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Help my analog sound as good as my streaming

Hi all - total newcomer here, really enjoying the forum and looking for some advice.

Relevant details: Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO w/ stock Sumiko Rainer cartridge, into a Hegel H95 via a Parasound Zphono XRM. It sounds great-ish, but doesn’t blow me away like Qobuz via Bluesound Node 2i into the Hegel DAC. I’ll acknowledge that this entire system has a lot of room to improve in the eyes of many here - while I suppose I’ll eventually want to upgrade, I am absolutely thrilled with the streaming sound for now. 
Question: is the cartridge the weak link here, or am I expecting too much out of the PDC EVO? If the former, does the Ortofon Bronze seem a good option?

Many thanks for any suggestions/thoughts!
coys21
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Your turntable and cartridge must be replaced if you want to upgrade. You need a high resolution MM or MI cartridge with advanced stylus profile, and a proper Direct Drive turntable like Technics SL1200GR if your budget is limited, but you still want the best for less money.

Also you have to try ORIGINAL pressings instead of re-issues. Try to find vinyl made from analog mastertape, not from digital master. Vinyl itself can be bad, pressing can be bad, mastering can be bad too. You have to find your reference vinyl first (make sure it’s good).
inna
7,132 posts
 
Get a proper Belt Drive turntable.
Miller is right, streaming sucks. There is not a single note reproduced right. Or even a single silence in between notes. In other words, streaming is not even wrong. And the rest of digital is about the same, slightly better.
Good point about second rate pressings.
geof3
1,124 posts
 
Yeah, vinyl is a flawed thing, but so great too. I agree about new pressings and remastered. Most just aren’t good, but some are. I’ve purchased many “new” albums, only to later seek out the original copies. I would think I would learn. Digital can be good, but a good vinyl setup can be amazing. I don’t know about the tweaks mentioned, but you do have a relatively entry level setup that could use a little spice. If you like the Sumiko, try a Blue Point #2. It’s a high output MC cart that I think would pair well with your rig. Make sure your setup is correct and go from there. Vinyl playback can get expensive REALLY quick, and some here will say you have to spend massive $ or it’s a waste of time. It is a journey, so have fun with it, and enjoy the digital for the sheer variety and convenience.
petg60
1,486 posts
 
You are not going to be blown away with only a cartridge change, but rather going the right direction. There is nothing wrong with streaming and your system now is better at that. Analogue today requires a bigger investment than your current one whatever the upgrade cartridge.

G



jperry
2,430 posts
 
I don't place a great deal of stock in reviews, but coincidentally read this review of your analog front end today.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/pro-ject-debut-carbon-evo-turntable

One of your issues might be your source material. I don't know what records you have, but you might want to consider, as others have suggested, some original recording. I also agree the Dire Straights represses sound good.
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