Two very good recommendations given above. I'll add a third option which is a slight twist on both. If you do want to move toward LO MC's, you could take a phased approach. I would recommend skipping transformers and find a good phono stage with a well implemented active MC gain stage. Then pick up a Denon 103R for around $250. This should keep you within your budget and set you up if you can upgrade the cartridge in the future.
Step Up or new Phono Preamp ??
My system is as follows: Basis 2001 Signature, Vector 1 arm, Grado Reference (High Output) Master (retail $800.00),
McIntosh C2200 phono & preamp, Ayre V5X amp & Maggies 3.6R.
I am getting the upgrade bug and seriously cosidering getting a Shelter 501 II but I will need to either add a Step Up as the C2200
can't drive a LO MC or get a new phone stage to add to the C2200,
which I love and am not parting with. I added NOS tubes to the C2200 and it sounds great with my SACD player as well as my Basis TT but believe I may get better sound with the Shelter 501. I guess what I'm really after is much better staging, and even though
the HO Grado is a very good cart. soundstaging is not one of its strong suits.
So do I get a step up and if so what do you recommend?
Do I get a new phono-I've looked a the Underwood modded PS
Audio GCPH but have not heard it anywhere.
I'd like to buy the cart & step up or new phono(which one do you
recommend) and spend no more than $2,200 and less spent
would be much better from the WAF perspective. I really like the
C2200 so a new add on phono stage would have to be very
highly recommended for me to consider. However, I've never
used a step up and am concerned about the not knowing much
about step ups.
ANY thoughts and recommendations would be most appreciated.Thank you very much !!
McIntosh C2200 phono & preamp, Ayre V5X amp & Maggies 3.6R.
I am getting the upgrade bug and seriously cosidering getting a Shelter 501 II but I will need to either add a Step Up as the C2200
can't drive a LO MC or get a new phone stage to add to the C2200,
which I love and am not parting with. I added NOS tubes to the C2200 and it sounds great with my SACD player as well as my Basis TT but believe I may get better sound with the Shelter 501. I guess what I'm really after is much better staging, and even though
the HO Grado is a very good cart. soundstaging is not one of its strong suits.
So do I get a step up and if so what do you recommend?
Do I get a new phono-I've looked a the Underwood modded PS
Audio GCPH but have not heard it anywhere.
I'd like to buy the cart & step up or new phono(which one do you
recommend) and spend no more than $2,200 and less spent
would be much better from the WAF perspective. I really like the
C2200 so a new add on phono stage would have to be very
highly recommended for me to consider. However, I've never
used a step up and am concerned about the not knowing much
about step ups.
ANY thoughts and recommendations would be most appreciated.Thank you very much !!