dasherhalo Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 OK, so I’m trying to figure out the best way to move forward with my turntable upgrade. Here’s the system as is stands: The Engine Room · Electrocompaniet Pre-amp EC 4.7 · Electrocompaniet DAC ECD 1 · Electocompaniet AW180 monoblocks x 2 · Focal Utopia Mini’s · Sennsheiser Momentum heaphones (out of soundcard) Current Sources: · Asus Xonar STX II Soundcard, for PC-based music · Rotel RCD-9658X CD Player · Rega P1 with Ortofon OMB 5E, via NAD PP1 So… yeah. Due to a number of factors, I’m suffering a severe imbalance between my source components and the rest of the system. I’m not worried about my CD stage at the moment – quality CD spinners pop up all the time. What I’m unhappy with is the analogue section, and I’m stuck. Replacement turntable is easy: I’ve got a soft spot for either the Clear Audio Concept, or the Rega RP6 as a starting point. Given I’m in Cairns, and there aren’t any HiFi stores left to hire to set up a turntable properly, I’m (80%) leaning towards the Concept’s proven “out of the box” performance, but either will do. Will run the manufacturer-suggested MM cartridges with either ‘table. Tweaks really aren’t my thing. The next step is the phono pre-amp, and then moving on to the headphone side of things. Here’s where I change my mind 10 times a day: trying to fit in my headphone stage. a. Look for a phono pre-amp with a good headphone amp built-in, or b. Look for a phono pre-amp with dual outputs, and run a dedicated headphone amp off one of the outputs. c. Get a straight phono pre-amp and then run a dedicated headphone amp off one of the tape loops on the EC 4.7 Pre I’d say the speaker side of things is more important to me than the headphones Note here: the Sennheiser’s don’t play well with a lot of headphone amps, and will be replaced when required. Budget – I'm not even looking at anything above $2000, but would like to keep it to around $1500. Some of the items on my shopping list include: The Primare R32. The Rega Aria. Clear Audio Basic +. Something like the Graham Slee Audio Accession has the selectable dual outputs. The Pro-Ject Phono Box RS has XLR and RCA outputs (either/or)- I could use the XLR plugs into the EC pre, and swap the DAC/Pre interconnects from XLR to RCA. Whilst I’m buying new with the turntable, I’m more than happy to purchase the phono pre-amp second hand. Option A probably limits the range, and the quality of the headphone stage. Saves cash Option B limits the range of phono pre's available, without limiting the headphone amp options Options C gives the best range to choose from, but are there any drawbacks of running a dedicated headphone amp out of a tape loop on the EC Pre? Looking for suggestions and opinions please! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheekyboy Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 Hi dasherhalo, If you're not already aware, check out the Slee Loaner Program here which allows you to trial the GSP phono stages and headphone amps in your own system.............no better way really to audition equipment. If you're interested, drop me a PM and we can organise to include you in the Loaner Program. Cheers, Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasherhalo Posted March 4, 2017 Author Share Posted March 4, 2017 Thank you I had certainly considered it. I'll speak to you when the TT is finalised! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris Karlof Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 My suggestion is join a turntable online community like the analog dept.Ask questions and learn as much as you can. Wait, save a few more sheckles then take a weeks holiday in Sydney or Melbourne. Audition audition audition. Listen to some high end gear above your budget so when you find something that hints or reminds you of that high end gear you know you are onto a winner. Quite a few manufacturers like Rega Thorens & Clearaudio offer package deals @ significantly reduced prices. S/H can be both a goldmine and a nightmare. If you know to avoid the pitfalls it can pay off handsomely in far higher performance for your dollar. The simplest solution may be upgrade to Ortofon M series cart as your current cart is the weakest link in your system (like the bronze & you can fit a black replacement stylus as an upgrade when it wears out.) Then find someone competent to add a headphone jack to your Electro pre. Simples! Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wimbo Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 I'd get rid of the Rega P1. They are absolute crap.( My experience). Keep the NAD for the time being and look for a second hand table. Quite a few around of good quality for $1500. Put this topic on the Turntable/ Vinyl Forum as well. Guys on there are always upgrading and a lot of knowledgeable people on there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ophool Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 Just a couple of thoughts, if settled on using manufacturer MM cartridges, the Rega Exact is a doddle to set up with its 3 screw mounting and no adjustment of VTA required on a Rega deck. The Clearaudio MM cartridges are somewhat of a user hazard with their long protruding cantilevers, I know of a few that have caused their owners grief. A dedicated headphone amp should work quite well from the tape out of the pre or from your soundcard. Again if arranging a loan from Keith try one of the GSP headphone amps from your pre and see if there are any issues. The Solo especially is a ripping headphone amp IMO. I would get a decent digital stylus force guage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasherhalo Posted March 7, 2017 Author Share Posted March 7, 2017 (edited) Update: have just managed to score a Plinius Koru phono pre as a trade for something - completely freeing up the cash I'd put aside for the pre-amp. That simplifies my choices somewhat. I'll look at option C. That opens up my TT choices somewhat - now in the $3-4k range Edited March 7, 2017 by dasherhalo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gryffles Posted March 7, 2017 Share Posted March 7, 2017 VPI Scout fits the budget nicely. Purchase your cart from the same dealer and ask them to set up for you before shipping. Then all you have to do is level the TT and place the arm on the spike plug it into the junction box and thats it! I had a VPI Classic 1 and sold it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
expat Posted March 8, 2017 Share Posted March 8, 2017 Rega RP8 on special here http://www.lifestylestore.com.au/rega-rp8-turntable.html $3039 ! Add any cartridge you like at this quality Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
expat Posted March 9, 2017 Share Posted March 9, 2017 Bit of a left field suggestion but this could be very good (1 yr warranty as well!) from HiFiDo. Complete just add cartridge of choice. http://www.hifido.co.jp/KW/G/P/A/E/0-10/S/C17-09453-33953-00/ Postage ~$250-300 a bit steep but... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSchnitzer Posted March 10, 2017 Share Posted March 10, 2017 On 08/03/2017 at 4:58 PM, expat said: Rega RP8 on special here http://www.lifestylestore.com.au/rega-rp8-turntable.html $3039 ! Add any cartridge you like at this quality That's a good price. And tempting for me, as I'm considering a RP8 (or a RP10 at a stretch). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wimbo Posted March 10, 2017 Share Posted March 10, 2017 Mate, have a look at the Michel Orbe for sale in Stereonets Adds. FS: Michell orbe, gert pedersen, transfi, grado Amazing price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wimbo Posted March 10, 2017 Share Posted March 10, 2017 Looks like its gone. Guy was in Melbourne too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 On 07/03/2017 at 6:29 PM, dasherhalo said: Update: have just managed to score a Plinius Koru phono pre as a trade for something - completely freeing up the cash I'd put aside for the pre-amp. That simplifies my choices somewhat. I'll look at option C. That opens up my TT choices somewhat - now in the $3-4k range Just make sure you choose a cart which delivers its best sound at one of the loadings offered by the 'Koru' - which if it's a LOMC are: 47k, 22k, 1k, 470, 220, 100, 47, 22 ohms Regards, Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOPSHELF Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 Good point ^^^^^ I've read good things of this phono but never considered if it was MM or MC.Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelw Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 keep the nad, sell the koru, buy the rp8 and a nice cartridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juicester Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 Personally I'd buy one of the EAT turntables on 30% off from CAV. Like the C-Sharp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammo1981 Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 If you can wait, there are always great turntables coming up for sale on here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eman Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 Only using an OM5 !!? That's base level. How about a Stylus 30 from JICO ffor $60 and if you still want a new TT then you can move it across. I know this is a bit opposite for around here. Start simple. Move from there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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