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TT and phono preamp - what best match for my system

I need some expert advice for me to take the plunge into analog finally after years of digital streaming based components.  Would very much appreciate ideas on what TT and phono preamp combo might possibly best complement my existing system.  I do have a HiFi Buys near me (Nashville) and have recently purchased Sonus Faber Lumina V Amator’s from them. Good folks there, so I would consider purchasing this setup through them.  I can spend up to 7-10k (if i push it) USD.
My goal here: to go analog and add a highly resolving analog source that will push the boundaries and maybe exceed the capabilities of the rest of my components, to set me up for future improvements.

Here’s my existing system:
- Denafrips Ares 2 DAC (being fed from a Mac mini where i run Qobuz.. i know i know. this is a pretty crap streamer. The Denafrips turns even this substandard streaming source into something quite nice)
The DAC feeds into a Parasound JC2BP Preamp which in turn feeds a Parasaound A21+.  I own two sets of mains, Magnepan 1.7i’s which i truly love for their clarity/soundstage/resolution, however i’ve also gone an recently bought the Sonus Fabers and am mostly running them now, for two main reasons 1) they are not cat trees (we have three cats and they see the Maggies as a climbing post.. i haven’t figured out how to solve this one yet, and 2) since this system is in the living room and main part of the house and used for literally everything including movies and casual listening, the dynamic nature of traditional cone speakers i think works well here. The Maggies strained a little in this general use (but frankly they beat the Lumina V’s when it comes to pure resolution).  In any case I’m quite happy with the Lumina V’s.

Aside: I do also have a pair of KEF LS50W2’s but that’s not a factor here.. i use them elsewhere and probably wont be hooking them to the analog source.

All this being said, here is what I am thinking.. where i am leaning. Tell me if I’m crazy or misguided or sound, or somewhere in between ;)
Rega Planar 7 + Parasound JC3+ phono preamp
PS: Unrelated to analog, I am considering adding a pair of REL T/9x's to the mains to add bottom.. either when using the SF Lumina V's or the Maggie 1.7i's. Which ever i'm runnign i'd run the RELs along with them.

I’m sure I will get some comments about depending too much on Parasound and that’s fair. I have owned my pre and power amp about 8 years now and just simply like them and like the brand so I’m a bit partial.  But this is why i’m asking here.. does this pairing make any sense (Claude seems to think so lol but he’s not you folks)

Hope i gave enough information to be useful. Happy to answer questions and thanks ahead of time for the responses

trebuchet
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,465 posts
 

The Parasound JC3+ would probably be a good choice and a Rega Planar 8 with Apheta 3 cartridge for your system. 

As for the goal of "exceeding the capabilities of the rest of the system," I would caution against thinking of analog that way. Vinyl rarely wins on absolute resolution, noise floor, or dynamic range compared to a good digital source, or if it does your will need to spend a lot more money. Then there is the cost of each vinyl record and cleaning machine... etc. If this is a pursuit of liking to collect records and you like tradition... great, go for it.

If I were you I would allocate that money to elevate your existing system, get a good streamer for $7K to $10K you could get a use Aurrender N20 with would elevate your system to a great degree. Currently there is no question that your MacMini is by far your weakest link. 

viridian's avatar
viridian
5,793 posts
 

Good day, could you clarify a couple of things? First, the Rega P7 is a discontinued model, are you considering buying second hand privately, or from a dealer? What cartridge would you use on the turntable?

The Parasound is a fantastic phono stage, no need to make excuses for the marque. I very much like your Rega/Parasound direction. Oh, and after a quarter century posting here, I am certainly no expert. Beware of experts!

There are some broad, general, challenges when using subs and phonographs. It is important to site the turntable so that acoustic feedback is not present, either structure borne, or air borne, and this can take a bit of experimentation.

trebuchet OP
26 posts
 

@viridian oops. Good catch i fat fingered that. What i meant was Rega Planar 6 RS Edition with Nd9 cartridge.  Thanks for the feedback on the JC3.  I'm intrigued by your comment on subs and phonographs...  as you can tell i'm brand new to analog

trebuchet OP
26 posts
 

@ghdprentice what is is about the P8 with Apheta that you feel is the better match?

As for your comments about my stated goals not really matching well with what the analog will bring to my system (and my ears), you certainly have my attention. I guess i need to get my expectations correct here. It seems you are saying if my goal is greater resolution, then this is not the best path to take, at least not in my priced range.  If that is the case (and I realize this is a very generic question) then why do so many audiophiles swear by vinyl?  They are perceiving some other attribute than what I am after perhaps? Maybe what I'm asking is: what would be valid reasons for adding an analog input source to my system?

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