Analog Upgrade itch
Hello ! I would like to upgrade my turntable / tonearm / phono preamp
currently I am using Kuzma Stabi S / Stabi S VTA 12” tonearm / Gold Note PH10 phono amp.
Gryphon Antelion EVO + Pandora pre , Magico A5 speaker.
My music preference : 50% classical / 30% pop / 20% modern Jazz
I like my current cartridge: Etsuro Urushi Cobalt so I am going to keep it. I would like to upgrade my Turntable (possible Linn LP12 or Kuzma Ref2 or any suggestions ) with Kuzma 4 point tonearm (or recommendation in the $ range?). My biggest uncertain is phono amp : I’d like to have warmer sound (tube preferred ) with ideally 2 inputs (Manley Steelhead or EMT126 are recommended by my local dealer but not sure if they are worth the money ) . I know matching (cartridge / arm / phono stage) is more important in analog system so I’d like everyone’s comments / experience that matches my system. Musicality / warmth is what I’m after rather than microscopic details. Thanks in advance
E
@eddiechanghk are you looking for two inputs for a specific scenario or to be future proof'? Just curious... I would also consider a good and modern direct drive table, such as from Brinkmann, STST*, Gran Prix etc For phono it could be you use a SUT for each cart and then a single input. This is eg how EMIA does it. I have been loving the RADA Precious* btw
* sales relationship disclosure :)
|
| Post removed |
@rsf507 thanks for the info , does the soft suspended base on Ref2 give a more “musical “ sonics over the Stabi R ? What I like about Kuzma in general is their liveliness and openness but I am also tempted by Linn’s “ vintage analog” sonics but hesitate about the spring re-calibration that seems needed every periodically on a Linn table. @ghdprentice Audio Research is on my list just I cannot get a demo to connect with a Gryphon amp ( different dealer) , so to me blind purchase a phono amp seems too risky… how does it compare to Manley Steelhead , sonically ? |
| Post removed |
