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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
parkergetdean
1,069 posts
 

The Rega P6 is not a good choice. It’s between the 3 and the 8 and really is just an upgraded 3. The 3 is much better value or save for the P8.

And I love vinyl by the way, a whole lot more than any other media. A trip to memory lane, every single time.

viridian's avatar
viridian
5,793 posts
 

Let’s be clear what the OP is speaking about here. The Planar 6 RS edition jettisons the RB303 arm for the RB808 arm used on the Planar 8, likewise the sub-platter is the all metal device which sports dual drive belts also from the P8.

Does it sound any better than the P6 or as good as the P8? Never having heard one, I have no idea, though I know what it is. And no "RS" does not stand for Radio Shack.

My take is that the P6 appeals to someone looking for a traditional form factor within the Rega line, so this is an attempt to push that performance closer to the P8.

Having worked in the industry for well over 20 years, I can say that my personal preference, sonically - and a personal preference it is - is for a phonograph over a digital source, YMMV.

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,843 posts
 

The Technics 1200G at $5K is a better turntable than the Rega.

pindac's avatar
pindac
3,941 posts
 

Moving the subject to the Source and not ancillaries to create a replay.

Source material currently costs as a new purchase between $30 - $100, this as a cost and spent to create Source Collection of a Qty @  100 —200 Albums can easily approach the lower end of the allocated budget.

If a large Vinyl Album collection is owned this does change things. 

Used Vinyl Purchases (not unanimously supported as a practice) will allow for lesser priced Vinyl to be found, or a Single Album that easily exceeds the budget. 

Another consideration to ponder? 

 

oberoniaomnia
358 posts
 

Re budget and vinyl, I agree with pindac to factor in the records (if applicable). The other thing to figure in is cleaning. If OP thinks about a souped up P6, then a brush or a wet-wipe is not doing it justice. Vacuum and/or ultrasonic at >=$1K would be essential for enjoyable experience. RecordDoctor and Vevor are budget options in that area, the sky's the limit. Easy to add on later.

Re REL T9, I enjoy mine. Set-up and dialing in the right cut-off frequency and volume is the greatest challenge. Less is more. A sub should not be heard as a distinctive element. As you don't have subs yet, I assume you are not looking for window-rattling bass, rather a sprinkle of bass extension. Don't know about your main speakers, I use a single driver Voight tube (Pearlacoustics Sibelius).

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