#1
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2 questions...
Hello friends,
Philippe ( Rafale ) and me initiated a discussion rather interesting about the relative importance of a TT and its phono stage. I would be curious to get your opinion and answers especially regarding these 2 questions : First question : You have 18k to spend in an analog set up ( yes, you're lucky AND crazy ! ). What would you do between those two options, what do you think would sound the best ? : A) Buy a TT/ Arm / cart up to 6 or 7 k and a high end phono stage up to 12k or B) Buy a high end TT / Arm / cart up to 15 or 16k and an average phono stage up to 3K or use the phono stage included in your preamplifier ? Second Question : Between solution A and B, do you think that the final result could be : - A clearly better than B - B clearly better than A - both solutions could be good, and differences will be rather small, depending on the elements chosen.
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There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats Albert Schweitzer |
#2
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Jerome, I do find this an interesting question. I'm currently in the "high end table/lower end phono stage" ownership camp, but that was not by design...rather, it was by opportunity. As with all decisions in this hobby, it's difficult to view any as an absolute since upgrades happen as years (or months, weeks, days, hours ) go by. Surely, you'll get the best out of your front end with a great phono stage; whereas, if you "skimp" on the phono stage, you're, literally, leaving a lot on the table.
Being just ten months into this vinyl journey, I'd say that if I had to choose between your options, forever, I'd go the "good TT, cart, arm" and "great phono stage" route. I think that would give me the most inner peace...knowing that I'm getting the best from my front end. Will it sound better than option B? That, I don't know...I think it will depend on the elements chosen. I'm anxious to hear the thoughts of others...
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When I grow up, I want to be a little boy. - Joseph Heller Aural pleasures courtesy of SME, Dynavector, Audio Research, Simaudio, Wireworld, & Wilson |
#3
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Quote:
Only problem with the C is the total money spent which can be rather huge !
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There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats Albert Schweitzer |
#4
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Quote:
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When I grow up, I want to be a little boy. - Joseph Heller Aural pleasures courtesy of SME, Dynavector, Audio Research, Simaudio, Wireworld, & Wilson |
#5
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Quote:
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There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats Albert Schweitzer |
#6
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Solidly in camp "A":
DPS turntable, Schroeder No. 2 arm, Allaerts MC1B cartridge Phono: Pass XP-15, Shindo Monbrison Built in phono Having listened to $9k phonostages and $5k tables I believe I am on the right track |
#7
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Quote:
Thanks for sharing. I forgot to mention that I'm a A too.
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There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats Albert Schweitzer |
#8
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Quote:
I take exception that a $3K phono stage would be considered average, since there are so many far less expensive phono stages available that could more aptly be identified as average, including many built into line stage preamplifiers. There is also the option of $3K being spent on a preowned phono preamp, in which case we would be talking about a $5K to $6K phono preamp acquired for half its original retail value. This option offers the best opportunity for the greatest return on value verses cost. It seems that $6K buys an excellent new phono stage preamp, with the next plateau jumping to $10K/$12K very fast for the next incremental performance improvements. You mentioned in another thread about reaching a point of diminishing return. In my opinion it begins to take place at the $6k level and up. This is not a slam on the ultra high-end phono preamps, merely an observation based on my knowledge level. As with everything audio, the weakest link is always the deterrent to higher quality sound reproduction. Of course, my opinion plus $3.00 will get you a Big Mac any day of the week.
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Dan STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113 VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A Last edited by jdandy; 09-23-2011 at 03:13 PM. |
#9
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Ok Dan.
I get your point. A 6k table and a 6k phono stage is a well balanced and may be the best solution, cost wise. But now try to ask yourself this question. You just earned a 6k gift certificate, to improve either your TT or your phonostage. You can use this money only for that. What would you upgrade ?
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There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats Albert Schweitzer |
#10
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hi folks
1 TT 2 Arm 3 cart + the very best S/H 3k phonostage you can buy ...the S/H offer is immense The best phonostage of the world will never catch up the information lost by the TT
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Philippe l LP12SE,urika phonostage,radikal power supply, dynavector XV-1s,conrad-johnson GAT and LP275M, Sonus Faber Elipsa,yter/naim/Linn cables, vibex, finite elemente |
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