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Dedicated Vinyl system next upgrade?

Hi. I love my system. I really do. I love vinyl and listen to vinyl nearly exclusively via “appointment listening”. I do Sometimes stream and listen while I walk or while working but I love just sitting and listening to my stereo. I believe I’ve arrived regarding finally achieving a great set up and have experienced that vinyl “magic” that audiophiles obsess over. I understand that limitations exist and a great stereo will reveal the quality of a recording - good or bad. The law a diminishing returns regarding  upgrading is something I’m mindful of. I don’t have endless funds to spend on upgrades. My question is - what should I consider upgrading next? Should I ditch the integrated amp considering I’m using an external phono stage? Or should I go with a better integrated amp? Or should I look at a better cartridge? Do I upgrade my turntable or just the tonearm? Do I upgrade the power cable on my amp? 
Here’s what I’m currently working with - and thanks for your thoughts/suggestions! 

Clear Audio Concept Turntable
W/ Hana SL cartridge 

Herron Audio VTPH-2a Phono Stage

Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II integrated power amplifier 

Kimber Kable speaker wire and interconnects (I forget which model - an entry lever set - nothing crazy) 

Bowers and Wilkins 805 D3 stand mount loud speakers

Set of two stereo REL S/510 subs

paulgardner
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 
Another free thing to try is light loading your output transformers on the Rogue, drop down a tap. I am running my Treo that way with a RM-9 ( light loading suggestion via the genius Roger Modjeski- RIP )

try it
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 
Look at my Casa Pacifica system photos,! You need not throw out the cork/ butcher block - supplant those w nimbus ( see amp ), there are also Nimbus under  my Herron with some carbon fiber....
jollytinker
213 posts
 
I can relate to your predicament. But I think @chayro asked the pertinent question: what exactly is the problem? What's the first thing that pops into your head when you try to imagine what isn't right with your sound? MAybe you already have an intuition. 

That said I would consider the Kimber cables a bottleneck - IMHO etc. I'd go for something more transparent and balanced in both speaker cables and ICs.

Also you haven't mentioned your listening space. That may be adding distortion that your system tweaks won't fix.
terry9
2,251 posts
 
@mulveling is a connoisseur of high end cartridges. I suggest that you consider his opinions carefully.

I agree with others about the tonearm, and suggest another possibility, the Trans-Fi Terminator air bearing tonearm. IMO it's better than anything that costs less than the price of a car, and costs under $1500 direct from the manufacturer. I have two of them, one on a $10K conventional turntable, and another on a DIY air bearing special.

The only real function of a tonearm is to hold the cartridge in precise relation to the record. It follows that the tonearm must be highly adjustable and hold its settings. The Trans-Fi does that better than most. And of course, it's an air bearing (actually, air bearing horizontal and knife-edge vertical).

Good luck!
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 
Also what’s a reference disc that brings you great joy but also let’s sonic doubt creep in ? And how loud do you listen to that ? Trying to help by listening 
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