I am definitely not above buying used on this one. Would almost prefer it to maximize the value.
Aside from Agon and USAM, where else would you look for reliable used analog equipment? |
@inna what kind of British brands do you look for?
Lots of good input here. Gotta love the hunt.
Whats the general consensus about a tube phono stage? |
@tablejockey Was definitely looking at that listing earlier. I will admit, the idea of a tube phono stage, leading into the PL tube amp definitely appeals to me.
Anyone have experience with the Allnic H-1201?
Trying to sort out how much I want to spend on the balance of components.
Seems like the general idea is spend money on as good a turntable as you can. Work on the upgrades as the time comes. |
So I've been taking all the advice here and looking into things pretty heavy.
I definitely think the right play is to spend a majority of the budget right now on the table and stage. Solid advice.
The VPI Prime seems like a very attractive option for the price it can be found for right now. Really on the verge of pulling the trigger on this one.
I do love the look and the style of the JA Michell GyroDec. Especially in the black. It would look very sharp in my current setup. Plus in its GryoDec version with base and dust cover would be helpful given my curious Bengal kittie. Not that you cant get a dust cover for the VPI, just less integrated appearing.
But its hard to find the GyroDec used, let alone find a reasonable place to source one in the US for reasonable price.
Anyone have any direct experience with both decks?
Couple of the phono stage options that seem to be standing out are the Sutherland 20/20, Chinook, Lehmann Decade, and the Allnic H-1201.
The cartridge decision has slowly become slightly less important as I feel there are a lot of decent cartridges in the $500-1000 range that will work well for me initially.
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Fact.
I've definitely tried a few, but plan on upgrading to something on pair with the quality of setup. I'm open to suggestions for that as well. I've budgeted separate money for that.
I just needed to wait untill I determined which table and arm setup first, as to get the right type of connection between DIN or RCA. |
Yeah I am gonna make a bid at the VPI Prime for the time being. Definitely seems like a reasonable option. And its available.
I like some of the other tables. Gyrodec, Nottingham, etc. But if I can get the Prime for $2200-2500, that definitely gives me some wiggle room with getting a great phono stage.
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Hopefully the offer for the VPI goes through. Either way, I'll definitely post my experience no matter what direction I ultimately go.
My current setup is a Project Debut Carbon with the acrylic platter and a AT 440mlb cart. Ended up being a pretty noisy setup after my upgrade to the Primaluna and Tekton Double Impacts. Didnt really matter whether or not I was running it through my Marrantz AV7702 phono input, or my Mytek Brooklyn DAC phono stage.
I recently upgraded my DAC to a PS Directstream so I lost the phono stage of the Brooklyn. Which prompted the entire analog upgrade decision.
If the TT offer goes through, the focus will then be on a good, quiet, and revealing phono stage.
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The Lyra Delos seems like a stellar cartridge. Ultimately would be very interested on that based on what I've read about
However, ain't getting it from analogue seduction.
"PLEASE NOTE WE CAN ONLY SEND LYRA CARTRIDGES TO UK and IRELAND addresses"
Womp womp
Any way around that? yup, move to the UK.
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I just settled on the VPI Prime.
seller currently offering to include a new Cadenza Bronze installed and calibrated for $1600. Seems like a decent offer but is slightly more than I expected to spend initially.
Anyone have any opinions on this Prime with that cartridge? |
@jmcgrogan2 So you weren't the biggest fan of the Cadenza bronze? Have you tried any other carts on your Prime?
$1600 was just a touch more than I intended on spending on the cart. But the cart lists at $2300. So I can definitely push the boundaries of the budget a little, but only for something that is a definite slam dunk at that price, or a fantastic deal in general.
I think I might prefer a dynamic and revealing cart. That being said, you are right, the reviews on the Bronze are pretty solid in general. But there are a ton of cart options up to $1600, especially if you factor in the used market.
That being said,I still dont know how I feel about buying carts on the used market. Seems like a great way to save some cash if the situation is reasonable. Dealers, low use, well maintained, etc.
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Yeah I think I am probably going to pass on the Bronze for the time being.
The dealer also also offers other Ortofon, SoundSmith, and Grado carts and already assured me that he will offer me a solid discount on a new cart considering I’m buying a table from him.
Gonna see what the best cart he will offer me for ~1000. Maybe start from there.
Also, been looking into the Art Audio Vinyl Reference stage considering there is one on USAM now. Fits the price range. Been recommended earlier.
Anyone got first hand experience with this model?? Almost settled for a Whest 30rdt based on the price. But didn’t happen.
Otherwise I’m on the prowl for a good deal for an excellent stage. What price have people been seeing the Herron stage go for used?
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Also, just got offered a Tom Evans The Groove stage for $1500. Havent heard much about this stage at all. Trying to do a little research on it presently.
Anyone have any insight into this? |
OK scratch that. I settled on a stage.
Went with a used Whest PS.30rdt SE 2017 spec, which supposedly is has updated and improved components over the older SE models. (according to whest website)
I hadn't really seen a bad review on the unit. In fact, quite the opposite. Its a touch more expensive than the $1500 units I was looking at. But I am hoping it will be the last phono stage I need for a long while.
So the last piece of the puzzle is the cartridge. My TT dealer is still pushing the Ortofons. Cadenza line as follows. Red $970, Blue $1400, and Bronze $1600.
I hadn't asked about any Soundsmith carts and what prices he would offer me, but I am guessing it would be similar to the same kind of discount if I pushed the issue.
If I'm not going to use the dealers discount, then so be it. Can definitely expand the search to any cart within the $1000 area.
Still not sure what direction to go on this one. Any input would be appreciated. |
@tablejockey What do you like about the ART9? And what other carts did you try first?
The Whest phono stage can accommodate up to 72dbs gain I believe. So we should be good there. |
