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Analog Upgrade Suggestions Welcome

I am thinking of making several upgrades to my current analog rig.

Current system: click here

First, I am thinking of upgrading my VPI HW19 MKIII to the MKIV. I would like those with first hand experience to tell me if the upgrade is worth the money, and what I can expect to hear in improvement. I am currently using the SDS and SAMA modifications.

Second, I am thinking of upgrading my cartridge. My Sumiko Talisman Alchemist IIb is almost 15 years old and is ready for retirement. Some A'goNers have recommended the Shelter 501. I didn't want to spend more than $1000 for a cartidge as the majority of my listening is still redbook CD. I am open to other suggestions. I want the best cartridge for the money. Also, I am leary of buying such a fragile item used. I have heard others on A'goN say they'd never buy a used cartridge. Please share any experiences out there; good or bad.

My current cartridge has an output of 2.0mV which I assume means high output. Will I need a step-up transformer for a low output cartridge? Is the Shelter 501 at 0.4 mV considered low output? My Classe Six preamp has a phono section. The preamp comes with resistors that the user can change out to match the volume control knob position to the level of line components. I assume I'd need to change the resistor I'm using with my current cartridge. Otherwise I'd have to turn the knob way up to get enough gain with a cartridge with an output that's 1/5 that of my current cartridge. Is that correct?

Thank you all for your help and suggestions.

Cheers!

Mark
mstram

Showing 8 responses by mstram

mstram OP
83 posts
 
I note that the Grado Reference is a moving magnet cartidge. My Alchemist IIb is of the moving coil type. Has the technology evolved over the last 15 years to the point where moving magnets now have the resolution and finnesse of a fine moving coil?

Would the Grado Reference mate well with my 1990 vintage SME 309?
mstram OP
83 posts
 
I was just offered a Grado Reference brand new for $900 from a dealer I've dealt with in the past. How does it compare to the Shelter 501?
mstram OP
83 posts
 
I note that the Grado Reference is a moving magnet cartidge. My Alchemist IIb is of the moving coil type. Has the technology evolved over the last 15 years to the point where moving magnets now have the resolution and finesse of a fine moving coil?

Would the Grado Reference mate well with my 1990 vintage SME 309?
mstram OP
83 posts
 
Thanks Doug!

Here are the requested specs for the preamp:

INPUT IMPEDENCE
Magnetic Phono= 47 kohms
Moving Coil Phono= Adjustable into 47 kohms

GAIN
Magnetic Phono= 35dB
Moving Coil Phono= 20-40 dB (Adjustable)
*Note: The MC gain is in addition to the standard MM gain of 35 dB.
**The preamp comes with resistors that can be changed out to make the gain adjustment

SENSITIVITY
Magnetic Phono= 3 mV
Moving Coil Phono= 0.3 mV
mstram OP
83 posts
 
These are high quality matched-pair resistors supplied by Classe Audio with Wonder Solder.

Setting VTA is a hassle. I prefer to set it up so that things sound good for records of average thickness and forget about tweeking it. I would go nuts adjusting the VTA for every record. I just want to listen to the music.

My taste includes classical, jazz, folk, alternative, and rock. I'm not into country.

The Sumiko was dormant for about 5 years. It really saw infrequent use. The stylus is acceptable but nearly worn out (assessed by microsope).

I knew I'd get crap about the RBCD. I like to kick back and read or sometimes just zone out while listening to music, so CD is much more convenient. Maybe I'm too lazy sometimes and don't feel like going through the record cleaning rituals, flipping the disc, etc...

I use the LPs as more of a sonic treat for special occasions. I tend to appreciate it more.

The Classe Six is a classic piece of equipment from the early 90s. It has one of the best phono sections for the money for a ss preamp of its vintage.

Thanks again, Doug for taking an interest. I see you have a Shelter 901. BTW, I could go a little hgher than $1000 if absolutely necessary.

Mark
mstram OP
83 posts
 
Doug,

I checked the manual for the SME 309. The effective mass is 9.5 gm not 11 gm. The arm is at the high end of "low-mass" or the low end of "medium-mass" Does that change things?
mstram OP
83 posts
 
I have spoken with several dealers with vast experience setting up analog rigs, and all have successfully used the Shelter 901 with an SME 309.
mstram OP
83 posts
 
I have spoken w/ several reputable dealers and analog "gurus" all of whom felt the Shelter 901 would be a fine match w/ the SME arm. I purchased the Shelter and it will arrive this week. Thanks for all the input!

Mark
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