2. analog
  3. 156252-304

What to upgrade to?

I will be retiring at the end of the year or earlier depending on the Covid virus.  Anyway I am looking for that last upgrade to my system.  I will be looking at either upgrading my analog system or loudspeaker.  I have about 10k in a complete turntable and my speakers retailed for 12k about 5 years.  Both I could live with in retirement and be quite happy. But I have $15k - $20k to spend if I want to on either upgrading my turntable or speakers.  What would you upgrade? Turntable or speakers?
bobheinatz
creativepart's avatar
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creativepart
150 posts
 
Time for one of the fantastic new $10,000+ phono cartridges. With your system you could really unlock great sound with something like an Ortofon MC Anna Diamond.
The other thing - it's sacrilegious - a great new streamer and DAC. Your budget would get you some great "analog sounding" digital gear. And with Tidal Masters or Qobuz Studio you'd have a chance to listen to everything new BEFORE buying it on vinyl. Which is the best way to do digital.
bobheinatz OP
705 posts
 
Creativepart, I am 99% a vinyl guy. I am not sure about a $10,000+ cartridge but I bet it would sound sound incredible.
johnss
564 posts
 
bobheinatz ,

I dont know your spkrs that well, but am going through similar situation.

you have a nice table and arm, I would go for the phono stage upgrade.

Last 24 months have bought and sold a variety of phono stages in the 2k to 5k range. finally bit the bullet and walked up to next level. bought the VTL TP 6.6 signature with all options. Have never heard LPs sound so good and so dynamic.
so my vote would be spend your cash on the VTL phono stage.

best of luck
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rauliruegas
12,782 posts
 
Dear @bobheinatz  : Now that you decided to go for a top cartridge here some alternatives where you can't go wrong with either:


https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa1ecc-ortofon-mc-century-cartridge-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa1h97-lyra-atlas-sl-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis99edf-ortofon-anna-mc-as-new-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9gjc5-transfiguration-audio-proteus-diamond-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9b2j9-zyx-universe-iii-new-fabulous-zyx-cartridges

https://mysoniclab.com/#/ultraeminent/



After that I think that you can explore the convenience or not to improve tha bass range of your system due that as better  your low bass range as better the overall room/system quality performance levels:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/do-you-think-you-need-a-subwoofer/post?postid=310058#310058

Here I'm talking of quality over quantity of that bass range. Nothing substitute quality vs quantity.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.




bobheinatz OP
705 posts
 
Johnss,  My custom builtin phono stage on my Deja Vu preamp is very good and I will stay with it even though I am sure there can be better options.
Raul thanks for the list of cartridges.  All of those you listed would be a real nice improvement.
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