2. analog
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About to pull trigger on JA Michell

After 15 years of digital, I've decided to go back to analog after losing hope in the way CDs are being mastered. My current system is:

Speakers: Harbeth SHL5
Monoblocks: Manley 90W (6550C tubes)
DAC Pre: Monarchy M24 (6DJ8 tubes, no MM/MC, but lots of gain)
Cabling: AudioQuest, MIT, Audioox

I'm 99% decided on getting a JA Michell Tecnodec + TecnoArm. The price in the UK is attractive (both TT & arm under USD 2k new).

Now I understand that synergy between components will yield better results, so the cartridge and phono stage should match the Michell combo. My preference is for MM or High-output MC, hence the Denon carts (DL-110/160) come to mind.

My questions are:
1. Would either Denon DL-110 or 160 match the Michell combo?
2. Which phono stage would suit the Denon and/or Michell combo?
3. Since my system is 100% tube, would solid-state make more sense in the phono stage?
4. Is there another matching cartridge/phono stage combo recommendation? (e.g. Gram Amp, Ear, K&K, others)?

I'm lost after many weeks of research and your help is invaluable.

Thank you :)
redsea

Showing 1 response by cjlover

cjlover
20 posts
 
Pull away, you won't regret it.
I have the gyrodec and the JA modified RB250 and have had a great time with
my return to vinyl. The Grado Reference Sonata was very nice, richly layered and
very musical. The Benz Glider S medium output is more detailed and refined and
better at separating things out than the Sonata also more dynamic and is more
forgiving on less than pristine records but I haven't had it in for more than 2 weeks, while I enjoyed the Sonata for over a year. The glider might prove a bit lean long term. Just depends what sound you prefer. The phono is a CJ EV1 no
exotic tubes in the phono stage. Rest of system is CJ Pr16 2, PR 12s, B&W Silver Signature 30s,Cardas GR throughout. There is some noise with the tube phono stage . I've heard the Ayre phono stage and at 2500 dollars with exactly the same arm table and glider was absolutely awesome ...X5E I think it was E having an upgraded power supply . Makes me want to try one in my
system to see what happens. Enjoy the ride!
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