2. analog
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upgrading systemdek iix worth it?....

Hello, everyone.

As indicated in the subject I own a Systemdek IIX that is in mint shape as judged by the tech that last adjusted it.  I've been told the tonearm is the weak link on the table.

The reason I am considering upgrading the turntable is so I am not limited in which cartridge I can install since the Profile arm has no azimuth adjustment.  IOW I want a better tonearm.

The phono-stage I am using what is in my integrated amp - a Simaudio Moon 340i.

When I got my Systemdek adjusted, the tech said that this is a very good turntable with a tonearm being its weak link.  He said he could install an OriginLive Encounter for 2200.

My budget is:
turntable: 2500; cartridge: 500-600 and pre-amp: 1000-1200 CDN

My questions are:

1: Is the basic turntable good enough to warrant installing the Originlive Encounter tonearm?

2: Is the phono stage in my Simaudio Moon 340i going to be the weak link when I upgrade the turntable? IE. should I add a separate phono-stage?

3: I'm considering the Musical Fidelity MX-Vinyl phono-amplifier for $1100.  Is  a sufficient upgrade to the one in my 340i?

Thoughts please?

lewkor

Showing 4 responses by dover

dover
2,291 posts
 

Is the basic turntable good enough to warrant installing the Originlive Encounter tonearm?

No. It is a midfi TT similar in performance to something like a Rega P6 or P8.

If you are going to spend a couple of thousand - buy a better TT.

Having said that something like an Audiomods tonearm, which is exceptional value for money ( well under $1k ), would give you a decent upgrade with a cost commensurate with the TT.

In the UK Systemdecks were usually bundled with Rega arms.

 

dover
2,291 posts
 

Origin Live Encounter UK$1550 ( US$1983 )

Audiomods 6 UK$1085 ( US1388 )

Audiomods Classic UK$695 ( US$889 )

Audiomods Classic would upgrade the Systemdek substantially.

 

 

 

dover
2,291 posts
 

@dlewkor

Your welcome. I put an older model Audiomods on a $15k Platine Verdier TT that I sold to a friend and it was excellent - fantastic value for money and punches well above its weight. The classic will be even better with the updated bearings - I'm sure you will be very happy.

dover
2,291 posts
 

@lewkor

http://www.image99.net/blog/files/f233eea773cbc47d311b80d32702da48-40.html

The standard classic, I'm not sure.

You need to contact Audiomods and ask the following -

VTA - I can order VTA Micrometer Adjuster on the new Classic ? cost ?

There is no azimuth adjust on the Classic, only on the 6.

If you want all options you probably need the 6, but the classic has the same bearings etc of the 6 with fixed armature - VTA adj but no azimuth.

If you can afford it go for the 6 and you are set.

Keep your old arm so that if you ever upgrade your TT you can move the Audiomods to the new table and sell the old with its original arm.

 

 

 

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