I would suggest going to a few live concerts of the music you like to listen to.....if you can determine how important sound that sounds like the concert........enlarge your sound budget if you think the effort is worth it.
Vinyl System Upgrade Path Recommendations
Hey gang! New to the forum but I’ve been really enjoying reading through old threads. I would be interested in the community’s thoughts on a natural upgrade path for my system.
Current System:
- Pioneer PL-530 w/ Audio Technica AT 13 Ea
- Apt Holman Preamplifier
- Eico ST-70 (using as a power amp, line in)
- Totem Arros
I listen to a wide variety of genres but with an emphasis on jazz and more recently classical. Overall the system performs well. I’m getting a good warmth for my taste and decent detail.
Moving forward I’d like to pull a little more clarity and separation out, but not create a clinical reproduction. I do dig the warmer sound. I’m also interested in trying to reduce background noise and pops/clicks. I’m already big on cleaning my LPs which has helped a ton, but I’m curious where to invest next.
I’ve also started listing more on headphones (Schiit Jotunheim + Hifiman HE400i) where I notice even more background noise.
So what do think? Better stylus / cartridge? Different TT? Alternative phono stage? Cables… ?
I try to be conservative with my spend (everything I own was purchased used), but I’m not afraid to shell out where appropriate.
Any suggestions? Thanks!