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turntable upgrade VPI or CLEARAUDIO?

I currently have a Well Tempered Classic V turntable with the graphite arm. I am running a Clearaudio Discovery cartridge into an Accoustec PH1P phono stage.

When playing records, I have the feeling that the Bass and transient attack is "muddy", or slow, and I seem to be missing the pace of the music. I have very good frequency responce, both low and high, but the detail is just not there.

My question is, is it better to look at a VPI TNT, or Clearaudio Reference turntable, to clean up the tempo and pace of my music? I know that I am looking at spending 4-5,000 dollars to make the upgrade(if I can locate a suitable used model here on agon) and I wonder if this would be money well spent.

For reference, here is my system:

Well Tempered Classic V turntable
Accoustec PH1P phono stage
Transparent Ultra Phono cable
Transparent Ultra XL cable, phono to preamp
Krell KAV 300i pre-amp
Transparent Ultra XL cable, preamp to amp
Krell KSA 250 amp
Transparent Super XL cable, amp to speakers
Hales REvelation 3 speakers

Thanks in advance, Brad
bfuehrer

Showing 1 response by jfrech

jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
The speed is something to check. Cart alignment to. Maybe a new drive belt? Does that table have a speed controller? If not, investigate that. It can have a profound effect.

As far as the cables, the Transparents are great. That isn't causing the muddy bass or slow transients. My opinion here. I use them (Ultra's and Ref XL)

Also, doesn't Well Tempered have a upgrade program? You might try stepping up in their line. From what I've read, that's a good table.
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