2. misc-audio
  3. 1390965413

So what would you recommend for my next upgrade?

I'd be interested in your thoughtful recommendations for my little system. With some recent help on "tuning" the speakers, it's beginning to sound very nice. But, you know, there's always room to grow . . . or spend money. Equipment list is as follows. So what's my next step . . . uh I mean investment?

Analog Front End:
Rega Planar 3 turntable
Sumiko Blue Point Special cartridge
Connection to phono amp: MIT cables (ancient, no network box)
NAD PP 2i phono preamp
Connectors out: MIT MI-330 Plus interconnects

Digital Front End:
Rega Planet
MIT MI-330 Plus output interconnects

Amp:
Bryston B-60 integrated
Bottlehead Foreplay preamp is available
Zu Julian speaker cables - 12' (can go to 6' now)

Speakers:
Thiel 1.5s

Notes:
Own 4000+ vinyl records and growing continuously
Own 100 CDs and growing slowly
Set up for near field listening
Room under construction - will tune it when that is done

Thanks!
dancub

Showing 5 responses by mesch

mesch
3,529 posts
 
+1 Zd & Al. I would get shorter speaker cables also. Would not make any other significant changes until room is finished and tuned to your liking.
mesch
3,529 posts
 
I moved into a dedicated audio room ~ 1 year ago. Made my own sound panels using supplies from ATS Acoustics. I also tune by ear, as I agree, more fun. It is an ongoing process. Seems I have a tendency to over treat then remove treatment until I get it right.

No problem with the Blue Jeans. Based from what I have heard from others a good place to start. Cable upgrades and other tweeks can be added after you have dealt with room treatment and speaker placement.

I am hesitant to recommend a phono pre as I have only owned 3 recent ones. A Jolida JD-9, NAD PP3i, and now a Lounge. The Jolida was the best of the three and very flexible. I would look into Music Direct and Needle Doctor online. They have several models available. I think you would benefit from more gain than the NAD provides (36dB i believe). I also have the Bluepoint. The Bluepoint outputs 2.5 mV which is at the low end of the HOMC/MM range. Sumiko recommends a capacitive loading of 50 pF at 47K resistance.

Good luck on development of your listening room.
mesch
3,529 posts
 
Congrats. I also have some high Freq loss. Make many speakers that sound overly extended to some sound fine to me. I have liked the Thiels I have heard.
I think you will enjoy the Jolida. Many gain/ load options for your Bluepoint. After some experimentation, please let us know what you think.
mesch
3,529 posts
 
Dancub, Given all that is presented above, it remains my opinion that your weak link is the phono stage. You have a quality $1000 TT and $400 cartridge (provided it is in good condition) mated to a good, however budget, phono stage. I also believe that a phono stage upgrade will provide you the greatest sonic improvement/dollar spent. Again I would encourage you, as a start, to call NeedleDoctor and Music Direct and ask to talk to a salesperson most knowledgable on phono stage offerings. I will say that the Jolida JD-9 I owned would make a good upgrade and is very flexible as to loading. Sold by both the aforementioned retailers. The latest version retails at $600. The original (which I owned) for $450-$500. It is rare to find one used. There are many others that could be recommended.
mesch
3,529 posts
 
May I ask which speakers and phono stage did you purchase?
More to discover