2. analog
  3. 160544-77544

vpi classic

First hello everyone ,I've been away awhile .

      I'm interested in upgrading my cartridge a Benz micro mc, my system is a moderate system by gon standard.
VPI classic jmw memorial arm ,Acoustic Zen adagios, Sunfire subs ,Nu Vista integrated, Musical Fidelity phono amp mc or mc with multiple mc settings . Acoustic Zen cables and speaker cables in a  acoustically treated dedicated room (16'x24' x10') .with more digital gear, but  this is my analog section.

      I am willing to spend up to say $1,500 ,but much to many here's discomfort I would spend up to say grand on a used cartridge from a solid gon member . I know so many here swap them like tic tacs . I know the routine of fears with buying used , that said I have made some great scores here. I'm looking for weight compatabilty ,sound and overall performance for the money.

Thank you all
Ray

128x128oleschool
tablejockey
3,776 posts
 
I would be all over this if I were in shopping mode. Easily a last purchase. If you ever get the urge, it can be upgraded to play with  "the best"
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa2hd3-balanced-audio-technology-vk-p6se-tube-phono-stage-mc-bat...
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,062 posts
 
@oleschool,

I completely understand if you wanna pursue a used bargain like vk-p6se or even a Herron VTPH-2A would be a great buy. Personally, I am biased towards hybrid phonostage. To my ears, they are much more musical than solid state.

Sorry no experience with Jo No 5 cartridge, maybe someday.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,218 posts
 
Or a Manley Chinook SE MK2 from Upscale Audio.  Very hard to beat in the less than $2500 price point. 
oleschool's avatar
oleschool OP
722 posts
 
tablejockey
I saw that ,now ya got me thinking lol. if i'm buying a new cartridge there always around but this is not . decisions decisions lol.Its definitely shooting outside my range though but doable. This hobby is for the big dogs,im like a ADD puppy 
sokogear
1,051 posts
 
Hey @big_greg, I never heard of the van de Hul MC Two Special, I don't see it listed anywhere. I have an MC One Special, and I like it a lot, although I haven't done any side by side comparisons. It has a very long lasting stylus and they just made VPI their US distributor, so I would expect to see them promoted much more now and packaged with VPI tables.You can get them maintained for a very reasonable fee and even replaced completely for a nice discount. My stylus lasted almost 9 years and I play records a lot more than @oleschool. 

Also, you may want to check out Sutherland phono stages - that's all they do. Solid state and great sounding with minimal noise, especially with their linear power supply options. Only thing you might not like is you have to take off the cover to change load or gain, but they are exchanged by moving gold plated shunts, not flimsy dip switches.

Hey @tablejockey - I don't think most people on Audiogon are ever "done". Prices for any component go up to astronomical levels, and I've heard of systems that exceed a million dollars. People who want "the best" playing with monopoly money will spend whatever it takes to impress their friends. The law of diminishing returns should keep the sane among us to get to points of satisfaction with our systems (whatever that dollar value is - from $2K to $1M) until the upgrade bug can't be controlled.
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