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
You remember the cartoons in Audio Magazines. I just visualized a cartoon in ’Streamophile’ magazine: 1st panel, walking a dog, comes upon a pile of stuff ’free, works’ there’s a TT. 2nd Panel, the guy looks around to see if anyone is looking. 3rd Panel: he stomps on the TT with a self satisfied smile, like he did the world a favor. What we go thru makes no sense to many I know, but I love my vinyl. maybe the dog should be lifting his leg. |
interesting ideas here... and @ghdprentice ive seen the pics of your setup and you are saying you don't listen to vinyl anymore? wow i kinda like this provide it on a smaller system idea. To this end, what would you all recommend i pair with my KEF LS50Wireless2's ? (and yes i am aware the signal is converted to digital in this speaker which is regrettable however i think it may prove the point you all are making.. will i actually stick with vinyl or just be a sideshow and a novelty). I am starting to think of this as start with the novelty of vinyl and see how far i really want to go... |
I will admit, that in the last month, something I tried, is to play an album and then go do something else (other than compare it to streaming)... I then just enjoy the experience. So, I have been trying that every couple weeks.
OP, Yes...well except for above. I kind of feel guilty just letting it sit there... so, playing an album once in a while helps. |
I recommend what I have experience with first 1. A basic TT just to get started, cartridge pre-mounted, $400. https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XUSB-Direct-Drive-Hi-Fidelity-Anti-Skate/dp/B07N3S4X3P I had an earlier version for years during the ’CD’s are Better’ era. This gets you Direct Drive; Removable Headshell; MM Cartridge with upgradeable stylus, starts Elliptical, you can put an ML Microline Stylus in that pre-aligned body. I recommend getting the Microline Stylus, that’s good enough to determine whether you will stick with it. After that you need to upgrade. Note: current AT120 versions, the arm height is fixed, prior versions the arm height was adjustable. If you might try different cartridges (their height varies), before you change the table, then be careful to determine if the arm height is adjustable as well as removable headshell. //////////////////////////////////////////// note: because of better imaging (tighter channel balance combined with wider channel separation) I would prefer you start with this cartridge ($350), but they do not come pre-mounted, you would need a dealer/friend/skills to mount it https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm740ml
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Turntable Labs has a variation, AT140 with adjustable height arm, $550. I would call them, ask for a price with AT750ML cartridge pre-mounted, that would be a better start, you would not want to use the ’dj’ cartridge they include, it’s conical, perhaps there is a Guitar Center near you, and they could put a cartridge with an ’advanced stylus shape’ on it for you. (microline, shibata, line contact, ... they will know if you mention these) (always compare the imaging specs I mentioned above) stylus shapes https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/audiophile-insights/analog-insights/phono-cartridge-stylus-shapes/ note: consider stylus life. advanced shapes with larger contact area initially cost more, but, they last much longer, thus over their life they cost less than the original premium price. (less than wearing out are replacing several inexpensive stylus). |
