just on the arm, but on the table too. Search the archives, you will find that there are many who think the JMW 9 is a terrible arm. I am not one of them, I think it's a nice little arm and the Scout/Master are very good in their price ranges. However, if you also search the archives, you will find many who also believe that in analog, it is better to run a expensive table/arm with a cheaper cartridge than a cheaper table/arm with an expensive cartridge. I do agree with them in this regard.

When I moved up from a VPI HW-19 mk IV w/ JMW 10.5 arm to a Basis 2800 Signature w/ Vector 3 arm the difference was stunning. I could not believe how much blacker the background got. Bottom line, the JMW 9 is not a stable enough are to properly track a $5K cartridge, IMHO.

When putting a system together, I feel that proper balance is the key to the best sounding systems. Just as you wouldn't want to run $3000 speakers with your $16,000 amps, you also don't want to put a $5K cartridge on a $3K table/arm. I've had $5K and even $8K cartridges, but I had them on a $20K table/arm.

So to follow your original post idea, say you get the Rhea and Calypso upgraded to Signature and a Dynavector XV-1s. Now you have a great cartridge, phono stage, preamp, amps, but the table/arm will stick out like a sore thumb as the weak link in your system. You won't really know what the XV-1s is capable of until you try it on a good arm like a Triplanar or Graham.

If you are happy with the sound of the standard Calypso, Rhea and Delos, I don't understand why you have to spend more money. Just enjoy the music. Buy a couple hundred more LP's instead. :)

Cheers,
John

A lot of thoughts have changed regarding audio advice compared to 'back in the day'. 'Back in the day' many were running expensive speakers with cheap little receivers believeing that amplification did not matter, the speakers were all that mattered.

You are right on the money regarding the law of diminishing returns, it kicks in earlier than many believe and hits hard. Yes, spending a lot more money usually gets you better sound. Whether it is worth the money to you or not depends on how much money you have and what other priorities you have in your life. It will be different for everybody, even different for the same people at different times.

For example, I upgraded for many, many years and had a system with a list price of over $120K. Due to economic and health issues, I have cut back greatly, my current system lists for around $20K. Is it as good as the $120K system? No. However, it does come a lot closer to it sonically than I care to admit. It certainly makes me think twice about upgraditis.

I have not heard the PH7, I have heard the PH5 and I have owned the ARC Ref 3 preamp, so I am familiar with the ARC house sound. I have heard Aesthetix gear, but I have not owned it, it does sound similar to ARC gear. From that side of the tracks (neutral tube gear), I've grown to appreciate the sound of VAC gear the most. These are all personal choices, and I could live happily with any of these brands.

Hey, in the end it is your money, and you can spend it anyway that you choose. If you believe that the cartridge is the most important part of the analog front end, go ahead and buy the Dynavector XV-1s, it certainly is a great cartridge.

Cheers,
John M.