2. analog
  3. 1198867713

which would you replace first?

My father is looking to improove his Vinyl set-up which consists of Soutmaster (STOCK) a Benz MC cart (the $600 model...red "ACE"?) and a Musical Surroundings Phonomena stage with Kimber Hero cables. Between the stage and cart what would give most bang for the buck in the $1500 price range if we only want to replce 1 of the 2 at this time. Thanks as always...............HAPPY NEW YEAR
chadnliz
piedpiper
753 posts
 
figure on both in the long run; then the temporary mismatch in quality won't sting as much. In the mean time I would consider the Transfiguration Axia at a little over your budget. Is that the original Phonomena?

Dealer disclosure.
bobandkathy
2 posts
 
Hi Chadnliz,

I started with the exact same set-up less the Kimber cables. Based on your price range you can't go wrong upgrading the Cartridge to the Benz Micro - Wood Body. With a Benz trade in it will put you in the ballpark of around $800.00 a much better bang for your buck. IMHO Benz Micro wood body Cartridge is more detailed and muisical than the "ACE".

Bob
tafka_steve
115 posts
 
The Ortofon Jubilee cartridge retails for around $2k in the U.S., but if you can swing a deal through one of your dealer friends...then I don't see how a $1,500 phono stage can match this level of improvement.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I would say cartridge, and second Tafka_steve's reco of the Ortofon Jubilee, great cartridge. If he wants a bit more warmth you could try a Sumiko Celebration.

Cheers,
John
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,384 posts
 
Who's to account for tast... I'm not fond of the Jubilee. I heard it in 2 different systems..MBL, and I dont remember what the other one was,however, it was a megabuck system... butI got a HI FI, nut a musical sound both times.
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