Sbank,
thanks for the thoughtful reply. I appreciate everything you had to say and will start digging. Did not realize it was as deeply involved as you stated. Do you have a preference for your TT?
woots
Phono Stage Advice
Looking to add a phono stage to my recently upgraded system.
A few months ago I went the tube route by adding an Audio Research Ref 160S amplifier and a Ref 6SE line stage preamplifier. In addition I got back into vinyl with a Pro-ject 6 Perspex SB. I have decided to stay in the vinyl game but believe I need to add a dedicated phono stage to improve my phono sound. Currently, I have my phono connected into my HT MX160 McIntosh preamp and then I put the ref 6se preamp into pass thru mode. My belief is that I can get much better sound if I directly connect my phono into the ref 6SE (bypassing McIntosh MX160) but to do that I need a phono stage OR am I overthinking this and will not get a much better sound and stick with current set up. I am impressed with the tube sound but open to SS if that makes better sense.
Additional Components involved:
Wilson Audio Alexia speakers, transparent cabling, sumiko cartridge, Lumin T2 connected directly into Audio Research preamp. Predominantly listen to 50/60's Jazz, Classical and some rock.
I am also open to upgrading my TT if you think that should be part of my solution.
I would like to stay under $10K for the phono line stage and separately under $10K for a phono upgrade including cartridge.
Look forward to the creative solutions and thanks in advance for your thoughts and input.
Woots
@woots I've had near the top of VPI and Technics previously and now I've been very happy with Sota. My system page has pics and documents those changes over many years. Calling Donna at Sota is always worthwhile. She will share arm and cart matching advice for their tables too. She saved me some bucks with Bstock walnut cabinet which you'd never know is Bstock. Cheers, Spencer |
First you have top flight tube gear w ARC selections you have made. IMO, knowing well several of the top 5 ARC dealers in the country ( Randy at Optimal Enchantment ) in Santa Monica and Johnny at Audio Connection in Verona NJ and Alan Jones at HiFi buys in Atlanta, can assist you w a complex upgrade…to get the MOST out of those stellar ARC components. Having said that, SOTA w Origin live arm, Lyra or similar cartridge from Donna as @sbank astutely mentions is a great path. Your system deserves a stellar phono stage ! Best to you on your search. Also put a Degritter RCM in the budget for sure. Jim |
@woots - here’s my choice For the phono stage
For the turntable - MUSIC HALL MMF11.3 TURNTABLE
Then pick a cartridge that is compatible with the arm
That should round up to your budget Regards - Steve
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