@kerrybh have you listened to Clearaudio tables/arms? What about them makes you want to choose them? Cheers,
Spencer
Analog upgrade
Looking at upgrading analog components and seeking advice. Currently have rega planar 6 and rega aria phono stage. Considering clearaudio ovation or dc performance both with tracer tone arm. Also looking at moon 310 or 610 or Boulder 508. Budget is ~12-14k. Is it better to go up to the ovation with less expensive amp or take the dc performance with one of the higher end amps. Also interested in impressions of these amps and advice on cartridges for these tables. Thanks
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The Ovation is a lot of money for what you are getting and not as much of a leap over the Rega as you might think. You can get a Sota Sapphire and put a Kuzma 4 point 9 or a Schroder CB on it for not much more. You will have an isolated turntable and a much better arm. You can also get a really nice dust cover with the Sota. The Boulder is a fine phono stage I prefer the Channel D Lino C 3.0 which you can tailor to suit your needs but if you get heavy handed with the options the price can get up to $7000. It is a transimpedance phono stage like the BMC, Sutherland Loco and CH Precision. This allows you to get a lot of gain out of very low impedance MC cartridges and yet maintain an excellent signal to noise ratio. You also do not have to worry about loading the cartridge. You can add a voltage mode input and /or a moving magnet input if you want. Check out the reviews on the Lino C. |
Thanks for the replies. Very helpful. I've heard the Clearaudios at my dealer but obviously not with the same system has mine. I know there are many good options-maybe better-but I'm loyal to my dealer and will stay with him if its close. He was great i helping me put together my system (as he should be) and provides great service if any glitches arise. That's very important to me as I would be baffled. |
@kerrybh Did the dealer compare other tables in that system for you? Not too many have enough in their stock of varying brands to allow for meaningful comparisons. I ask because IMHE, the clearaudios look great, but that's about it. I'm sure their fans will chime in with the other side of the story, but whether you lean towards Sota (like me & @mijostyn), Technics if DD is your cup of tea, or even VPI (top seller in the price class), MHO, you'll get more for your money. Cheers, Spencer |
No and frankly the options are limited by supply chain issues even within the lines he carries. I'm interested in the Sota-great reviews-but no nearby dealer and I'd be afraid to try to set it up on my own. I'm an old guy who thought 8 trac tapes were the pinnacle of technology-love the music-intimidated by the machines. |
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