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Thoughts About Turntable Upgrades

I hope everyone is having a good Saturday. I'm sitting here listening to CDs because at the moment my digital playback is simply better than my turntable. The Audio Mirror Tubadour DAC that I purchased a few months ago is simply outstanding when paired with my old Cary 308. This leads to my questions/musings about turntable upgrades. 

I got back into vinyl a few years ago and purchased the Rega P3 with a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 preamp as a starter kit. I upgraded the cart to a Denon 301 II, which was big improvement for me. Looking forward, I'm leaning heavily towards a Sota Sapphire. I want a US made table only because I'm interested in having a US based system. The Sota seems like a good fit because I value sound that is more laid-back and I'm looking for a table that will emphasize warmth, soundstage, presence, solidity. That's the best I can offer in verbally describing my goal. I'm frankly looking for something that will top the Tubadour experience! The Rega is good, but after a few albums my ears are a bit exhausted.

Here are my questions:

Do y'all have any thoughts on my leaning towards Sota? Any other recommendations? Is there any reason to start with a new preamp rather than a new turntable? If so, what are your recommendations? 

I'm interested in your responses to these questions, but also any other suggestions as well. Let me have it! 

 

rblondeau

Showing 1 response by krelldog

krelldog
311 posts
 

In my experience vinyl is amazing, but very expensive to tap into the magic.

I currently have a VPI Prime Signature-Pass XP-17(Phono)-Ortofon Cadenza Bronze cartridge-Audience SX phono cable.  This is around 15K to spin records and its sounds great, but in my journey it took the above system to really bring out the magic.

Also records are very expensive, I only usually buy first pressings in excellent shape. You will also need a record vacuum/washer...this is mandatory.

I'm also not a huge fan of having to manually lift the needle off the record when its done playing.

Also as your record collection grows....they take up a lot of space. Also there very heavy in bulk piles when trying to move or reorganize. There also not so easy to sell if needed.

I am blessed with a great system digitally also. This gets the majority of my playing music. Its easy and convenient.

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