I would like to know if the turntable still makes the biggest difference in a vinyl setup. You know, I've seen a lot of people say that the turntable itself is the most important component in the setup while others claim that the phono stage and cartridge got a bigger say in how the final sound turns out.
Let's say someone is using a good Technics SL-1200GR2 with an Audio-Technica VM540ML cartridge, do you think upgrading the phono stage make a more noticeable difference instead of getting an expensive turntable?
I am also putting into consideration that some of this might be down to what someone likes to upgrade first. You know some would want settings while other would want as much detail as necessary.
So, what is that component that you upgraded in your vinyl record that made a big difference? Was it down to personal choice or what was required to change at the time?
Rusty Messages: 1478 Registered: May 2018 Location: Kansas City Missouri
Illuminati (4th Degree)
If you have the two items mentioned you're really well set. For me it was a turntable that kept the speed constant with no pitch variation. A Technics 1200 MK6 did it for me. I have several MM, an MI and an HOMC and LOMC cartridges. I don't find their subtle differences critical.
I've found for me that a good line stage preamp is more an improvement in the sound than the few phono preamps I've used. And lastly, the loudspeaker is the most important. High sensitivity from this website was the end of my wanderlust.
gofar99 Messages: 2061 Registered: May 2010 Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Your turntable and cartridge should be fine. As for what is next. IMO speakers. They are the next "weak ink" in the system. The stuff in between is certainly important but the two ends of the system are the ones that will most effect the sound. Both are transducers and subject to all the umpteen tolerances that such devices are prone to. Unlike Rusty I do find that cartridges sound different. Ideally they should all reproduce what is on a LP equally.But I don't hear that in reality. The difference in sound between my Dynavector Ruby Karat 23 MR-RS (a low output moving coil) and my Grado Sonata II (a fairly high output moving iron - much like a moving magnet) is substantial. Both are really nice but have what I would call a different flavor. The DV is very articulate and high energy, the Grado more mellow. The gear in between is important and the one that can cause the next most issues is the phono preamp. It needs to be really quiet and follow the RIAA curve accurately. Current line stage and power amps are pretty good now and nearly any of them can cause fewer sonic anomalies that than the phono preamp. One thing I believe to be important is that all the parts must work in synergy. Back to the original question. I would opt for a good turntable first and cartridge second. Mostly because it is easy to upgrade the cartridge but not the turntable.
Wayne Parham Messages: 19107 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
I absolutely love that setup. The SL-1200 has been favorite turntable of mine for a long time. I'm running a Rega now but had an SL-1200 for years and loved it. Similarly, the Audio-Technica AT20 cartridge is one of my favorites too. Still have a couple of those.
Rusty Messages: 1478 Registered: May 2018 Location: Kansas City Missouri
Illuminati (4th Degree)
My LOMC is an Audio Technica OC9 II. And I use a SUT using Cinemag transformers. I can barely see the cantilever and the syli it's so small. It's a fine line styli. It sounds great. But I must say that I prefer my vintage Stanton 981 and 890 with an original stylus better. Different tastes I guess. I don't think for my aging ears that the sound reproduction is vastly different for all the carts I have. A good bakers dozen. Why I penned subtle differences. And lost interest in pursuing any more carts. Especially going the LOMC route which can become way beyond my purchasing power.
Now the one cartridge I have that doesn't seem to make the grade for me though is an MI. A Grado red, Prestige line. I've come to understand that all the Grado Prestige carts, pared down from what it once was, all use the same stylus and styli. Yet they are valued in higher cost from the green to the gold for replacement.
Anyway it's the worst tracker while I have no other problems with the rest of my varied brands of carts. I've heard that the wooden bodies have better styli. And sound.
Posting Rules
Members
Search
Help
Register
Login
Get a T-Shirt!
