alex
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Post by alex on Feb 13, 2018 22:07:21 GMT
Currently using Denon DL-103 into Denon AU-300LC SUT and then into Emotiva XP-1 MM stage. I'm very satisfied with the sound, but am getting a nagging feeling that it could be made even better if I upgrade Emotiva phono preamp.
Any suggestions which phono preamp to get? My budget is around $500.00, but I could push it a bit higher if it really means getting my sound reproduction to the next level.
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86ed
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Post by 86ed on Feb 14, 2018 7:00:59 GMT
May we ask what table / arm you have? And what do you feel could be 'better'? It reads like a well matched setup currently, so am not sure the phono stage will reveal or open up a lot more for you. That said, Parks Audio has some nice gear, I have one of his SUTs and am quite happy with it. I have had the chance to hear a few of his phono preamps, they are well built, sound great, and Shannon will answer your questions! parksaudiollc.com/Without more data, my other thought would be to consider putting that money toward a different cartridge, which might get you something 'different' in the way of sound? You have the SUT for versatility, not sure the arm and therefore compliance matching to pair a different cartridge option. Just another idea... |
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alex
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Posts: 10
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Post by alex on Feb 14, 2018 18:02:44 GMT
May we ask what table / arm you have? And what do you feel could be 'better'? It reads like a well matched setup currently, so am not sure the phono stage will reveal or open up a lot more for you. That said, Parks Audio has some nice gear, I have one of his SUTs and am quite happy with it. I have had the chance to hear a few of his phono preamps, they are well built, sound great, and Shannon will answer your questions! parksaudiollc.com/Without more data, my other thought would be to consider putting that money toward a different cartridge, which might get you something 'different' in the way of sound? You have the SUT for versatility, not sure the arm and therefore compliance matching to pair a different cartridge option. Just another idea... Thanks for the detailed answer  And apologies for not providing more details. My turntable is a weird hand-modded 'Frankenstein'. I got it second hand and even the modder is not sure what exact table it might be. I suspect it's Systemdek IIX, but the platter has been upgraded, as well as the wiring. My tonearm is Rega RB300 (also modded -- the wiring). I am using 2.7 grams tracking force on my Denon cartridge. I really like the resulting sound, as it is very liquid, robust, often gives the impression of hot molten lava. Listening to early Santana LPs is heavenly, as the band is super muscular with Carlos's guitar gushing like a hot volcano! I also love this sound for listening to early jazz and classical LPs (pretty much many of the pressings from the 1950s - early '60s sound fabulous; later pressings seem not to be able to replicate this amazing hot, wet, and almost oily sound). That's why I'm not too keen to replace my cartridge, and am hoping that by upgrading the phono I may get even more of that music heaven that I'm enjoying right now. Or maybe I've already reached that plateau, that dreaded point of diminishing returns? |
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86ed
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Post by 86ed on Feb 14, 2018 18:13:37 GMT
Understand, well, not sure where you are located, but do you have a shop that will let you audition a piece to satisfy your curiosity? Many will if they understand you are serious, maybe make you leave a deposit. Graham Slee has a loan program: www.hifisystemcomponents.com/about/try-before-you-buy.htmlMaybe a local audiophile group, find a member who is near enough or perhaps willing to let you test out a piece of kit? I have a PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter, am immensely happy with the sound and capability. They are discontinuing it, now selling at 1/2 retail ($999). www.psaudio.com/products/nuwave-phono-converter/ |
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Post by nicknick on Feb 14, 2018 18:20:13 GMT
Alex, I think the rule of "better is often the enemy of good enough" needs to be observed. I remember one day I had had a chance to check a few rather expensive phono stages (a friend of mine provided them) and careful listening resulted in that I left my initial option (I have built-in phono in my Arcam FMJ A32 amplifier).
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86ed
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Post by 86ed on Feb 14, 2018 18:24:10 GMT
nicknickI like that rule, makes me think of the quote, "comparison is the thief of joy"...
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alex
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Post by alex on Feb 14, 2018 18:30:41 GMT
Alex, I think the rule of "better is often the enemy of good enough" needs to be observed. I remember one day I had had a chance to check a few rather expensive phono stages (a friend of mine provided them) and careful listening resulted in that I left my initial option (I have built-in phono in my Arcam FMJ A32 amplifier). Yes, that is absolutely the golden rule. People talk about expectation bias etc., but in my personal experience I tend to invalidate my expectation bias much more often than actually confirm it. I've had many episodes where I'd get super excited about some system upgrade (after hearing about it or reading reviews and so on), but after trying it for myself ended up being singularly underwhelmed. That's why I've learned to trust my positive reactions. More likely than not I'd compare a fancy new upgrade to the way my existing system sounds, and either hear no difference whatsoever, or actually hear audible degradation in performance. But every now and then I'd jump for joy out of my listening chair, and then I know it's a keeper |
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Post by rl1856 guest on Feb 22, 2018 3:42:23 GMT
Have you considered a Denon 103R cartridge ? Basic 103 sound, only better and more refined. Definitely within your budget.
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And apologies for not providing more details.
