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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
elliottbnewcombjr
7,794 posts
 

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

 

 

elliottbnewcombjr
7,794 posts
 

Turntable Labs has a variation, AT140 with adjustable height arm, $550.

https://www.turntablelab.com/collections/turntables-midrange-alpha/products/audio-technica-at-lp140xp-bk-direct-drive-dj-turntable-black

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)

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Audio-Technica/AT-LP140XP-Direct-Drive-Professional-DJ-Turntable-Silver-1500000263150.gc

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).

elliottbnewcombjr
7,794 posts
 

@trebuchet 

I meant to show you my pride and joy (I’m hooked) (all used vintage)

pindac's avatar
pindac
3,959 posts
 

A Tally Up of how a 200 Hour listening session over 2 Years will be a cost near $150 per Album.

Source Material @ $3K? - $5K? - $7K? + Source Replay Ancillaries @ $7K - $10K - $15K - 30% depreciation over 1 Year / 40% - 50% depreciation over 2 Years.

The above, with the mid-to-high costs and depreciation, will hit the magic $150 per Album. 

As a novice user, maybe they should be informed there is the likelihood a Cantilever will suffer a catastrophic failure at their hand at some time, which will add considerably to the calculation if buying in the $1K - $2K purchase area.

Surely there must be enough on the table to strongly suggest that a really, really attractive Source Material and ancillaries that are current are worthwhile to investigate to see where Value is to be had in the comparison.

Note: I am a Vinyl Source user for as good as 40 years with a keen interest.   

viridian's avatar
viridian
5,793 posts
 

Pindac, I agree with you completely. However many hobbies are not completely about cost, or even value, there is a clear emotional component, and phonography seems to speak to that. But really, if someone did not grow up with vinyl, I would not advocate for adopting it as another source. And would suggest that they find a friend with a phonograph and spend some time understanding that vinyl replay is demanding on many levels, and can be rewarding as well.

As much as the cost can be an impediment, so can the ritual, the time necessary to optimize, and use a vinyl system, and as you point out, the frailty of both the equipment and the software. 

But when someone is set on taking the plunge, I advocate for the best that one can possibly afford. That would seem to have the greatest chance of success.

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