The Technics 1200G at $5K is a better turntable than the Rega.
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
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- 47 posts total
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?
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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). |
@oberoniaomnia |
@ghdprentice excellent analysis, ty. At this point I think I am hearing two things from this forum overall, a fork in approach which you first pointed out: |
- 47 posts total