Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice
- Thread starter Joe Mac
- Start date
BattleFlag
Well-Known Member
Well, I spent the evening getting things set up and diving into the new Studiodeck, Ultratracker, and 110 LP V2 phono stage.
First of all, this is a pretty large upgrade from my long-overdue-for-replacement Numark TTUSB. Going from that with a built-in preamp to this is such a jump that I knew it would sound so much better even before everything had time to be broken in. Man, was I ever right. So much quieter in the deadwax, and everything I played really stood out so much more pronounced to my ears.
I grabbed a few records and played songs from them one last time on my old table to compare: Daft Punk's "Random Access Memories", Radiohead's "In Rainbows", Fiona Apple's "Fetch The Bolt Cutters", and Anderson .Paak's "Malibu". Everything was so much deeper and fuller sounding. Can't wait to spend this Thanksgiving long weekend (Canada!) going through different albums and getting some hours on this new setup.
I'm also going to order some Blue Jeans LC-1s for some better connections, but overall I could not be happier with this setup! Thanks again to all y'all on here for being such a wealth of knowledge, and especially thank you to @AnthonyI for the Ultratracker!
First of all, this is a pretty large upgrade from my long-overdue-for-replacement Numark TTUSB. Going from that with a built-in preamp to this is such a jump that I knew it would sound so much better even before everything had time to be broken in. Man, was I ever right. So much quieter in the deadwax, and everything I played really stood out so much more pronounced to my ears.
I grabbed a few records and played songs from them one last time on my old table to compare: Daft Punk's "Random Access Memories", Radiohead's "In Rainbows", Fiona Apple's "Fetch The Bolt Cutters", and Anderson .Paak's "Malibu". Everything was so much deeper and fuller sounding. Can't wait to spend this Thanksgiving long weekend (Canada!) going through different albums and getting some hours on this new setup.
I'm also going to order some Blue Jeans LC-1s for some better connections, but overall I could not be happier with this setup! Thanks again to all y'all on here for being such a wealth of knowledge, and especially thank you to @AnthonyI for the Ultratracker!
LiamGallaghersBucketHat
Go on, geezer.
I think I've learned quite a bit by browsing this section of the boards over this last year. My goal for the last few years has been to dial in on a particular look and not the best possible sound. After getting my first set of killer speakers, my goal for the coming year is to get the best possible sound. Thanks to all of you for allowing me to educate myself just a tad more.
duke86fan
Well-Known Member
i think the price increase from a 140 dollar to 1,500 dollar turntable did a lot of that effort. i wonder about the possible quality of it with a different cartridge (like how does it change with say a nagaoka or dynavector or audiotechnica cartridge)
BattleFlag
Well-Known Member
I think with this turntable and phono stage, there’s definitely room to go up once I get there. My local dealer has a bunch of Hana, Nagaoka, and Grado carts, and he spoke particularly highly of how many of the Hanas pair well with the MoFi tables.
That said, I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the Ultratracker thus far. The PJ Harvey “To Bring You My Live” reissue is sounding brooding and stellar as I type this. It’s a great and very musical sounding cart.
duke86fan
Well-Known Member
this im actually pretty damn happy about because im thinking of when i get the mofi studiodeck (the ultradeck is just a BIT too much money at almost 2 grand), i will probably add on a hana E or S series cartridge because it seemed like a good fitting.
i might need to get a new preamp though because the schiit mani probably wont have a good enough impedance to do an EL at only being able to do 42K or 42 ohms and hana wanting at least 400
Rip_City
Well-Known Member
Now that I’ve had a few weeks to get acquainted with my system, I’d like to share my experience so far.
System: Pioneer PLX-1000 >> AT VM95ML >> Musical Fidelity LX2-LPS >> Onkyo RT-230 >> Infinity Reference 2000.4
The first thing I noticed upon taking the PLX-1000 out of the box, it felt like it had heft. The build quality is noticeably more solid than my AT-LP120. Most notably, the first time pressing the start/stop button, it was apparent that the PLX-1000 torque is considerably stronger…stopped to full speed took no more than a quarter of a second. On the LP120, the time from stopped to full speed varied by half of a second to as much as a full second; I can see why the LP120 would be avoided by a DJ.
After being familiar and enjoying the AT95e for 2+ years (which looks to be discontinued on the AT website), I would describe it as a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. It certainly wasn’t bad, and the price is ultra-competitive, but it always felt like something was waiting to be unlocked. Moving on to the AT-VM95ML, I would estimate its performance as the same description as before, but replacing the word “queen” in place of “jack.” Soundstage seems improved in all aspects, and vocals in particular seem more pronounced (I’ve noticed this more on singer/songwriter and folk genres). From what I have experienced, these AT styli are not too clinical, but carry a detailed profile nonetheless. Records where I was hearing faint surface noise before seems to have minimized further. I’m willing to run this cart with the 95ML as my go-to stylus for this table, although I am curious about the 95SH at some point. Of course, I'd love to try a Grado when the itch inevitably strikes.
Upgrading the phono in the chain from the LP120 internal phono to the Musical Fidelity LX2-LPS may have been the most substantial improvement, although it’s tough to say when upgrading three parts of the chain at once (TT, cart, phono). I will say that higher frequencies/treble aren’t being rolled off as harshly, which makes various forms of metal far more enjoyable, and brings forward considerable texture to guitar-oriented music. I’m turning it off when it’s not in use, despite the instruction manual stating that you can leave it on even when the table is inactive.
Overall, I am very pleased with my chain as it stands for the time being. Perhaps later, upgrading the amplifier might be my next step. Seeing as I am still in an apartment with not many options to reposition the stereo equipment elsewhere in my room, I’m not in a hurry.
Lastly, as a request for a cable recommendation, I remember @HiFi Guy stating that the included RCA cables in the PLX-1000 box were abysmal in quality. Perhaps I do not understand why that is, but I won’t question it. Any RCAs that would be recommended? It seems that the Blue Jeans LC-1 get a lot of love here. Is it a worthwhile investment for a system like mine in the $900-1200 range, though?
Thank you for taking the time to read!
System: Pioneer PLX-1000 >> AT VM95ML >> Musical Fidelity LX2-LPS >> Onkyo RT-230 >> Infinity Reference 2000.4
The first thing I noticed upon taking the PLX-1000 out of the box, it felt like it had heft. The build quality is noticeably more solid than my AT-LP120. Most notably, the first time pressing the start/stop button, it was apparent that the PLX-1000 torque is considerably stronger…stopped to full speed took no more than a quarter of a second. On the LP120, the time from stopped to full speed varied by half of a second to as much as a full second; I can see why the LP120 would be avoided by a DJ.
After being familiar and enjoying the AT95e for 2+ years (which looks to be discontinued on the AT website), I would describe it as a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. It certainly wasn’t bad, and the price is ultra-competitive, but it always felt like something was waiting to be unlocked. Moving on to the AT-VM95ML, I would estimate its performance as the same description as before, but replacing the word “queen” in place of “jack.” Soundstage seems improved in all aspects, and vocals in particular seem more pronounced (I’ve noticed this more on singer/songwriter and folk genres). From what I have experienced, these AT styli are not too clinical, but carry a detailed profile nonetheless. Records where I was hearing faint surface noise before seems to have minimized further. I’m willing to run this cart with the 95ML as my go-to stylus for this table, although I am curious about the 95SH at some point. Of course, I'd love to try a Grado when the itch inevitably strikes.
Upgrading the phono in the chain from the LP120 internal phono to the Musical Fidelity LX2-LPS may have been the most substantial improvement, although it’s tough to say when upgrading three parts of the chain at once (TT, cart, phono). I will say that higher frequencies/treble aren’t being rolled off as harshly, which makes various forms of metal far more enjoyable, and brings forward considerable texture to guitar-oriented music. I’m turning it off when it’s not in use, despite the instruction manual stating that you can leave it on even when the table is inactive.
Overall, I am very pleased with my chain as it stands for the time being. Perhaps later, upgrading the amplifier might be my next step. Seeing as I am still in an apartment with not many options to reposition the stereo equipment elsewhere in my room, I’m not in a hurry.
Lastly, as a request for a cable recommendation, I remember @HiFi Guy stating that the included RCA cables in the PLX-1000 box were abysmal in quality. Perhaps I do not understand why that is, but I won’t question it. Any RCAs that would be recommended? It seems that the Blue Jeans LC-1 get a lot of love here. Is it a worthwhile investment for a system like mine in the $900-1200 range, though?
Thank you for taking the time to read!
Joe Mac
Well-Known Member
Generally speaking boxed cables with all audio gear are poor. They’re cheap stock parts thrown in to allow “plug in and play” without compromising the profit margin. There is often little thought given to things like shielding which is important with a low level signal like that coming from a tt. As for BJC I haven’t got their RCA’s (I have their speaker cables) but in terms of a balance of quality at a price point the speaker cables that I have are very hard to argue with, you’ll not find anything better at that price and won’t get much better without spending an awful lot more.
Listening with headphones, I could hear some low level buzz/hum with the cables supplied with the Pioneer. I tried Blue Jeans LC-1 cables and was sold. No buzz, no hum. I still use them exclusively.
Hollywood
Well-Known Member
I agree however there's some exceptions to the rule. The X2 comes with audiophile phono cables in the form of the Connect It E RCA to RCA interconnect which retails for $90. These are made of high purity oxygen-free copper (OFC) and have semi-balanced geometry not to mention "dual twisted pair" technology w/ 100% foil shielding which eliminates hum and buzz.
Joe Mac
Well-Known Member
Hollywood
Well-Known Member
But honestly I do see and he a difference with the budget RCA cables that came with the Debut Carbon.You can’t get enough of that marketing language can you
Joe Mac
Well-Known Member
Oh yeah they’ll be better no doubt, I got rid of the crap ones that came with debut early doors. Doesn’t mean there isn’t lashing of bull shit in those descriptions
LiamGallaghersBucketHat
Go on, geezer.
Ok gang. Thoughts on the Yamaha A-S1200?
Melt Face Molly Drop
Well-Known Member
In terms of it being an upgrade from your Marantz 2220b, or what we asking exactly? Context plzzzz
dansomeone
Well-Known Member
Have you considered tube amplification for your Zus? Several members here have high-efficiency speakers by Zu or Klipsch paired with tube amplifiers and love it. Like you, I have a 1970s Japanese SS receiver and Omen DWs, and a tube amp is what I will try next.
For the price of the McIntosh/Yamaha SS integrated amps you have mentioned, you could do a Jolida/Black Ice tube integrated amp and a separate phono stage like the well-regarded Sutherland Insight. That combo just might rock your world.
Black Ice Audio F22 Tube Integrated Amplifier | Galen Carol Audio
Galen Carol Audio's experience offers a complete understanding of high-end audio in general. Our audio store provides qualified consultation &; advice.
Last edited:
LiamGallaghersBucketHat
Go on, geezer.
Sorry. Yes and just in general as an upgrade. I also have a Pioneer SX 680 so I'm sure whatever I buy will be an upgrade to either receiver.
I would like to make that area my next upgrade and save the turntable for last. I'm still very happy with it.
LiamGallaghersBucketHat
Go on, geezer.
I've thought about tubes but didn't really know where to start. One question about the tube integrated. Would I still be able to connect my tape deck?Have you considered tube amplification for your Zus? Several members here have high-efficiency speakers by Zu or Klipsch paired with tube amplifiers and love it. Like you, I have a 1970s Japanese SS receiver and Omen DWs, and a tube amp is what I will try next.
For the price of the McIntosh/Yamaha SS integrated amps you have mentioned, you could do a Jolida/Black Ice tube integrated amp and a separate phono stage like the well-regarded Sutherland Insight. That combo just might rock your world.
Black Ice Audio F22 Tube Integrated Amplifier | Galen Carol Audio
Galen Carol Audio's experience offers a complete understanding of high-end audio in general. Our audio store provides qualified consultation &; advice.www.gcaudio.com
HayesWeighsIn
Well-Known Member
Well, semi-embarrassing revelation here recently:
I found myself unusually sensitive to a lot of sibilance and general top end distortion, and I’m thinking what the heck, maybe my cart isn’t properly aligned, I just put a new stylus on a couple months ago. Nope, it’s bang on with the Geodisc. I’m tracing my signal flow, tried swapping preamps, amidst it all, I suddenly realize there’s an impedance switch on the Schiit Magni headphone amp I have in my system, that’s been on high this entire time. Welp, flip it to low and sure enough, literally everything about the soundstage has improved, and still have plenty of gain on tap even for 250 ohm headphones.
Big improvement across the board, so I pulled out one of my toughest sibilant trackers - Chris Bellman’s recut of Tom Petty’s Echo. I’m generally a fan of Bellman’s aggressive mastering, but on this one he really played with fire on the vocal! Haha. Sure enough aside from a handful of S’s that seemingly can’t be saved no matter what, it’s a joy to listen to.
And in the midst of it all, rediscovered my MoFi StudioPhono pre which is just great - I’d had it in a closet as it was set up on another system at a time when I was bouncing between two apartments.
I guess this is my typically long-winded way of saying, it’s never a bad idea to make sure there isn’t anything you can do with the gear you already have before thinking an upgrade will be the fix!
I found myself unusually sensitive to a lot of sibilance and general top end distortion, and I’m thinking what the heck, maybe my cart isn’t properly aligned, I just put a new stylus on a couple months ago. Nope, it’s bang on with the Geodisc. I’m tracing my signal flow, tried swapping preamps, amidst it all, I suddenly realize there’s an impedance switch on the Schiit Magni headphone amp I have in my system, that’s been on high this entire time. Welp, flip it to low and sure enough, literally everything about the soundstage has improved, and still have plenty of gain on tap even for 250 ohm headphones.
Big improvement across the board, so I pulled out one of my toughest sibilant trackers - Chris Bellman’s recut of Tom Petty’s Echo. I’m generally a fan of Bellman’s aggressive mastering, but on this one he really played with fire on the vocal! Haha. Sure enough aside from a handful of S’s that seemingly can’t be saved no matter what, it’s a joy to listen to.
And in the midst of it all, rediscovered my MoFi StudioPhono pre which is just great - I’d had it in a closet as it was set up on another system at a time when I was bouncing between two apartments.
I guess this is my typically long-winded way of saying, it’s never a bad idea to make sure there isn’t anything you can do with the gear you already have before thinking an upgrade will be the fix!
Splunders
Well-Known Member
Like any integrated, as long as there are enough inputs for any TT, CD, tape, tuner, etc - Yes.