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Upgrade from my Planar 2

I want to plan my next move and am considering the options. Current setup: Rega Planar 2, Ortofon Blue and Vincent phono pre. I picked up the turntable used and had a new cartridge installed and the table gone over by a local shop. It sounds great and in many ways makes me wonder at what level the sound would be noticably better. Right now I have a $500 miracle so I guess the next step is much harder. I figure that a 1 shot upgrade on table, cart and pre is my next move. I have 4k to spend so I was thinking about a VPI classic for the table but dont know what to do about the cart or pre. There are lots of options and its gotten rather confusing. I want to hear better bass and smoother highs.

The rest of the system: B&W 802D, Cary SLP03 Pre, Cary Cinema 7B amp. I listen to Rock, Blues and some classical.
stl114_nj
4 responses Add your response
Post removed 
hfisher3380
167 posts
 
I would agree with you (original poster). If I were shopping in that price range I'd look long and hard at the vpi classic. I'd match it to a dynavector 20x and spend the remainder on a good used phono stage (sorry, can't help you much there as I'm not really familiar with what's around in phono stages right now).

I'd also consider a used Michell Gyro with perhaps an SME 309 arm.
stl114_nj OP
94 posts
 
Elizabeth,
Lots of good thoughts in you post. After reading it, upgrading the phono pre first makes sense since my current table has a fresh calibration and cart. I prefer using tried and true combo's since I an new to the analog game. What cartridge for 1k or less would be the best match for the Fosgate?
stl114_nj OP
94 posts
 
Elizabeth,
Sorry I see you listed the Cart in your 1st response, Thanks
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