2. analog
  3. 1297103283

phono amp or not.

Decisions can be so hard sometimes. Soon I'll hopefully be getting a bonus from my work. I would like to spend some on improving my system. However there are two things I could do. But sadly I cannot do both. The two things I could do are:

1) Sell my speakers and by new speakers. This will hopefully improve my system overall. Meaning both my analog and digital sources will benefit from an speaker upgrade hopefully.

2) By a separate phono amp. This should hopefully improve my analogue source a lot. Since I don't like to keep upgrading I would like to do it right the first time and have a phono amp that will keep me happy for years to come.

But a new phono amp means I will also need to invest in some interlinks etc. Meaning this a phono amp might be more expensive then new speakers. However I can spend $100000 on speakers (not that I have that kind of money) but if my phono amp isn't up to par it might not be the best investment.

So what to do?

Also I live in Europe. So to get an idea what is available to me check audio-markt.de

Ps Can anyone share their experience with Blue Amp Surzur?
mordante
12 responses Add your response
mgattone
25 posts
 
What percentage of your listening is vinyl? What does your analog rig consist of - which table? arm? cart? What do you feel is lacking in your system now that you hope to improve by purchasing new speakers? What is a realistic budget?
ahendler
416 posts
 
I have always felt that the best way to change (improve?) the sound of your system is to upgrade speakers. If there are speakers out there that you definetly feel are a major improvement in sound you will find that all your sources will sound better and when you do upgrade the source it will sound even better. But you most be careful that the new speakers are really an upgrade and not a sideways movement
mordante OP
511 posts
 
My system can be viewed in my system. But here it comes.
VPI Scout
Lyra Dorian
Symphonic Line La musica amp
CEC TL51x
Wadia 12
Impulse Aria SE speakers

I listen about 50/50 CD/vinyl. Mostly because my CD and vinyl collection are different. I own most Opeth LP's just not the live recordings but I maybe have 1 or 2 Opeth CD's. Same goes for Nick Cave mostly vinyl. But I only own no Fields of the Nephilim LP's. Right now my CEC TL51x wadia 12 combo play on the same level as my Scout Dorian.
Budget would be anything between 1000 and 2000 euro for a phono amp the same would go for other speakers but then I could add what I would get if I sold my speakers so that in totall would be around 2000-3000 euro for other speakers.

I read a really nice review of the BMC audio MCCI it is a zero feedback solid state current injection phono amp. It would however use up all my funds. On paper it looks good. I will review it at home before I buy anything.
inna
7,132 posts
 
You don't like upgrading often so I think you might want to keep your new speakers for another, say, seven-ten years. In my opinion, at present you don't have enough funds to make this kind of move. I don't know how good the phono stage you use is. If I were you, unless your speakers really annoy you, I would replace the turntable and possibly cartridge, and would think about phono stage after that. I would certainly not add separate phono before upgrading turntable. You could get much better VPI or Nottingham or Avid new, or SME used. That would be an upgrade you may not want to do again for many years ahead. But if you must have a phono I would suggest used LAMM or Gryphon. I also know that some really like Allnic electronics.
gabbro
88 posts
 
I would go with a loudspeaker upgrade so that you will appreciate future upgrades more. I agree with the above note to avoid lateral speaker trades. I saw a Zu Essence on Audio-markt and there are some Devore Nines listed here on Agon that are in Europe. Read up on them as they might not be lateral moves. The nines in particular are probably an excellent deal; I recently upgraded to super 8's rather than spending on electronics and am quite happy with the move.
robob's avatar
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robob
197 posts
 
Yep,

Dump the Scout and the Dorian. The JMW arms have trouble with many modern carts and the Dorian has been replaced by the Delos. The Delos is warmer while keeping the detail. The Delos has a small vtf range it will track in so it may not work well in the JMW 9. The Kleos does not work well in my 9 Signature.

Good Luck,
Robert
mordante OP
511 posts
 
Before I "dump"my turntable I think a phono pre would be a better choise. I doubt if I can hear an improvement with my current in build phono amp.

So buying an other turntable would not be the best option I think. I had my eyes on a pair of totem mani-2 but they have been sold already.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Speaker upgrade can be useful, when you go for a sensitive design (93dB+), you will get a more lively, much more effortless presentation with less resonance problems in the room. More important is the X-over, independent from the sensitivity from the chassis. Some can be a tough task for amps...

Phono Amp
Rolf Gmein (Symphonic Line) is a good Designer. A good Phono Stage is the key product for analog Reproduction. Each his own, but I always invested my most money in that stage, it is worth it. I used for a lot of years a Transistor unit from Stan Klyne (Model 7), not so common but he found some excellent solutions. Closed the gap between Transistor/Tube sound.
Good luck.
inna
7,132 posts
 
As always, it is on case by case basis, no universal solutions. However, I guarantee that if you replace your table with better Nottingham, SME, Simon Yorke etc. you will hear a difference even if you play them using a phono stage built in a boombox let alone your Symphonic Line.
Keep us posted.
mordante OP
511 posts
 
I don't think I'll change my turntable now. I know the VPI arms are not the best. But for now it will have to do. Even a "simple" SME 309 is more expensive then what what I would get for my Scout if I were to sell it.

However has anyone compared a TW-Acustic Raven 0.5 to the Scout.

Maybe my idiosyncrasy but I realy like black TT, like the Michell Orbe SE, TW-Acustic Raven one/0.5, I dislike TT like Transrotor Fat Bob (to shiny) and Transrotor Leonardo (to plastic). I know it is not logical but since my audio system is highly visible in my living room.
mordante OP
511 posts
 
Someone offered me a Whest PS.20 for €800. Maybe I'll try this one out and if I like what I hear I might buy it.
paul_graham
197 posts
 
Keep what you have.....take the extra money and buy some good liquor. Sit down and listen to your music. Turn it up.
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