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KC Vibe Mark 1

Hi I have an older (80's) Technics SL-Q3 turntable with a Benz wood SL cartridge that feeds the Sutherland Engineering KC Vibe phono pre. That is connected to a Lamm 2.1 deluxe pre with a VTL ST150 amp and Vandersteen 2 sig3 speakers. Is the KC Vibe choking my system? Do I need a turntable upgrade? Cartridge? I listen to a wide variety of albums. I do especially like female vocals and jazz.

dpm2340
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
2,452 posts
 

I happen to really like Benz Wood SL (and the older L2) - really nice sounding, well balanced, and easygoing for a LOMC. Its 0.4mV output (feels like an honest 0.4) is usefully high, 12 ohms is reasonable for that output, and it’s pretty easygoing and happy with any decent MC phono stage over 60dB, in my experience. The finicky carts I’ve had, other than Van den Huls, have all been below 0.4mV.

KC Vibe should be OK here, though that’s not to say you couldn’t find something you might like more. 

lewm
14,705 posts
 

Mea culpa for mistaking the KC Vibe for the TZ Vibe.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,591 posts
 

I have had.a KC Vibe mkii for about three years.   I was using it with a 2M Bronze and it sounded really good.  

Recently I upgraded my table , kept my existing arm and Bronze

That cartridge was OK but I wanted to upgrade it.  I picked up a LOMC Dynavector and it sounds really good.   

I would definitely consider a new table and cartridge.   Keep the Vibe until you feel that needs to be upgraded.  

I am probably going to move up to a 20/20 at some point.   But for now it has plenty of gain for a .28 mV cartridge.      

 

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