Agree w Syntax that the Rhea can be bettered at that price. The Signature w NOS tubes was easily bettered by the following head to head- Manley Steelhead and ZYX Artisan into the line stage of a Doshi Alaap, and also by VAC Ren II and Doshi Alaap (both used full function). Analog front end was Teres/Triplanar/ZYX Universe. Downstream components Doshi modified Lectron JH-50 and B&W N802Ds. All 5 or 6 of us (can't quite remember who all was there) agreed that the Rhea did not measure up to the others and that the Doshi was the best, but opinions on the order of the three in-between varied. At least that's the way I remember it from several years ago.
Upgrades to Analog System
Hoping to get some thoughts/advice on upgrade to current analog system. Current setup is
Avid Reference turntable
Sme v tonearm
Dynavector xv1s cartridge
Aesthetix Rhea phono stage (basic not signature)
Marantz pm11s2 integrated amp
Focal 1007be speakers
Rel b3 sub
Hydra 8v2 (everything except sub)
Hydra v2 (sub)
I've been generally happy with the system but there is always room for changes. When I purchased the Rhea 2yrs I had planned to do the signature upgrade. Now I'm debating on whether to spend $3 grand on signature upgrade on purchase new phono stage in the 5-7k range (would sell the rhea). The Avid Pulsare II phono stage is on my list.
Any thoughts on rhea upgrade vs another phono stage would be much appreciated. I'd also like to hear any advice on where $5-7k could be spent making other changes to the system if phono stage change isn't going to make a much of a difference.
Thanks in advance.
Avid Reference turntable
Sme v tonearm
Dynavector xv1s cartridge
Aesthetix Rhea phono stage (basic not signature)
Marantz pm11s2 integrated amp
Focal 1007be speakers
Rel b3 sub
Hydra 8v2 (everything except sub)
Hydra v2 (sub)
I've been generally happy with the system but there is always room for changes. When I purchased the Rhea 2yrs I had planned to do the signature upgrade. Now I'm debating on whether to spend $3 grand on signature upgrade on purchase new phono stage in the 5-7k range (would sell the rhea). The Avid Pulsare II phono stage is on my list.
Any thoughts on rhea upgrade vs another phono stage would be much appreciated. I'd also like to hear any advice on where $5-7k could be spent making other changes to the system if phono stage change isn't going to make a much of a difference.
Thanks in advance.