2. analog
  3. 150380-109343

Air Tight PC-1 Coda and more options to upgrade my analog setup

There aren’t many reviews out there for the new Air Tight PC-1 Coda. I’m looking to upgrade my analog setup and it fits my budget and the overall reviews for the PC-1 are fantastic. Before anyone mentions it, yes I will be listening before I buy. I plan on listening to similar priced carts from Lyra, Kiseki, Koetsu, and more.

At the same time debating a phono preamp upgrade. Thinking about the Luxman EQ-500.

Current setup is Rega RP8 (waiting for the new P10 or P12), Ortofon Quintet Black cartridge, to Mytek Manhattan II w/ Phono stage, McIntosh C47, McIntosh MC452, B&W 802D3, with audioquest speaker cabling and ICs, and Nordost Frey 2 PCs. Room is quite well treated and rack is Symposium Osiris. Listening on vinyl is mainly 1955-1975, jazz, rock, and orchestral (Mahler, Strauss-not Beethoven or chamber). (Wider variety with Qobuz digital). Vinyl is all very high quality original or repressings.

Happy to hear any feedback on the setup. What am I looking for? A little more sparkle. Realism. Just more. Maybe a little more bass as well, as I’ve got the C47 set to push bass +3dB. (Tried a sub and it didn’t help in my space and prefer the overall sound of the floor standers by themselves). The system sounds amazing, I just want even more of this amazing. Thanks!
Ag insider logo xs@2xmayoradamwest

Showing 2 responses by dover

dover
2,173 posts
 
I wouldn't put an $8500 cartridge on a Rega, its like putting racing tires on a VW Rabbit.

You would be better off getting a better turntable first.
Spend the money on turntable upgrade & phono upgrade first, and keep the Ortofon initially. You would be building a better foundation for your analogue system by upgrading to the best turntable you can afford.


dover
2,173 posts
 
Here's what i would do -
The Rega P10 is actually pretty good, but its forte is pace and rhythm.
If you are keen on the Rega I would buy either the top Rega MC cartridge, which ensures an optimum match for the arm/TT, or if you want a more nuanced/balanced cartridge for orchestral the Van den Hul  Frog works very well. I have also heard the Benz Micro's on the P10 - it is a warmer sound. The Lyra's are too clinical for the Rega.

The Luxman phono is very good.

Why not try the Luxman first, then you can assess the Ortofon with a better phono, you could then buy the P10 and based on the results with the Ortofon/Luxman select an appropriate cartridge.

The only thing you have to watch is that the early Rega MC cartridges had unusual loading requirements. You need to check the cartridge loading requirements are met by the Luxman or whatever phono you buy.



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