Helps me with long term system development.


Current setup:
Sources:vinyl,Deezer(16/24 Flac via Sonos), 24/96 Flac Files.
Wadia 321 DAC
Rogue RP-1 Pre
Rotel 1072 (class D)
Pro-Ject RPM1 (Sumiko Pearl)
B&W 684

Music (rock, some classic and Jazz, prog)


The recently added bits are the Wadia and the Rogue. The other components are in the cross hairs of a peasant’ish budget, over a period of time. This system was hodge podged together so going forward I would like a match things up a little better based on more technical info (amp and speakers). The Rogue is supposed to have a respectable phono stage so I thought about first jumping to a Pearl Blue Point cartridge or other high output product. Then the amp and speakers are next. I plan on staying with a class D amp as the hybrid approach (tube pre/Class D amp) fits my goals now. Proly stay with some type of tower speaker in the $2k range. Shooting for $1500 range on the amp. The PS Audio Class D offering is intriguing. Has anyone experienced the new PS Audio class D offering? I figure if I slid that in I would still have a wide range of speakers to choose from. One of the questions is if I went for the PS Audion amp what are good speakers to consider based on that amps specs?

So $500 and $,1500 amp gets me a upgrade and then replenish the funds for a set of speakers.

Should I start with the cartridge first or.....?

Just kinda looking for general soundboard type suggestions and thoughts.


128x128jbuhl
The RPM is a good place to start - lots of bang for the buck I suppose.  

I had one when they first came out (RPM 9 actually but similar)- stylish, easy to set up and sounds good.  

As far as high output MC or MM cartridges, you'll find that they can be pretty comparable to one another in many ways- I would suggest that getting into a "real" low output MC is a different animal altogether, but as we all know requires so much more gain that any noise, hum, cables, preamp, etc. become a real consideration and next thing you know you're down that rabbit hole looking for a good pairing of MC Preamp and cartridge and (no offense honestly) the RPM1 simply doesn't warrant a high end MC cartridge or MC preamp.  

In other words, by the time you get a nice MC cartridge and preamp to suit it, it would be hundreds more than what you probably have invested in the turntable.  The step up from a Sumiko Pearl or a BP#2 HOMC on that table probably isn't really justified.

Looking at your system and mix of musical tastes and a combination of analog and digital sources I would focus my budget on speakers first, then move upstream with the amp/ preamp next (if even necessary) and then think about your analog setup.

Make sense?

Hope so

Greg

Yes. I thought a nice cartridge on this TT had the potential of Lip Stick on Bulldog.
Well- Not exactly but I think it would be odd.  No reason not to invest in a great cartridge that you like, but to unlock its full potential, well...  It's a bit like lenses and camera bodies.  You probably wouldn't put a 400mm/ f/2.8 on a $400 consumer camera.

Again - Speakers should always be the first upgrade and once you find a pair that "sing" to you, then pursue other upgrades if warranted.  You're off to a good start already so I'm sure you'll do well.

Greg

I am a bit afraid of used speakers.  I also feel compelled to try something differenct than B&W.

My local dealer has:

Focal
Sonus Faber
Revel
Dynaudio

And are generous with their demo fleet so I think I will try some of these products.

Should be able to hit on something delicious with this?

I think that you should pick your speakers first and foremost.  The speaker has a very big impact on the voice of your system .  I am not going to tell you which manufacturer to go with because the sound you prefer is extremely subjective.   Which means going around and auditioning what you can at shows or with fellow philes etc.

 But mark my words speakers first or at least the house sound of the manufacturer that impresses you, now with your budget. Get he entry level used etc. to get something that has the signature sound  you want.

Fit the rest of your gear around that.  It may take some time. Ask for specific advice regarding issues that seem to be in the way of the sound.