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Step Up or new Phono Preamp ??

My system is as follows: Basis 2001 Signature, Vector 1 arm, Grado Reference (High Output) Master (retail $800.00),
McIntosh C2200 phono & preamp, Ayre V5X amp & Maggies 3.6R.
I am getting the upgrade bug and seriously cosidering getting a Shelter 501 II but I will need to either add a Step Up as the C2200
can't drive a LO MC or get a new phone stage to add to the C2200,
which I love and am not parting with. I added NOS tubes to the C2200 and it sounds great with my SACD player as well as my Basis TT but believe I may get better sound with the Shelter 501. I guess what I'm really after is much better staging, and even though
the HO Grado is a very good cart. soundstaging is not one of its strong suits.
So do I get a step up and if so what do you recommend?
Do I get a new phono-I've looked a the Underwood modded PS
Audio GCPH but have not heard it anywhere.
I'd like to buy the cart & step up or new phono(which one do you
recommend) and spend no more than $2,200 and less spent
would be much better from the WAF perspective. I really like the
C2200 so a new add on phono stage would have to be very
highly recommended for me to consider. However, I've never
used a step up and am concerned about the not knowing much
about step ups.

ANY thoughts and recommendations would be most appreciated.Thank you very much !!

luvsmusic

Showing 1 response by rauliruegas

rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Luvsmusic: I agree totally with the Nsgarch advise.

You have several choices for a better cartridge: the high output MC and other MM cartridges. You don't have to go for a low output MC cartridge to achieve top sound performance.

From the first one I recomended the Sumiko Blackbird, very fine quality sound reproducer. On the second group: Clearaudio, Goldring, Audio Technica, Linn, Shure, Musicmaker, etc.

You will have not only a great quality sound reproduction with these high output cartridges but you avoid the step up transformer use that always do a severe degradation to the critical cartridge signal.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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