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upgrading the analog setup

hi everybody
i’m listening to last joe walsh lp (love the man) and start thinking to upgrade my entire analogue chain.
I’m now a owner of a rega P5, denon 103, lehmann black cube se prephono.

For the cart I’m sure I’ll go with a dynavector 20X2L (loved very well a former 10X5).
That’s the only certainty.
For the TT on my list now there are:

Rega rp8 (2100 euro)
Well Tempered Amadeus (2800 euro + cable rca)
Linn LP12 (which incarnation?)
Technics sl 1200 + pbthals’s arm
a VPI
sota (my dealer sells them)

and for the pre phono a have no f idea… I heard good things about AVID and the dynavector p75 mkIII but to compensate the solid state integrated I was thinking a tube one..

Any input would be greatly appreciated

thanks

rockness

ps unfortunately I cannot audition any components but the sota.
rockness87
1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
My 2cents. I've got a VPI Scoutmaster on the way with an Ortofon 2M Black MM cart. I'm not a analog guru by any means, but the Scoutmaster seems to be at the threshold price-point of getting the most for your money, given the diminishing returns of spending more.

Per VPI, the 2M Black is supposed to be a great match, as well as the Lehmann Black Cube SE with the Scoutmaster. Can I ask why you are getting replacing yours? (If you are selling it, please let me know). PBN Audio suggested I try their Liberty B2B-1 stage ($1800, online sales only), and it appears to receive good reviews. Also, the Musical Surroundings Phonomena Nova II is well-regarded. I listened to it with a VPI Scout and it sounded good. Good luck--
durkn
109 posts
 

I’m running a VPI Prime 21 with a Soundsmith Zephyr Mk3 moving iron cart into a tube phonostage. That’s what I would recommend…

kennyc
2,888 posts
 

Rega is at the cutting edge of lightweight turntables. Their sound is typically fast/nimble but some find the lower bass weight may be lacking as some audiophiles crave slam. Rega tonearms also do not allow azimuth adjustments, so shims may be required for some cartridges. If these both are not a concern, then the RP8 would be a fantastic sonic purchase.

VPI are typically straightforward mass loaded turntables which are known for ample bass energy. VPI is a long established company and would be a solid choice. I run a VPI Avenger.

The Technics is a fine set and forget turntable, but the Rega RP8 and mid-level VPI would likely be sonically superior.

I’m not much of a Linn LP12 fan. Seems it was cutting edge Sonics decades ago, but it doesn’t seem be as sonically competitive with other current modern turntables offerings within similar price range.

lewm
14,669 posts
 

If the OP still has not made a decision, 12 years later, then he needs psychiatric help first of all. Everyone likes what they have and seems to want the other guy to have it too.

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