1. Home
  2. analog
  3. 198753-143628

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
viridian's avatar
viridian
5,795 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.

trebuchet OP
27 posts
 

All.. very much appreciate this dialog and frankly this is pushing me in the direction of upgrading my digital path. At least at this point in my life, I don't have the time nor will to tinker with fine instruments such as these TTs and related componentry. This thread is probably saving me from the heartache of dropping thousands on a system I'm not truly going to follow through with.  A truly unexpected but highly valuable realization for me.

Not sure if it's proper to repurpose a thread that is for analog to diverge into whats the best way for me to upgrade my digital, but that seems like the way to go here for me.  

rauliruegas
13,377 posts
 

Dear @trebuchet   : If you own over 300-500 LPs then you can go with the Rega 8 and Apheta cartridge along the JC+3.

In the case you want to start then I don’t recomended for you and is better to use the money in digital alternative that as @ghdprentice  posted from 10 years now is superior to the analog alternative.

 

In the other side the analog alternative is not " plug and play " you need a deep training inside the front end uzse and many other issues as to own a clean record machine, probably better TT mat , a very good damped plattform where the Rega will be seated, etc, etc.

In any case and about the subwoofer you need not one active unit but a pair ( 2 ) of self powered subwoofers that must comes with high-pass filter, one of the best options for your Sonus Faber are:

Digital Drive Plus - Velodyne Acoustics

 

Regards and enjoy THE MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

trebuchet OP
27 posts
 

@rauliruegas you literally confirmed my conclusion 1 minute after my post, making me even more sure I'm taking the right path.  
Velodyne huh? I will be visiting local HiFi stores and will see if they have any. I know they carry RELs. Do you have any opinion on them, in general or with respect to pairing with Sonus Fabers?
Agree with you i need one per channel L & R. I've heard that and that's my plan.

trebuchet OP
27 posts
 

@elliottbnewcombjr appreciate the tips on minimum viable TT setups. If I do enter the vinyl world it will be at this tier and this gives me something to start with

More to discover