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?

[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.

[AudioNut]

Originally Posted by cmalak

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

As a counterpoint to my previous post, I've been reading Cyril's posts for a long, long time, and know him to be a true fount of wisdom, as are many others here.

Cyril will not steer you wrong, but even he hasn't heard your system and doesn't know, from personal evaluation, if, or how much, a new phono stage will improve things. Listen to what he has told you, but then try to listen for yourself before you buy.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by AudioNut

As a counterpoint to my previous post, I've been reading Cyril's posts for a long, long time, and know him to be a true fount of wisdom, as are many others here.

Cyril will not steer you wrong, but even he hasn't heard your system and doesn't know, from personal evaluation, if, or how much, a new phono stage will improve things. Listen to what he has told you, but then try to listen for yourself before you buy.

I agree with you a hundred percent Julian. I have not heard his system and have no way of telling if the suggestions I made are true steps up in sonic performance. My logic in suggesting the phono stage as a potential upgrade target first is solely based on my assumption that phono stages embedded in integrated amps will be a "compromised" design in terms of circuit design, parts used, sheilding, shared power supply, etc...so I think I am on safe ground suggesting that there ought to be a sonic improvement going from Don's integrated phono to a stand-alone phono stage. Beyond that, I totally agree that Don should try to seek out and hear the phono stage before buying (unfortunately auditioning phono stages is pretty hard given the dearth of analog set-ups in b&m stores, and auditioning carts is even that much more difficult). But as it pertains to your general principle, hear before you buy *and preferably hear in your own system before you buy," I am in 100% agreement. Each one should let their own ears be the primary decider on purchase decisions

[AudioNut]

Originally Posted by cmalak

My logic in suggesting the phono stage as a potential upgrade target first is solely based on my assumption that phono stages embedded in integrated amps will be a "compromised" design in terms of circuit design, parts used, sheilding, shared power supply, etc...so I think I am on safe ground suggesting that there ought to be a sonic improvement going from Don's integrated phono to a stand-alone phono stage.

I do agree 100% with your assumption about the phono stages in MOST integrated amps (or preamps for that matter) would be compromised designs.

True Cyril, But:

I've owned two integrated amps with "built in" phono stages - An Accuphase and a Rowland - that were truly exceptional.

And, I had a Mark Levinson No. 32 Preamp that had a world-class phono stage.

And, I just assumed that the phono stage built into a Luxman, might be better than average.

On the other hand, I now own a McIntosh MA7000 that has a fairly basic phono stage which was easily bettered by a stand-alone unit.

Good discussion!

[DonBattles]

I'm really leaning towards a SUT first which would prove useful with either the Luxman's built in or another brands stand alone phono stage.

[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 !