My current phono stage is an Audio Research PH-5 and I'm very happy with its performance. (Although new tubes are probably in the offing -- it's always something...)
My basic premise is that balance is required in each part of your system. I think there are a number of quality 'tables out there in the $5-7k range. It seems to me that you're missing out on some (and maybe a lot) of what those decks can do if you slap a $900 arm on them. At the other extreme, it doesn't make sense to me to put a $15k arm on a $5k turntable. So what's the sweet spot -- something around $2.5-$4k for an arm? And then the cartridge -- maybe I'd keep my Delos for some time, as it's almost brand new, but would it then become the limiting factor? Should I look at moving up the Lyra line or look at a $4k Hana Umami Red or equivalent.
I'm not so much looking for "buy this" recommendations, but general guidelines on how folks allocate their analog budgets.
Maybe it's too a vague a request. If so, sit back and enjoy the music. I know I will.
Happy listening,
dawgfish
My basic premise is that balance is required in each part of your system. I think there are a number of quality 'tables out there in the $5-7k range. It seems to me that you're missing out on some (and maybe a lot) of what those decks can do if you slap a $900 arm on them. At the other extreme, it doesn't make sense to me to put a $15k arm on a $5k turntable. So what's the sweet spot -- something around $2.5-$4k for an arm? And then the cartridge -- maybe I'd keep my Delos for some time, as it's almost brand new, but would it then become the limiting factor? Should I look at moving up the Lyra line or look at a $4k Hana Umami Red or equivalent.
I'm not so much looking for "buy this" recommendations, but general guidelines on how folks allocate their analog budgets.
Maybe it's too a vague a request. If so, sit back and enjoy the music. I know I will.
Happy listening,
dawgfish