2. amps-preamps
  3. 182501-119931

Where to spend my money...

Over the years I've mostly purchased great used gear that works within my budget....and with much success.

I'd like some input on where to next invest my money for the most sonic improvement...a new turntable and stylus upgrade vs a new power amp.

I'm interested in pre-owned VPI tables and Pass Labs amps....particularly VPI Primes over the last say ten years....and something close to the current  Pass Labs X-150.8.

I currently enjoy Wilson Sophia speakers (version one)...a VPI Scout Junior TT with a Dynavector cartridge....Audio Research solid state 100.1 power amp and LS-16 Pre-amp.

I listened mostly to vinyl  (jazz and classical)...but also have the Cambridge CXN V2 streamer with Qobux as my source.  I realize any Pass Labs amp will stretch my budget but I'd like to get some input. I could see spending $2200.-$2700 on a new TT...and for the amp maybe $4000.00 to $5000.00 eventually...Just can't do both at the same time...

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

Greg

gsieg
elliottbnewcombjr
5,265 posts
 

I would keep that TT, and add additional uni-pivot arm wands, with alternate cartridges ready to go. Jazz: there are lots of excellent sounding Mono LPs when so many of the greats made their reputations, so an arm wand with mono cartridge ready to go. Existing cartridge if it has some life in it.

MC cartridge (do you have MC phono stage set up? If not, a SUT with PASS for MM and a few inputs and x factor adjustments will set you up for future choices.

I chose a vintage Fidelity Research FRT-4 for that reason, there are Entre 100’s I think, others that members here know about.

hoosierinohio
149 posts
 

Given what you listen to, I would be tempted to part from solid state completely.  That said, I believe you will get more bang for your buck, for making a departure from your current sound, by changing the amp.  I love the Audio Research sound but the Pass, in my opinion, adds more musicality.  That said, the best set up for "jazz" that I have ever heard was an Audio Research VS-55, a SP-11, a VPI Scoutmaster and some JBL L-150a's.  It is like you can hear the smoke in the air from an old jazz club, hear the fingers on the instruments and the music flows effortlessly through the air.  Tubes create, again in my opinion, the best reproduction of the music.  That said, Pass is darn good.  Any chance you can sample some amps with your current set up, perhaps through some friends or a really nice hi-fi store?  The final test is your ears and your ears alone.   

gsieg OP
6 posts
 

Great response.  Thank you.  And yes I do have a good friend who I trust alot who used to work at Progressive Audio in Columbus.  He has never steered me wrong and has saved me money.  He has a very good ear and is honest.  When he gets really clean gear within my budget he normally reaches out.  And it virtually every case I can audition before i commit.

I was just looking for some other opinions.  I appreciate your thoughts.  I do like the tube sound.  My pre amp actually is a hybrid  (two tubes)...but I'm not sure if i will go that way with a large amp only because of the cost of tube replacement.  Today's tube prices are crazy....

soix
9,002 posts
 

What improvements are you looking for, and what preamp and cables/power conditioning do you have?

tablejockey
3,814 posts
 

If you're looking to improve turntable magic, I'd first determine if the existing setup is optimized.

No mention of an outboard phonostage, so assuimng the LS16 has one? If so, arguably your table setup may not be fully exploited.

Since you like the tube sound-tube phono stage and maybe a cart upgrade.

Used Primes for a good deal are an easy find. You might also consider a nice tube integrated.

Tube usage/cost is not that big of a deal as you may think.

 

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