A sign of audiophile maturity is knowing when to stop. It's already awesome! If you really want to "upgrade", junk everything (including phono state) and budget at least $25k. It won't be state of the art, but it will be jaw-dropping awesome.
Should I consider a cartridge upgrade?
How "much" cartridge is too much?
Hi All,
I currently am very happy with my VPI Scoutmaster/JMW9/Soundsmith Paua/edensound Terracone footers/Edensound Terrastone platforms for TT and separate for motor/edensound brass damping weights for motor and plinth/Transparent Reference MM2 phono/Herron VTPH-2 analog setup.
I have another year or more before I need my Paua retipped.
I am wondering how much higher I can go with cartridge price/performance with this setup and still reap the benefits of the cartridge? I used a Zephyr Mk II before that, which I love; I did notice a significant improvement going to the Paua.
I know some will suggest just buying a different TT, but this was my late father's table, and I would like to stick with it.
By the way, the current setup sounds awesome, so I will be fine with retipping my Paua and sticking with it if that seems best.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Arsh
Main System:
VPI Scoutmaster, Soundsmith Paua, VPI SDS, Transparent Reference MM2 phono, Herron VTPH-2, Herron IC, Musical Fidelity NuVista CDP, Transparent Ultra MM and Transparent digital cable, Musical Fidelity NuVista 800, Transparent Reference MM2 SC, Wilson Audio Sasha, Transparent Powerbank 8 and Transparent power cords, Terracones and Terrastone platforms, Atacama Equinox rack.
Hi All,
I currently am very happy with my VPI Scoutmaster/JMW9/Soundsmith Paua/edensound Terracone footers/Edensound Terrastone platforms for TT and separate for motor/edensound brass damping weights for motor and plinth/Transparent Reference MM2 phono/Herron VTPH-2 analog setup.
I have another year or more before I need my Paua retipped.
I am wondering how much higher I can go with cartridge price/performance with this setup and still reap the benefits of the cartridge? I used a Zephyr Mk II before that, which I love; I did notice a significant improvement going to the Paua.
I know some will suggest just buying a different TT, but this was my late father's table, and I would like to stick with it.
By the way, the current setup sounds awesome, so I will be fine with retipping my Paua and sticking with it if that seems best.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Arsh
Main System:
VPI Scoutmaster, Soundsmith Paua, VPI SDS, Transparent Reference MM2 phono, Herron VTPH-2, Herron IC, Musical Fidelity NuVista CDP, Transparent Ultra MM and Transparent digital cable, Musical Fidelity NuVista 800, Transparent Reference MM2 SC, Wilson Audio Sasha, Transparent Powerbank 8 and Transparent power cords, Terracones and Terrastone platforms, Atacama Equinox rack.
Showing 2 responses by onhwy61
To expand on my earlier comments. I think you have a very nice analog setup that should perform very well. Any significant upgrade will cost you significant dollars. I actually think your cartridge is probably your strongest element followed by the phono preamp, tonearm and lastly the table. My recommendation is to stay with what you have. That said, Music Direct offers a VPI Classic Signature SE for $5,000. Alternatively you could also purchase a record cleaning machine. http://www.musicdirect.com/p-370603-vpi-classic-signature-se-turntable.aspx |