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Improving existing setup, where to start?

Hello, thanks for helping out!

Years ago I left 2 channel and converted to home theater for family needs. I am now trying to get the best of both worlds. 

I have a Music Hall Mmf 7 setup that is being driven by a Marantz sr7012 receiver. Yep...

So, my first step was going to be a stand alone phono preamp, something mid range or even less expensive like the Schiit Mani.

I also had to replace a broken cartridge years ago and threw on an Ortofon Red. 

My question would be, phono amp or cartridge first?

I have a 5 channel Emotiva amp driving Gallo Reference 3.1 speakers, SVS sub etc. 


Thanks!!
mjontosh

Showing 2 responses by mjontosh

mjontosh OP
3 posts
 
Wow, thanks for all of that great information. That rig looks intense! I'm just beginning to ease back into things, you're like a mad scientist : ) 
For now, I'll have to have a hybrid system with home theater. Someday down the road I'll start up a dedicated 2 channel system and begin my decent into madness once again. 

I've had the Gallo's for maybe 14 years now, still going strong. Unfortunately I'm far away, Omaha, NE. It's too bad they no longer make them. I believe the cost of the aluminum stem became prohibitive. 
mjontosh OP
3 posts
 
Thank you guys for the replies.

DeKay, I'm almost certain now that this is a great starting point. Seems very easy to swap the Blue stylus out and then ensure the cart is perfectly setup. 

The damn thing came with a Goldring Eroica high output moving coil and I was using a Jolida tube driven preamp, sounded amazing and I've chased that sound ever since. I think one of my kids messed with the table and broke the stylus. At the time, I had no idea I could just replace the stylus so I just threw a cheap cart on it and stopped using it. 

Anyway, Blue stylus and proper setup followed by phono amp. Perfect, thanks!
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