deniall Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 (edited) So I'm looking at upgrading my system and I have a bit of a dilemma. I need a new cart, phono stage and integrated amp but I don't know where to put the money for most bang for buck. I'm thinking about 2 options. $1k on cart and $1k on phono stage (or thereabouts) and pair with a basic amp such as a NAD 316BEE V2 or Rotel A10 or go with a basic MM cart ($400ish) and blow the full $2k on a better integrated amp and use the built in phono stage. What do you guys think would be the better option and what would you do? Forgot to mention; turntable in both systems would be either Rega P3 or P6. Edited October 9, 2018 by deniall Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cafad Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 What integrated are you upgrading from? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deniall Posted October 9, 2018 Author Share Posted October 9, 2018 1 minute ago, Cafad said: What integrated are you upgrading from? I had a Brio-R which I enjoyed. So either it would be a significant step up with a more basic front end or a downgrade with a more serious front end. Just don't know where the money is better spent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwbasement Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 I would go with secondhand phono and MC cart, there is a ortofon Rohmann for sale from@alain also an Audio Note phono (if still available) from@rossb I have been wanting to buy both both but already spent too much recently on upgrades.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cafad Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 2K should get you an Exposure 2010S2 (cheaper second hand of course) and I believe they are meant to have quite a good phono stage (it is optional though so not all of them will contain one). I can't think of anything in the price range that I would consider a better buy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deniall Posted October 9, 2018 Author Share Posted October 9, 2018 7 minutes ago, Cafad said: 2K should get you an Exposure 2010S2 (cheaper second hand of course) and I believe they are meant to have quite a good phono stage (it is optional though so not all of them will contain one). I can't think of anything in the price range that I would consider a better buy. Thanks for the suggestion. It's possible I can get my hands on a Moon 240i for $2k. What do you think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pulinap Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 Denon DL-S1 (increasingly becoming rare) + Valab LCR phono......you are good to go... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deniall Posted October 9, 2018 Author Share Posted October 9, 2018 Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I have made my decisions regarding what gear I actually want. I guess the question I need answered is which option should I choose? More on cart/phono or more on amp? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshall_SLX Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 My opinion is get a used Rega Elex R, a Rega Fono MC and a new Rega Ania. Should be doable for $2.5k, less if you get a used cart. My take on it is get a used amp and phono and a new cart. Having said that if its not sold that Ortofon quintet blue that was on here 2 weeks ago would be nice if its still available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshall_SLX Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 Reading your OP again i would say stick with the Brio a bit longer, get a new Ania and Fono MC.... $1.5K new... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gryffles Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 1 hour ago, deniall said: Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I have made my decisions regarding what gear I actually want. I guess the question I need answered is which option should I choose? More on cart/phono or more on amp? Cart/phono mate. A better source will make any amp better. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deniall Posted October 9, 2018 Author Share Posted October 9, 2018 10 hours ago, Marshall_SLX said: Reading your OP again i would say stick with the Brio a bit longer, get a new Ania and Fono MC.... $1.5K new... It's sold so not an option unfortunately. All I have now is speakers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vwo60 Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/newcastle/stereo-systems/musical-fidelity-a5-dual-mono-integrated-amplifier/1191538042 Excellent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussievintage Posted October 10, 2018 Share Posted October 10, 2018 13 hours ago, Gryffles said: Cart/phono mate. A better source will make any amp better. That's what I would do as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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