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Upgraded turntable - is my current setup sufficient?

After some research on table upgrades from my denon dp300 with the sumiko rainier I pulled the trigger on the Marantz TT15-S1 with included clearaudio virtuoso. Based on some threads on this forum and some others it seems that any table under $1000 wouldn't yield the kind of audible jump I wanted.

Currently I have an adcom gtp500 for the phono stage running into a rotel 1066 pre-pro and the rotel 1080 amp. Those are driving a set of cambridge soundworks tower 1 speakers.

I am hoping to hear an appreciable difference with the new marantz and virtuoso running through my current setup.

Does anyone think otherwise?

If so let me know any suggested changes and what order they should be made. I've checked the specs - the adcom amp should have no problems with the virtuoso cart. Having said that, is there a better phono stage upgrade I can make for under $500 that would be noticeable difference?

I picked up the tower 1 speakers last year for $150 bucks and I've been super happy with them. Im hoping the marantz won't underperform due to the speakers or anything else, and will provide me with the appreciable difference I am hoping for.

Thanks!
jsnath
elliottbnewcombjr
5,529 posts
 
Rega, MC only, very versatile via rear dip switches

No MM for you, just posting so others see it

https://www.rega.co.uk/products/fono-mc
elliottbnewcombjr
5,529 posts
 
Being retired, it is fun hopping about learning, thanks for the fun
jsnath OP
4 posts
 
Well..... at least I've confirmed which component to focus on. Sounds like the hard part will be choosing one. Ill try a good handful of them and see which one my ears appreciate the most. Seems like several outlets allow free returns. 

Update: the marantz arrived today at 10:30am while i was on a conference call. I don't think a work call has ever felt longer. I took my time setting it up... actually forgot to eat lunch i was just too excited.

Review (thus far). Roughly 6 albums in. An excellent and easily identified improvement in clarity and definition. Mids/highs/lows...  I know some people said it lacked some bass but i haven't noticed. At least compared to my old setup. Im coming from a sumiko rainier that I liked a lot for its warmth. I wouldn't say the virtuoso lacks that warmth but it didnt illicit as large a jump in that category as all the other areas i've noticed so far. Perhaps the new pre-amp can bring some added warmth? Is that something phono stages do?

Verdict: I am super jazzed up. Very happy with the purchase and looking forward to hearing what a different phono stage can do. 

Side note. Im a phish nerd. Before i got into vinyl i rarely listened to their studio albums... its just a different ballgame now... and they're great for testing out this new table. They bring it all... jazz, funk, rock..... bluegrass. (end shameless Phish plug)

Thanks all for the suggestions. Ill get to work. 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,529 posts
 
that ifi unit is available from Amazon, $150. delivered, easy returns

https://www.amazon.com/iFi-Preamp-Turntables-Record-Players/dp/B08H2GPD7F

I’m tempted to try it in my office, be set for future MC cartridge there.

If you try it, let us know!!!!

youtube review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBAdLY3Upbo

in his video he mentions their iPhono3, extremely versatile, but $1,000.

https://www.amazon.com/iFi-Phonostage-Preamplifier-Compatible-Cartridges/dp/B088SSSTPD

Like I said, it's fun learning about stuff, evidently they have been around, check out their product line:

https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-phono/




lewm
13,169 posts
 
In this price stratum, the OP is better off with a good moving magnet cartridge, in my opinion. Moving coil cartridges, in this price range, tend to be the high output type, which in my experience are generally inferior to moving magnets at a similar price point or at any price point.
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