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Analog upgrade path

The source I’ve been using with my integrated amp is a Technics SL-1500 mk1. Well, I’ve recently decided to step things up and have acquired an ARC linestage, which does not have an onboard phonostage. Now I’m beginning to think that pairing my Technics with my new linestage might not be a well balanced match, quality-wise.

What I’m wondering is, where will my money be best spent? Buying a nice phono stage (been looking at the Black Ice F159 or ARC PH5) and sticking it out with the Technics, or upgrading to a higher end ‘table (been looking at the VPI Scout Prime or maybe LSA T-3) and running it through a budget phonostage. Obviously the optimal solution would be both, but that’s not in my budget currently.

thx for the feedback


rfnoise

Showing 5 responses by anthonya

anthonya
126 posts
 
goldring.. 1042 is excellent mm cart. and it's cheap. 

It can do alot of things and alot to like for the price. hard to do any better below 1000 usd

I saw it trounce a high price Mc before
anthonya
126 posts
 
it's one of those cart that makes music sound like it supposed as intended. not too much not too little. I highly recommend it

basically kick nagaoka mp 500 out of the park too and some others. many upset people lol
anthonya
126 posts
 
@chakster of course there are always something better for someone. 

for the current mainstream easy to get  stuff. 1042 is very worth it. we call it a value studio cartridge. it's neutrality is uncanny. 

like listening to say Genelec... rock is rock. love song is love song. live music u feel the heat.. that kind of cart... 
anthonya
126 posts
 
300 to 400 usd in ebay.. stylus 250ish. reasonable 
anthonya
126 posts
 
figuring what goes well with what is what makes this hobby fun as well. many roads leads to rome. a skilled knows how to make a cheap system work and otherwise a poor player can make expensive gear sound awful. 

having a good turntable which allows good vta vtf adjustments, low noise and rumble. i think that goes before investing a more better cart that not only suites the setup. 

eg. audio technica is more thin sounding
. it sounds better with idler type of tt. nagaoka will work well with dd. well nothing written in stone but leave budget for experiment 
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