2. analog
  3. 1234045716

Would love some thoughts on how to upgrade my gear

Hi all,

I have been a lurker here for a while to try to learn about this hobby. I only started to really get into it this summer. I had only listened mainly to computer speakers and car audio until then. I mainly listen to rock music, sometimes some acoustic stuff, but mainly rock. I exclusively listen to vinyl so that is where I want to focus all my energy and dollars.

As of right now I have a system consisting of Klipsch Forte II speakers (upgraded xovers from DeanG and Crites titanium tweeters), Rega P1(w/Denon Dl160 cart), and Fisher 400 (rebuilt by Craig Otsby).

I feel like this gives me a pretty nice sound as is but I have a real curiosity for what I am possibly missing. I have never really heard any high end gear so I don't know how mine stacks up. I also want to make sure that I don't get anything so analytical where the only thing that sounds good are audiophile recordings.

I first decided that I really need to upgrade my TT. I was thinking I would go with a P5, but am not sure if it is worth the extra money compared to a P3-24. Or if I should go in a different direction entirely. The one reason I wanted to stick with Rega is that my dealer will give me 80% back on my P1 as well as installing my cart since I don't know how to do that. I was thinking I would like to stick with my Denon cart for now.

So then I realized that I probably couldn't get all the performance of the P5 without upgrade my phono stage. So I then began to look at the Bottlehead kits. I have never soldered before but figured it might be fun to try to put their Seduction kit together. I wasnt't sure if this would be very good or if it wouldn't have enough gain for the Denon. Also, I didn't know if the seduction would really be a step up from my Fishers phono stage. I was getting really jazzed about trying out Bottlehead gear until I talked to my dealer. He said that SET isn't really the greatest for as it can be slow and has difficulty presenting rock music correctly.

I then was told all about Naim gear and he had me pretty convinced that it would really sound great. It was very intriguing as it sounds like some of that vintage gear can sound great and not be super expensive. Although I'm not sure how good it would sound with my Forte IIs.

So all in all, I guess I am kind of confused about what I should do. One minute I think I have my mind made up until I learn about something else. Or about some flaw of some gear I am considering.

I was just hoping to hear some opinions from those that are much more knowledgeable than I am. I'm sorry if this was a little long, I was just trying to give as much detail to work with as possible.

Thanks so much!
-Clipper
theclipper
theclipper OP
26 posts
 
Hey Tonydec,

Thanks for the reccomendation. I just might do that.

I thought I'd give an update:

I am going to end up getting a P5 this weekend that was listed on here. It will come with the TTPSU and an upgraded subplatter. I am very excited to see what it can do compared to the P1. I will be using my Denon 160 on it for the time being. I was wondering if I needed to get one of those spacers to use with this cartridge or if I can get by without one?

Thanks much!
srwooten's avatar
srwooten
694 posts
 
Another thought-To get the most out of your TT/Cart/Arm I HIGHLLY reccommend getting a Mint LP protractor. $110 new from Hong Kong shipping included.
leadbelly
2 posts
 
Here are a few thoughts, in no particular order, from someone who, like you, is just beginning his journey. Forgive me if these are redundant, obvious, or unhelpful in your view. First, learn to do as much as you can for yourself. Unless you are blessed with a wise, benign, and patient local technician whose tastes are remarkably aligned with yours, you will be best served by gradually becoming proficient with all aspects of table maintenance. Learning this on a reasonably priced Rega with its straightforward design is not a bad idea. Be careful of making big investments in the hope of realizing huge improvements, and then being too intimidated by your complicated, expensive equipment to try adjustments. This pursuit rewards attention, and I don't mean constantly fiddling with tweaks and gadgets, but slowly learning the fundamental mechanics. You will hear confident opinions from everyone; try to confirm these yourself, and not be seduced by pretty language or passionate excitement. I don't mean that other people are malicious, devious, or wrong, but they are other people, for whom truth, beauty, and soul may take different shapes. Even you, at various times, may respond very differently to certain things.
srwooten's avatar
srwooten
694 posts
 
Leadbelly-
Great advice!
theclipper OP
26 posts
 
Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm going to pick up the new 'table tomorrow. I am going to try and install the cart myself first. I'm thinking with a little time and patience I can do it.
More to discover