with phono playback, all the gain happens with the phono pre. Anything you can do to lower mechanical noise and electrical noise should help. Have you considered a better shunyata cord on your Thor phono stage?
Seeking to upgrade from my Prime Scout turntable
I currently have VPI Prime Scout entry level turntable with a Dynavector 20X2-H/L cartridge. My dealer recommended the VPI Prime 21 which retails for $5500.00. Does anybody own the VPI Prime 21, and do you believe that I would notice a positive difference in sound quality that is worth the upgrade? Any thoughts would be appreciated. The rest of my system consists of Vandersteen 5A loudspeakers, h Thor Audio TP-150 mono block power amplifiers,(just replaced 16 tubes, 8 per side with Mullard New Production el-34 tubes and am pleased with the sound.) The rest of the system is a Thor Audio Linestage and a Thor Audio Phone stage, and a Marantz SACD player. All of the Thor components sound great, but noteThor went out of business many years ago. I mentioned my system as it is highly resolving so I figured a turntable upgrade may be noticeable in a positive way. Thank you.
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no. I used Blanton and Glenfiddich. I wasn’t aware of the SS counterintuitive. Thank you!!! |
@bimmerlover it takes a few records to get used it. Not terrible. I love the sound though. The arm on my Prime X is 3D-12 JMW. |
I like unipivots. I have Magnepan Unitracs on two TTs. But, I think they are easiest/best with lightweight cartridges. I had the VPI as well on a Scout Prime and it was little more finicky than the Magenpans, but allowed me to use a heavier cartridge. I am not a fan of 9" gimbal arms. 12" feels much better with a gimbal arm, although I don't know if there is much sonic difference. Back to your question, That upgrade will make a difference in ease of use, I think; soundwise, I would I put more emphasis on the carts and phono stages. |
I remember when the first unipivots were marketed, like the Keith Monks with its mercury bath contacts. There were several others.They did have a "certain sound" that seemed more open than that of a gimbal bearing tonearm, to my ears at least. The word "azimuth" was not common parlance among audiophiles in those days of yore. |
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