dodgealum
Responses from dodgealum
| New turntable Former VPI owner X2 plus a bunch of others. Given your stated preferences and budget you should give the Pure Fidelity Harmony paired with an Origin Live Illustrious. This combo will vastly outperform whatever VPI you might get for the same or mor... | |
| RIP oregonpapa Frank and Pani were early enthusiasts of the ART-9 and I will always be grateful to them for the many fine listening hours that cart provided. Sorry to hear this news. | |
| TT Recommendation I’ve been singing the praises of Pure Fidelity. Give them a good hard look. My Harmony (with an OL Conqueror Mk4) is knocking my socks off! Sounded amazing out of the gate but the OL Silver Hybrid wire was long on the break in and the whole packag... | |
| Good or Best Surge Protector No surge protector is going to protect from a direct strike. I looked into this deeply some time ago. My recollection is that the “Brickwalk” brand provides good protection with minimal drawbacks. That said, protecting at the panel is the best way... | |
| Next MC Cartridge Advice/Recommendations JB: I will only comment on those heard in my system, though I have experience with nearly everyone on your list. To me the Charisma has no shortcomings, draws no attention to itself whatsoever, gives you what is in the groove without any distortio... | |
| How to identify my weakest link? Nice system Paul! I think your inclination to look at different speakers and, if necessary, a complimentary amp is spot on. It sounds like you have some issues with the speakers that are beyond the ability of tweaks to address. Personally, I’m not... | |
| Next MC Cartridge Advice/Recommendations Consider adding a Charisma Audio Signature One to your list. Check out the reviews from reliable sources. This cartridge is hard to beat at the price. | |
| Preamp shootout: Linear tube audio, Modwright, etc. Went from the LS 100 to the Herron 3a—not even close. The LS 100 was noisy, soft, and not nearly as dynamic. Now own the 360 Reference which is better still. | |
| Turntable upgrade recommendations: SME vs AMG vs Technics vs other You may want to consider the Pure Fidelity Harmony. I’ve had mine for a few months now outfitted with an Origin Live Conqueror MK 4 and am really happy with the build and SQ of this combo. You have a top flight system so may be considering a highe... | |
| Products you added to your system in 2021 that made most impact to your music enjoyment Two big ones this year: New analogue front end—Pure Fidelity Harmony and Origin Live Conqueror MK4. Because I held the cartridge constant (Charisma Signature One) I got a clear picture of the performance gains. Upgraded my LTA Ultralinear to t... | |
| Herron VTPH-2A, Herron VTSP-360 and Herron M2 Hey--former VTSP-3A (R03) owner now Reference (360) owner. Both units are great, but the Reference really takes things to another level sonically. A major understatement. You can dim and turn off the volume display from the remote which is the mos... | |
| Suggestions for high efficiency speakers? Well, since you are looking for palpable presence, proper tone, and high efficiency the you should certainly give Daedalus Audio a serious look. All that in spades. | |
| Tube Line Stage around $5k Like the VTPH-2a, the Herron Reference 360 is destined to become a legacy component, one that will provide years of trouble-free, unimpeachable performance. A little above your price point but very much worth the stretch, it will hold its monetary... | |
| Ortofon Cadenza with VPI Scout Not sure what you feel is lacking but I doubt very much if the Cadenza will give you better performance. The ART9 is probably the only piece of gear that I had genuine regrets after selling. Maybe some tweaks to your setup or table would scratch t... | |
| What are your top 5 Windham Hill recordings? For anyone interested and nearby, I was in Lynchburg VA a few weeks ago and popped into Riverview Records to browse around a bit a found an entire section filled with WH LPs. More than I have seen in one place anywhere I've ever been. They were fa... |