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Hi everyone,
Over the last few months I've been experimenting with vinyl and tubes for the first time, and, well you know the story…I've left my CDs and solid state amps behind and am loving the beauty of analog sound on tube gear. I've got an integrated and speakers that I'm very happy with (Cayin SP10a and Wavetouch Grand Teton Gen2), so I'm looking to take a step or two up the ladder with the turntable and phono amp. Currenly I have a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon and a Vincent PHO-8 phono stage.
So, my guess is that the turntable is the weakest point and that to make a jump in sound I should be looking at 'tables like the Rega RP6, VPI Scout Jr. Clearaudio Concept, etc. From the few reviews I've read, the Vincent seems to be a solid phono stage (even though I'd like a tube phono stage in the future).
I'm not asking for specific recommendations on 'tables, but rather trying to get a feel for the most important first step in upgrading the vinyl sound quality.
I appreciate any thoughts you may have.
Best,
Scott
Follow Ups:
I agree that the cartridge can have a huge effect. I would start there.
I also agree about the 'table vintage market, check out Thorens, Linns, etc.
Unfortunately for you, there is no consensus here on the relative importance of the components in the vinyl chain. My feeling is that, in general, cartridge and phono preamp are most important, followed by table and then arm.
As evidence of my opinion I cite a past stereophile review of the Rega P3. It was deemed capable of carrying the finest cartridges in the world. (I admit the editor did not seem convinced by that assertion). Another famous example closer to home is how one inmate favors (or considers equal) a Technics SL1200 over a very high end SOTA Nova and SME table and arm.
The examples I cite also illustrate the divorce between price and sound quality. Please don't assume spending more automatically gets you more. This is true in all high end audio, but doubly so in analog components.
I think the stereophile review raises an important criteria when looking for a table: it's capability of carrying the best cartridges. I'm not sure I would put the world's finest cartridge on your table, so yea, I would look for a better table.
In general, it is easier to demo tables, arms, and preamps than cartridges, so I recommend you decide on which cartridge will be your final objective and buy that in your current system. I know this will involve guess work and reliance on others but that is what we are here for! Then you can demo tables to judge the improvement and compatibility with your system and goals.
IMO, YMMV, etc.
Scott,
take a look here : http://vinylnirvana.com/vintage-turntables-for-sale/
I just bought a TD160 Super with SME M2 from vinylnirvana and I couldn't be more happy.
Happy listening.
Best,
Rudy
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AvianArt
just moving up the PRO-JECT ladder will yield gratifying results.
...regards...tr
Welcome to the wacky world of vinyl. I started on this path in 2005, and have never looked back.
My first table after my re-entry into vinyl world was a Project Xpression, and it was quite nice. I then went to a VPI Scout with a much more expensive cartridge. And then a new phono stage. And then a new tonearm. And then a second tonearm with a mono cartridge. But that's been over the course of almost 10 years. It's not like I'm nuts with upgradeitis......
I don't know what cartridge comes with the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (my Xpression came with a very modest cartridge), but you might look at just upgrading the cartridge first. Even if you later upgrade the table and/or phono stage,you'll still have a nice cartridge to bring along to the party (assuming compliance compatible with new table/arm).
rlindsa
I agree that you could look to your turntable arm cartridge combination but I would suggest that you should not ignore the used vintage market. Their are Linns and Ariston RD11s out there that would bring you a nice gain at a lower price. You can also play with the motors for those units and get an even further improvement. Have fun as you move up.
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