Money best spent?

[DonBattles]

In consideration of stepping up the performance on my analog section where is money best spent? I'm running the VPI Classic 3, Shelter 501 MkII cartridge, and the phone stage in my Luxman integrated. So I'm thinking cartridge or phono stage. Normally I would go right to the cartridge but the 501 has received some pretty high marks on reviews.

[cmalak]

Agreed. First phono stage and then cart. Budget? SS vs. tube?

[Mikado463]

Originally Posted by DonBattles

Normally I would go right to the cartridge but the 501 has received some pretty high marks on reviews.

What's wrong with this statement ??? you already have the 501 in your system and you're obviously well aware of what it does 'for you'.......so why are you worried about someone else's review ?? answer - reasurrance, it's human nature.

Anyways, IMO and not knowing your room 'acoustically' I'd be willing to bet your 'upgrade' $$ would be best spent there, which in turn benefits everything, not just the analog section !

[DonBattles]

Originally Posted by Mikado463

Anyways, IMO and not knowing your room 'acoustically' I'd be willing to bet your 'upgrade' $$ would be best spent there, which in turn benefits everything, not just the analog section !

Already been addressed and that's why I waited so evalute things until the room had been treated. now that it's been done the difference between my digital and analog section are more obvious.

http://www.audioaficionado.org/gik-a...ing-off-9.html

[DonBattles]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Agreed. First phono stage and then cart. Budget? SS vs. tube?

I'm thinking tube, maybe $1500 up to maybe $3000. I'm also thinking a step up transformer might be another thing to consider

[Mikado463]

Originally Posted by DonBattles

I'm thinking tube, maybe $1500 up to maybe $3000.

Don , in that price range, IMO, none better......

Fosgate Phono Preamplifier

yes I have one and couldn't be happier !

[Jim Perry]

Originally Posted by Mikado463

Don , in that price range, IMO, none better......

Fosgate Phono Preamplifier

yes I have one and couldn't be happier !

I agree with you. Mine works great with my Shelter 901.

[cmalak]

Don...Fosgate is a popular option.

Allnic makes great phono preamps. Their entry level H-1200 amp made a lot of noise when it first came out, shooting well above it's price of $1,200. Their top end phono, the H-3000 which sells for $13K, is often regarded as one of the top phono preamps. I give you all this background because they recently introduced the H-1201, which at $2,995, is more than twice the price of its predecessor, but it's performance is closer to the H-3000 than the H-1200 it replaces. All this is according to the following review: Allnic H 1201 Phono Stage Review | A Unique Audiophile Experience

Here's a review of the H-3000 fyi: Allnic H 1201 Phono Stage Review | A Unique Audiophile Experience

Other suggestions to consider:

(1) Used Aesthetix Rhea phonostage which can be had in the $2-2.5K
(2) Leben RS-30EQ ($2,695): Leben RS-30EQ phono preamplifier | Stereophile.com

Hope this helps.

[DonBattles]

Cyril, thanks for the information, the Allnic's sound very interesting. Especially after reading the 6Moons review of the H1200.

[cmalak]

Don...it's my pleasure. If you decide to go down that path (whether it's the H-1200 ot the new H-1201), I would be most curious as to your thoughts on it. I actually really like the looks of the H-1201 as well but I recognize that it's at the top of your price range. Good luck however you decide to proceed. If I think of any other options that fit your criteria, I will certainly post them in this thread