Which to upgrade first: Turntable or Phono Preamp
another awesome vintage preamp, unique features, 14 day returns, that's not a lot of risk to try it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Luxman-CL35-MKIII-Tube-Preamp/303871182981 |
Your existing Vincent phono seems like a true Gem with a lot of versatility. So, just a bug to change something, I suggest you try a different cartridge. If you decide to try another tube phono, you might consider a tube preamp with MM phono, and use a SUT into the preamp's phono. Then you can compare your Vincent to the Preamp's phono. I always advise flexibility for current and future cartridges, this Jolida is very versatile https://www.jolida.com/product/jd-9-ii-phono-preamp One currently on eBay https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jolida-JD9-II-Tube-Phono-Preamplifier-w-Preamp-Upgrade/254895432383 |
big_greg OP said: "Just going through some upgrade fever I guess". OP says happy with the Hana. OK, but we can still suggest ideas. I was very happy with my MM Shure/SAS cartridge, then after much resistance, and encouragement here, I tried a MC, via SUT to existing beloved tube phono. Sure GLAD I had my resistance broken! I still use my old Shure on a separate arm. My MC choice was based on both wider channel separation and tighter center balance than the Shure. It’s imaging is why I prefer it. IOW, a different cartridge, as an addition to the Hana, will give the largest audible difference. IMO, a better TT/ARM is essentially ’to do less’ i.e. less vibration, less speed variation, better transmission of groove/stylus down the wire. While ’advisable’ an audible improvement detected, the system sound will be essentially the same. I never saw or heard OP’s Vincent or a Jolida, I looked online, both very versatile, quickie search decent reviews, within OP’s budget, seemed to me just keep the Vincent. Any phono stage change really needs return option, their sound in ____ system is not easily predictable. this looks interesting, MM and MC phono, but no returns https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-CARVER-C-1-Sonic-Holography-Preamplifier-w-BOX-Paperwork-NEAR-MINT-... |
big_greg4 you are right, upgrade that TT. I felt enough people already said that. I write about function, features, flexibility, future options, think long, often not specific recommendations. I know I’m confusing sometimes, seemingly off track, I ask you to remember, I often think of others following a discussion with their own half-related questions, not always specific to OP. If/when I had only 1 tonearm, I want a changeable headshell. Alternate MM with changeable stylus, not to mention, having the option of a true Mono cartridge. Multiple arms let you have alternates ready to go in an instant. That’s a wonderful thing. New TT, I would choose Direct Drive, Quartz, that fits two arms, start with one with a changeable headshell. 2nd arm, now or later, can be non-removable. Alternate cartridge(s) aligned, ready to go with a few adjustments; change to a Mono cartridge if like me you play many Mono LP’s. Having a MM option for LP’s that are keepers but not sonically deserving of the best cartridge, why wear out your non-replaceable MC? That’s why I went from 2 to 3 arms, MC, MM, Mono. And, my MM Shure/SAS is very good as a preferable alternate to my MC for certain types of well engineered content. And, the Shure/SAS’s brush is best for warps. I was just lucky, bit by bit, how mine came together with help here. And pretty clever I might add, squeezing the 3rd arm on my 2 arm plinth! .................................. I thought I would just toss in: "Challenge Your Assumptions". My finally trying MC as example. I know Hana is MC, and highly respected, I am saying, happy, but looking for a change in sound, perhaps an ALTERNATE cartridge ALSO. .................................... Better is Better, again you are right, yet Change doesn’t always have to be ’Better’. My JSE Infinite Slope Model 2’s were the most measurably accurate speakers I have owned, heard em at a show, wanted them for years, got em, loved them for many years. But I missed these horns. I haven’t measured, but I presume less measurably accurate (less better?). I gave the JSE’s to my son. I missed my Tube Amps, was using McIntosh SS MC2250 with JSE’s. These horns let me easily use my 30 wpc tube amps (a bit small for the JSE’s). Tubes less measurably accurate, less better? LP has lower S/N than Digital; R2R tape has ’even less better’ S/N, and yet, here, everyone chooses tubes over SS; LP over CD; R2R Tape over LP. R2R, my noisiest source, is without doubt the best sounding content I have. Least better is best!!! |
One idea I mentioned was to find a tube preamp with terrific phono, and get a SUT for your Hana This full featured Scott just popped up on eBay https://www.ebay.com/itm/H-H-Scott-Type-130-Pre-amplifier-Super-clean-All-original-Telefunken-tubes/... |
just have to tell somebody, I always check 'newly listed' for fun, this tube preamp just popped up, has 3 phono inputs https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dynavector-DV3000-Gold-Tube-Preamplifier/114721713663?hash=item1ab5f26dff:g... |
