#261
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Ok, I heard from Sweet Vinyl, and there is a way to connect with a built-in phono stage.
From the diagram they sent me, you connect your TT to the preamp's phono stage, then connect your pre's Aux/Rec Out to the SC's Line In. Then, connect the SC's Line Out to the Aux/Rec In of the preamp. My C2300 has a "Server" connection with "Rec" as a secondary label. I'm guessing that's what I should use to complete the connections if I get a SC-1 or 2. This scenario means 2 extra pair of interconnects, but I won't have to buy any because I have unused AQ King Cobra and Kimber Hero hanging around. Maybe this is doable after all; the question is should I spend the money. No, but I'll consider it anyway.
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SOTA, Grado, SME, Van den Hul, Gingko turntable setup; Pioneer Elite LD, BDP; Sony OLED TV; Magnum Dynalab tuner, antenna; MIT S-video cable; Pangea HDMI cables; DVDO video processor; McIntosh SACD, preamp, power amps; Telefunken Black Diamond preamp tubes; Kimber IC; Transparent IC, PC, SC; Mirage speakers; PS Audio, Shunyata PC; Audio Additives RCA caps; Furman power conditioning; Sanus: racks |
#262
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It just got worse. Having hung around an AA phono preamp thread, I have downloaded manuals for the following, and will look into them more as I begin preliminary research:
Luxman E-250 McIntosh MP100 Sutherland 20/20 w/LPS power supply Sutherland Insight Parasound JC3+ Parasound JC3 Jr Musical Surroundings Nova III Rega Aria Mk III The question is which would be a reasonable improvement over the 2300, but not disproportionally so compared to the rest of the system. The MP100 was "a slight improvement in sound quality and features" according to McIntosh; "slight" may not be enough. The JC3+ is a full-size unit, which could mean placement/space issues. We'll see if I go this route rather than the SweetVinyl SC-1 or 2, or my original thought of an IC upgrade. All three aren't happening. I'm close to engaging a lawyer, and need a new mattress too. But since I'm the slow, methodical type, those other issues might be resolved by the time a choice is made regarding the audio upgrade possibilities.
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SOTA, Grado, SME, Van den Hul, Gingko turntable setup; Pioneer Elite LD, BDP; Sony OLED TV; Magnum Dynalab tuner, antenna; MIT S-video cable; Pangea HDMI cables; DVDO video processor; McIntosh SACD, preamp, power amps; Telefunken Black Diamond preamp tubes; Kimber IC; Transparent IC, PC, SC; Mirage speakers; PS Audio, Shunyata PC; Audio Additives RCA caps; Furman power conditioning; Sanus: racks |
#263
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Quote:
One thing that I haven't explored fully is the settings on my C2300's phono section. I should play with them even as I do a deeper dive into the reduced list; admittedly, I have NOT been playing records much at all, and none since early July. I still have other things to do so money may come into play, but I want to be as sure as I can on this. More research, here I come.
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SOTA, Grado, SME, Van den Hul, Gingko turntable setup; Pioneer Elite LD, BDP; Sony OLED TV; Magnum Dynalab tuner, antenna; MIT S-video cable; Pangea HDMI cables; DVDO video processor; McIntosh SACD, preamp, power amps; Telefunken Black Diamond preamp tubes; Kimber IC; Transparent IC, PC, SC; Mirage speakers; PS Audio, Shunyata PC; Audio Additives RCA caps; Furman power conditioning; Sanus: racks |
#264
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^ ^ ^
UPDATE: I bought an SC-1, but it was defective (something either broken or loose inside). Sent it back to Music Direct, who tried fixing it and sending it back. Same problem. I took a refund. How many who have a C2300 use an outboard phono stage? How much might I have to spend if I want to get equal or somewhat better sound?
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SOTA, Grado, SME, Van den Hul, Gingko turntable setup; Pioneer Elite LD, BDP; Sony OLED TV; Magnum Dynalab tuner, antenna; MIT S-video cable; Pangea HDMI cables; DVDO video processor; McIntosh SACD, preamp, power amps; Telefunken Black Diamond preamp tubes; Kimber IC; Transparent IC, PC, SC; Mirage speakers; PS Audio, Shunyata PC; Audio Additives RCA caps; Furman power conditioning; Sanus: racks |
#265
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While I have a C22 rather than C2300, I've found that tube-rolling with new production gold-pin Tung-Sol and Gold Lion (all fully tested) made a very nice improvement in SQ. Blacker background and more "there, there" (in my non-pro review). I've felt no need to go with an external phono-preamp with my Ortofon Cadenza Black and a half-dozen other cartridges. YMMV.
EDIT - I see you are using JJ's Telefunken tubes. Not sure the others would gain you anything other than a slightly 'different' SQ.
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Glenn... Canton Reference 9 Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM Magnepan 1,7i McIntosh MA8950 & MR88 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Gemini-4 Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B, ST-J75 & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag Last edited by Formerly YB-2; 10-31-2023 at 01:04 AM. |
#266
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Attachment 69626
Quote:
I'd think I would have to spend at least $1500–$2000 to get better than what I have with the 2300's built-in phono. The idea of an outboard unit has come and gone several times over the last couple of years. I don't seem to get rid of the idea completely.
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SOTA, Grado, SME, Van den Hul, Gingko turntable setup; Pioneer Elite LD, BDP; Sony OLED TV; Magnum Dynalab tuner, antenna; MIT S-video cable; Pangea HDMI cables; DVDO video processor; McIntosh SACD, preamp, power amps; Telefunken Black Diamond preamp tubes; Kimber IC; Transparent IC, PC, SC; Mirage speakers; PS Audio, Shunyata PC; Audio Additives RCA caps; Furman power conditioning; Sanus: racks |
#267
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Quote:
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Glenn... Canton Reference 9 Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM Magnepan 1,7i McIntosh MA8950 & MR88 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Gemini-4 Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B, ST-J75 & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag |
#268
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Just realized I botched the attachment on the previous post. It's a photo of the Roberta Gambarini LP, in case anyone wants to check into it. I have a couple of her CDs, and have seen her at Jazz at Lincoln Center a couple of times. The LP is limited, as I mentioned earlier: it's only 1,999 copies; mine is no. 86.
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SOTA, Grado, SME, Van den Hul, Gingko turntable setup; Pioneer Elite LD, BDP; Sony OLED TV; Magnum Dynalab tuner, antenna; MIT S-video cable; Pangea HDMI cables; DVDO video processor; McIntosh SACD, preamp, power amps; Telefunken Black Diamond preamp tubes; Kimber IC; Transparent IC, PC, SC; Mirage speakers; PS Audio, Shunyata PC; Audio Additives RCA caps; Furman power conditioning; Sanus: racks Last edited by prepress; 11-01-2023 at 09:28 AM. |
#269
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Nice set of 'lungs'.
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Glenn... Canton Reference 9 Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM Magnepan 1,7i McIntosh MA8950 & MR88 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Gemini-4 Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B, ST-J75 & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag |
#270
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Looking forward to playing it at some point. The Absolute Sound gave it a rave review, which is how I became aware of it. The label is In+Out Records, a German label, and the LP was mastered and pressed there on 180G vinyl. It's a reissue, and I expect it to sound good.
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SOTA, Grado, SME, Van den Hul, Gingko turntable setup; Pioneer Elite LD, BDP; Sony OLED TV; Magnum Dynalab tuner, antenna; MIT S-video cable; Pangea HDMI cables; DVDO video processor; McIntosh SACD, preamp, power amps; Telefunken Black Diamond preamp tubes; Kimber IC; Transparent IC, PC, SC; Mirage speakers; PS Audio, Shunyata PC; Audio Additives RCA caps; Furman power conditioning; Sanus: racks |
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