Thoughts About Turntable Upgrades

The following is a Copy/Paste of a post I made to a recent Thread where similar info to what you have requested was inquired about.

"As a Pre-Planner for anything you may choose to bring into the system at a later date.

I suggest that you spend some time learning what might be a good structure to mount your TT on.

There are endless options at varied costs. My experience is that very attractive results are able to be created at not too much monies, using Items that can sell on quite easy, if investigations are showing that support devices that used are being superseded.

Getting the Support Structure to a place where it is undoubtedly perceived as being Optimised, can have a impact that will create the impression a New Turntable >Tonearm is in use, when recollected for the sonic produced on a previous method of support. 

Such an Optimised Structure should prove its value to any future endeavours."

I hope this as a response to your inquiry has a content that is off interest to you.

Do be aware that the Digital Source you have is going to be very difficult to surpass with a Vinyl Source.

Also the DAC you are using will from my experiences, substantially benefit from being seated on a Support Structure that is very suitable for a TT support. Valves in a device, be it a Source Ancillary, Pre-Amp or Power Amp, benefit from a support structure that works for the improvements in management of transferred energies. 

The E88CC Tube in the DAC, will 'if exchanged' for a late 50' - early 60's Tube produce a quite unique DAC, that will also transform into a extremely impressive performer.

I myself have gone down this same route with a DAC and Phonostage.

I have also met a few who have gone down this same route, and when discovered their preferred Valve from this era are completely sold on the exchange.

I am yet to personally meet an individual who has changed to E88CC's from said vintage, who come out of the experience believing there is another option that can better them, or wishing their earlier used Valves were reinstated. 

The additional attraction of your DAC, is that the Valve options are not limited to E88CC only.

There are very High Quality CD's as there is High Quality Vinyl Pressings

Each are produced with the end Sound Quality being Optimised, as a result of the recording > embedding and production process put in place.

When a CD Source is owned, especially of the Calibre owned by the OP, I strongly advise anybody with a Source purchased, that is of the qualities of the OP's Type, to experience these select Source Recordings on their own system.

I listen to both Vinyl and CD pressing from producers that specialise in the production of the better than the usual recordings.

I have also been able to hear these select recordings on some occasions as Same Album Samples on either of the mediums.

I have also been able to hear certain Albums that are select recordings compared to mainstream releases.

I will 'state categorically' that these pressing do make a difference, there is a price difference, and it is this that is seen to be a sticking point for some. There is even prejudices seen occasionally toward select recordings, as a result of the retail price.

I reiterate my advisory to the OP, before throwing monies at a rearranging the Vinyl Set Up, have a spend on purchasing a few select recordings to be used with your CD. Hopefully a favoured selection of Albums can be discovered from the producers.

I don't see there will be a need to pursue Vinyl with a intention after this experience, as the monies needed will most likely Triple to some of the previous outlays already hinted at.

The Cary, might just become the device that is under the spot light to see whare an alternative can surpass it, especially when replaying those select recordings.

Do Remember, I am a Vinyl through and through enthusiast, who has become aware of how good CD replays are able to be over the past not too many years.

If you want to experience some good quality CD Recordings on the Cheap, search out Albums recorded with Q Sound embedded in them, there are not too many, but they are able to be discovered for reasonable outlays.

I thought I had quelled my long held passion for Vinyl used as a Source in a audio system.

I feel almost hypocritical in relation to this thread, as I own a Bespoke Built Valve DAC produced by a Bulgarian Designer. I felt this allowed for the OP and myself to share a little common ground in relation to a Digital Source and especially the DAC's used.

A recent experience, which has been a very non-vinyl encounter, has had a profound effect, which has fired up / stoked my passion to extend the experiences available to me, for how I experience Vinyl Replays being produced through my system.

I do state, all said previously from myself stands and is relevant for the OP, but this dog has got a itch that seemingly won't quieten until it has had a 'good ole' Scratch.