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Where to improve phono chain?

My current system consists of Nola Baby Grands, A. Research Ref. 150 amp and A. Research Ref. 5 preamp, Tom Evans Micro Groove phono preamp, SME V arm, SOTA Cosmos table and recently re-tipped Jeff Rowland cartridge.

My musical preferences range from opera to jazz to rock.

I'd like to improve the phono section of this chain, but I'm not sure where to begin. My initial suspects are the Tom Evans phono-pre, or the Rowland stylus.

Any thought/opinions on this will be appreciated.

Thanks, Shaq
128x128shaq

Showing 3 responses by ctsooner

ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
or find a local dealer and take your rig in and see what else is out there and really understand what's good and what you don't like.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Honestly, you must look at your cables like a component. If you want the best sound, you have to keep it in your mind. LIke a component, there are price points you need to be at in order to get the best sound for the money. I'd try to borrow some AQ cables to see if that does the trick. Cardas would mellow things a bit. Personally I like to get neutral cables and then buy the correct components for my ear. I have never heard a system sound great when using cables to try and 'tune' it in. JMHO
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Have you ever heard the Gingko platforms? WOW..> I have heard Clearaudio, VPI, Rega's, Linn, Ayre, Basis and Audio Note tables on them recently and have been blown away. I liked the Gingko better than the Mapleshade on the Audio Note, however when the Gingko was used ON the Mapleshade it made the world of difference.
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