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 4 responses by tablejockey

tablejockey
3,771 posts
 
The weak spot is plugging into a built in phono stage.

$8500 for a cart seems like overkill, but it's your wallet. Maybe if you're gettting the Rega Naid for 30K AND a better phonostage?

You haven't heard what your existing cart can do with a proper phostage.
tablejockey
3,771 posts
 
"Linn LP12(with the upgrades),Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum, Luxman EQ-500."

mayoradamwest-you're not messin' around...If I had to choose between that and the RP10, I would go Rega. Nothing negative about the Linn, but If I wanted to simplify, the Rega w/Apheta seems like a no brainer. Plus, it does look cool.

Your existing setup-Mytek w/phono is certainly capable, but that Luxman should make you understand what the fuss is all about. 
tablejockey
3,771 posts
 
Linn is the other brand that seems to be loved or hated. Just like Rega, they wouldn't be around,long as they have, if they were doing things "wrong".

I have heard a few of iterations of Linns over the decades, always nice. Just never drawn to own one. Their upgrades seem endle$$. The there's the Linn aesthetic...not that there's anything wrong with it...


Follow your ears.


tablejockey
3,771 posts
 
mayoradamwest- 

Another serious combination is top dog Soundsmith carts on upper end VPI's  Strain gauge to my, ears worthy of being in the contentious "best" group.

Check it out if possible.
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