Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

bluzuner said:
Hi, thought I'd ask about upgrading my phono preamp...

My main system has an U Turn Pluto in it. I also have a NAD PP-2e in the system in the bedroom. I'd like to replace the Pluto. My equipment goes Audio Technica VM540ML--Music Hall 2.3 SE--Cambridge CXA60--Q Acoustics 3030i.

I don't necessarily dislike the Pluto for what it is, but I feel like it struggles to get a grip on the high-end. As the volume rises, it gets a tad grainy. I do like it more than the NAD, but it does get a little shouty up top. And it's that way with most any cartridge. I use LC-1's for interconnects, so I think I'm safe there. I'm looking to spend $300-500 for this.

I'm looking for a new product, not one used. Although open boxes and demos are fine.

I know the two MoFi's are popular here, and have both gotten great reviews pretty much everywhere. One question I have is what does the step up from the StudioPhono to the UltraPhono get you? Also, I've somewhat interested in the ProJect Tube Box DS. That's moved down to $400 since it's gotten replaced. I'm open to others, also.

Thanks in advance for all your help!
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Adding to @Joe Mac's options, which are all great, there's another Musical Fidelity marked down at Music Direct....
www.musicdirect.com

Musical Fidelity - LX-LPS MM/MC Phono Preamplifier CRYO (Black)

www.musicdirect.com

I actually sold my MoFi Studio Phono for this model on my second system, there was absolutely nothing "wrong" with the StudioPhono, but since it was pretty much an even swap and MF had such great nods I wanted to give it a go. Long story short, love it, has some input options and it really does sing. It's going to boil down to budget and personal preferences, but I gotta say I was really impressed with Musical Fidelity :)
 
AnthonyI said:
Adding to @Joe Mac's options, which are all great, there's another Musical Fidelity marked down at Music Direct....
www.musicdirect.com

Musical Fidelity - LX-LPS MM/MC Phono Preamplifier CRYO (Black)

www.musicdirect.com

I actually sold my MoFi Studio Phono for this model on my second system, there was absolutely nothing "wrong" with the StudioPhono, but since it was pretty much an even swap and MF had such great nods I wanted to give it a go. Long story short, love it, has some input options and it really does sing. It's going to boil down to budget and personal preferences, but I gotta say I was really impressed with Musical Fidelity :)
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I was looking for that one but couldn’t see it, you’re more eagle eyed than me! I wonder what the difference between the LX and the LX 2 is?
 
Joe Mac said:
I was looking for that one but couldn’t see it, you’re more eagle eyed than me! I wonder what the difference between the LX and the LX 2 is?
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I wondered that too. Looking at the specs, it appears the only difference is in the power supply. The LX uses 5V 500mA with a micro USB input, while the LX2 has 12-24V 100mA regulated with a DC jack.

Of course, the Music Direct LX adds the Music Direct CryoAcoustic Treatment...
 
dansomeone said:
I wondered that too. Looking at the specs, it appears the only difference is in the power supply. The LX uses 5V 500mA with a micro USB input, while the LX2 has 12-24V 100mA regulated with a DC jack.

Of course, the Music Direct LX adds the Music Direct CryoAcoustic Treatment...
Click to expand...

Musical fidelity no longer has the LX on their site as current product. My guess is that the LX2 is it’s replacement and the reason the LX’s are so heavily discounted is dealers selling off excess stock.

Edit: the LX is in the “discontinued products” section of their website so this would appear be the case!
 
AnthonyI said:
Adding to @Joe Mac's options, which are all great, there's another Musical Fidelity marked down at Music Direct....
www.musicdirect.com

Musical Fidelity - LX-LPS MM/MC Phono Preamplifier CRYO (Black)

www.musicdirect.com

I actually sold my MoFi Studio Phono for this model on my second system, there was absolutely nothing "wrong" with the StudioPhono, but since it was pretty much an even swap and MF had such great nods I wanted to give it a go. Long story short, love it, has some input options and it really does sing. It's going to boil down to budget and personal preferences, but I gotta say I was really impressed with Musical Fidelity :)
Click to expand...

Interesting, comes with loading plugs. I've never gone down that path, but I'd think it would make the path simpler. I don't have any experience with Musical Fidelity but they're certainly well regarded.

Plus I could pick up all those Dire Straits MoFi's while I'm at it :)

That's Chicago, I'm assuming they are shut down for the time being. But it's not like my preamp is broken, I could wait.
 
Since I'll be getting a stimulus check sometime soon and from what I remember of my econ degree is that I should spend that money and not just throw it into savings (right @mcherry ?) what are price points for solid amps/pre-amps? I love the look of tubes but I'm assuming those are more in the $3K and up range.

Currently my setup is an RT-85, a kenwood surround sound/all in one receiver (craigslist for $25 so it works), and some Klipsch bookshelf speakers.
 
bdm105 said:
Since I'll be getting a stimulus check sometime soon and from what I remember of my econ degree is that I should spend that money and not just throw it into savings (right @mcherry ?) what are price points for solid amps/pre-amps? I love the look of tubes but I'm assuming those are more in the $3K and up range.

Currently my setup is an RT-85, a kenwood surround sound/all in one receiver (craigslist for $25 so it works), and some Klipsch bookshelf speakers.
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There are decent options at most levels but obviously more and better the higher you go. You’re better to work the other way around and set budget and get the best you can within them.
 
bluzuner said:
I know the two MoFi's are popular here, and have both gotten great reviews pretty much everywhere. One question I have is what does the step up from the StudioPhono to the UltraPhono get you?
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Hi @bluzuner,

StudioPhono vs. UltraPhono, the Ultra has a lower noise floor + a Class A headphone amp.

The StudioPhono was my first "real" phono after trying out the built-in phono stage of my HINT 6 (which sounded pretty bad with my Ortofon Red and Ortofon Blue). I haven't compared to other phono stages at a similar price point but I thought it sounded really good and I liked it. The StudioPhono really helped smooth out the sound and got rid of the sibilance. It also improved the sound stage and details in general. It also is really flexible as far as adjustments (they're dip switches) where you can mess with gain and loading.

I also thought it sounded great with my Grado Gold v2 on my Pro-ject Debut Carbon Esprit.

I currently have a Parasound JC3 Jr. (which might be for sale soon) and it was a similar characteristic of improvements where it smoothed things out even more, added even better soundstage and more detail. I've just placed an order for a PS Audio Stellar Phono to compare to my JC3 Jr. after getting suckered into it by watching the interviews with the designer. I need to stop upgrading though. ;)

All in all though, I think the form factor of the StudioPhono is great (it's pretty small) and it sounds great. Also has a mono switch and a subsonic filter (though I never noticed anything with the subsonic filter). If you buy from Crutchfield or Music Direct, they have 60-day in-home trials so I'd recommend giving it a shot.

Hope this helps and good luck with your search!
 
Mather said:
I'VE GOT SOME OPINIONS

get BIS Vivats... VERY NIIICE
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He’s only just met us @Mather at least wait a few months before you have him remortgage his house to buy cables!

bluzuner said:
This is so true and I would hate to be lax in being prepared for it.

I'm not gonna ask about cables tho!
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Blue jean cables are really highly thought of around these parts and are very reasonably priced.
 
Joe Mac said:
He’s only just met us @Mather at least wait a few months before you have him remortgage his house to buy cables!
Click to expand...
I'm... I'm sorry... I try I really do... it's just... that word, it... it triggers something deep within my soul, like some dormant beast just biding it's time and waiting for it's moment to burst forrrrThhH AanNDdDD RrrrrRRRRRAAGH BUY ALL NEW FANCY AC CABLES FOR EVERYTHING THEY MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE RAAAAGGGH

-cough-
I sorry what we talking about?
 
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