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Where to improve phono chain?

My current system consists of Nola Baby Grands, A. Research Ref. 150 amp and A. Research Ref. 5 preamp, Tom Evans Micro Groove phono preamp, SME V arm, SOTA Cosmos table and recently re-tipped Jeff Rowland cartridge.

My musical preferences range from opera to jazz to rock.

I'd like to improve the phono section of this chain, but I'm not sure where to begin. My initial suspects are the Tom Evans phono-pre, or the Rowland stylus.

Any thought/opinions on this will be appreciated.

Thanks, Shaq
128x128shaq
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
I agree, we need to know some things first.

- what seems to be lacking?
- what are you looking to improve?
- what kind of budget?

IMO, the phono preamp is usually the weakest link in a turntable setup. That needs to be up to the task of handling all the nuances and micro dynamics that a good cartridge will give you. But you are not starting with crap here, either, so it's best to know what you are looking to "improve" first.
czarivey
5,691 posts
 
there are several upgrade options available to TE preamp. you should research them and ask specifically what will change technologically from current and what is money spent for.
other than that, i'd totally agree with ptm... you need to specify your improvement demands to what you think/hear lacking.
i bet you should open conversation with TE first as he'll be able to customize to your total needs as close as possible.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,851 posts
 
You never know with phono rigs.

They are like cars. They need periodic maintenance and regular alignments in order to keep functioning at a high level.

ALways best to make sure what you have is working as best it can before changing anything. A good start is usually to break out the cartridge alignment protractor and make sure that is set up right.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
You may want to consider getting a speed control. They usually make a big difference.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
or find a local dealer and take your rig in and see what else is out there and really understand what's good and what you don't like.
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