2. analog
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Analog Upgrade itch

Hello ! I would like to upgrade my turntable / tonearm / phono preamp 

currently I am using Kuzma Stabi S / Stabi S VTA 12” tonearm / Gold Note PH10 phono amp. 
Gryphon Antelion EVO + Pandora pre , Magico A5 speaker. 

My music preference : 50% classical / 30% pop / 20% modern Jazz 

I like my current cartridge: Etsuro Urushi Cobalt so I am going to keep it. I would like to upgrade my Turntable (possible Linn LP12 or Kuzma Ref2 or any suggestions ) with Kuzma 4 point tonearm (or recommendation in the $ range?). My biggest uncertain is phono amp : I’d like to have warmer sound (tube preferred ) with ideally 2 inputs (Manley Steelhead or EMT126 are recommended by my local dealer but not sure if they are worth the money ) .  I know matching (cartridge / arm / phono stage) is more important in analog system so I’d like everyone’s comments / experience that matches my system. Musicality / warmth is what I’m after rather than microscopic details. Thanks in advance

E 

128x128eddiechanghk
eddiechanghk's avatar
eddiechanghk OP
24 posts
 

@rsf507 thanks for the info , does the soft suspended base on Ref2 give a more “musical “ sonics over the Stabi R ? What I like about Kuzma in general is their liveliness and openness but I am also tempted by Linn’s “ vintage analog” sonics but hesitate about the spring re-calibration that seems needed every periodically on a Linn table. 
 

@ghdprentice Audio Research is on my list just I cannot  get a demo to connect with a Gryphon amp ( different dealer) , so to me blind purchase a phono amp seems too risky…  how does it compare to Manley Steelhead , sonically ? 

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cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 

I just upgraded my vinyl front end:

JRTransrotor Rodino FMD

SME V arm

Airtight PC-1 Supreme
 

Allnic H-3000
 

i am floored by the sound. 

Post removed 
ghdprentice
6,383 posts
 

OP,

I believe the sound of the Audio Research will be much more natural and musical with outstanding mid-range bloom, without loosing detail… something the Steelhead is known for. Personally I would unquestionably buy a ARC Phonostage unheard… but, of course, that is because I have heard so many.

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