2. analog
  3. 160217-128706

Dedicated Vinyl system next upgrade?

Hi. I love my system. I really do. I love vinyl and listen to vinyl nearly exclusively via “appointment listening”. I do Sometimes stream and listen while I walk or while working but I love just sitting and listening to my stereo. I believe I’ve arrived regarding finally achieving a great set up and have experienced that vinyl “magic” that audiophiles obsess over. I understand that limitations exist and a great stereo will reveal the quality of a recording - good or bad. The law a diminishing returns regarding  upgrading is something I’m mindful of. I don’t have endless funds to spend on upgrades. My question is - what should I consider upgrading next? Should I ditch the integrated amp considering I’m using an external phono stage? Or should I go with a better integrated amp? Or should I look at a better cartridge? Do I upgrade my turntable or just the tonearm? Do I upgrade the power cable on my amp? 
Here’s what I’m currently working with - and thanks for your thoughts/suggestions! 

Clear Audio Concept Turntable
W/ Hana SL cartridge 

Herron Audio VTPH-2a Phono Stage

Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II integrated power amplifier 

Kimber Kable speaker wire and interconnects (I forget which model - an entry lever set - nothing crazy) 

Bowers and Wilkins 805 D3 stand mount loud speakers

Set of two stereo REL S/510 subs

paulgardner

Showing 8 responses by tomic601

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,736 posts
 
You can get to a great RT 60 without DSP, go there first :-)

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,736 posts
 
Side 2 I believe in You is obnoxiously bright and forward. I hate to say this as there are lots of super songs on this disc.... but this might not be a touchstone reference disc ( certainly in its entirety) I hate saying that. Harvest is so much more balanced imo.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,736 posts
 
My pressing of that is the reissue Winchester in NM-, I will give that a spin. Thanks for the super detailed reply.
jim
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,736 posts
 
Also what’s a reference disc that brings you great joy but also let’s sonic doubt creep in ? And how loud do you listen to that ? Trying to help by listening 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,736 posts
 
Look at my Casa Pacifica system photos,! You need not throw out the cork/ butcher block - supplant those w nimbus ( see amp ), there are also Nimbus under  my Herron with some carbon fiber....
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,736 posts
 
Another free thing to try is light loading your output transformers on the Rogue, drop down a tap. I am running my Treo that way with a RM-9 ( light loading suggestion via the genius Roger Modjeski- RIP )

try it
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,736 posts
 
And when I say HRS I mean that brand or equivalent....
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,736 posts
 
A different tack but more focused on extracting the max out of what you already have:

HRS isolators under the Herron ( Nimbus ) and the Rogue. And very importantly and first HRS or similar isolation for your turntable. The $40 power cable a great idea paired w hospital grade outlets. $20

i like the EL-34 VTL integrated a whisker better than the Rogue , sometimes you can find them around $2,500 but in a longer range plan I would do cartridge first. 
Finally you can get great sound in a condo :-) have fun and enjoy the music

jim
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