2. analog
  3. 165394-158347

Analog upgrade path

The source I’ve been using with my integrated amp is a Technics SL-1500 mk1. Well, I’ve recently decided to step things up and have acquired an ARC linestage, which does not have an onboard phonostage. Now I’m beginning to think that pairing my Technics with my new linestage might not be a well balanced match, quality-wise.

What I’m wondering is, where will my money be best spent? Buying a nice phono stage (been looking at the Black Ice F159 or ARC PH5) and sticking it out with the Technics, or upgrading to a higher end ‘table (been looking at the VPI Scout Prime or maybe LSA T-3) and running it through a budget phonostage. Obviously the optimal solution would be both, but that’s not in my budget currently.

thx for the feedback


rfnoise
anthonya
126 posts
 
@chakster of course there are always something better for someone. 

for the current mainstream easy to get  stuff. 1042 is very worth it. we call it a value studio cartridge. it's neutrality is uncanny. 

like listening to say Genelec... rock is rock. love song is love song. live music u feel the heat.. that kind of cart... 
anthonya
126 posts
 
300 to 400 usd in ebay.. stylus 250ish. reasonable 
rfnoise OP
153 posts
 
@anthonya I read on another site that the 1042 has a very close sound to the 2500 at a lower price point, as well as being amenable to a wider variety of tonearms.

@chakster I read a previous post of yours regarding the Garrot brothers. A very storied history with a rather tragic end.

I came across an 11 cartridge shootout on another site 

http://soundadvicevinyl.com/2017/12/04/under-1000-moving-magnet-cartridge-shootout-11-cartridge-reviewed/

the winner was The Vessel r3sm. What caught my attention was that the cartridges were all evaluated on a Technics ‘table, which makes me think this might be a good match.

I will say that I’m really picking up (no pun intended) the difference a cardridge can make. I have on hand a Technics SL-2000 I bought as a gift for my younger brother. It’s fitted with a Shure m93e, and I can say that I certainly prefer the AT-3600l on my ‘table.




grk
200 posts
 
Not sure about your budget, but check out the Tavish Audio Design "Adagio", Modwright "PH 9.0" for tube designs or the PS Audio "Stellar" and Gold Note "PH-10" for SS. At least the first three offer trial periods.
rfnoise OP
153 posts
 
@grk my budget started out at $500, then I thought maybe $1000 was more in the proper range, now it’s looking like $1500 is my absolute upper limit and giving me an ulcer thinking about it. What can I say? I’m a proletarian.

I’m actually really interested in the Decware Zen Triode ZP3, since millercarbon was kind enough to alert me to it’s existence. Great review in Toneaudio issue 74. Seems like a very reasonable price considering what you get, and I like that it includes the option to later add an SUT with adjustable loading if I decide to take the plunge and move to a MC cart.
More to discover