How to best spend $600 for a vinyl upgrade

default -- Fri, 02/27/2009 - 15:45

Hi -
I'd like to upgrade my starter vinyl kit that I've had for serveral years - I only want to budget $600 (LOL, I know, don't go there).
I currently have a Pro-Ject 1.2, Grado Prestige Red, Parasound P/PH-100 Phone Pre-amp going into a BenchMark DAC-PRE, Adcom amps and Von-Schweikert VR4s.
Should I use my paltry upgrade money to purchase a new turntable, keep my existing turn table but buy a new cartridge, etc. ? I listen to 75% classical and the rest rock 'n roll.

Thanks,
PJ

Robert Harley -- Fri, 02/27/2009 - 16:06

You might consider a turntable isolation platform such as the Ginko Cloud 11 reviewed by Paul Seydor in the current issue (March 09). He thought the Ginko considerably improved the performance of the entry-level 'tables he reviewed in the same issue.

You can make your own turntable isolation system from a partially inflated bicycle tire. I've heard that this techique is effective (although it looks weird).

If you upgrade your LP front-end, I would start with the turntable.

rossop -- Tue, 03/31/2009 - 15:13

Find a better turntable would be my advice. If you cant get anything better for your money save up a bit and get something you really like. This will far and away deliver the most rewarding outcome.
When I got back into vinyl I got a Rega P5 with a TT Power Supply. It was good enough for a couple of years. It enabled me to really get bitten by the analog bug again. It may be an option for you. However, I dont know how it would compare with the machine you have now. I tried to squeeze every bit of performance out of it but in the end I found that to go to that higher level I needed a better 'table.
For me it came down to a new Notingham Hyperspace and a second hand Simon Yorke S7. I chose the latter. Built in 1996 I bought it in May 2007 (I think) and it has performed flawlessly. I tell you this only to let you know that a good 'table like this will last as long as you will.
You could get a better cartridge that would improve the sound of your table I'm sure but a better 'table/arm/cartridge/phonostage would really be the best option. Have fun!

slbenz (not verified) -- Wed, 04/01/2009 - 09:35

Having owned a Pro-Ject 1.2 and the Parasound P/PH-100 like yourself, I upgraded the Parasound with a Jolida JD-9 tube phono preamp and enjoyed the upgrade. But as Rossop mentioned, the best upgrade is also with the table/arm and cartridge as well. My Pro-Ject 1.2 cartridge was upgraded to the Sumiko Pearl and this was a moderate improvement compared to the Jolida upgrade.

curtis3328 -- Tue, 05/05/2009 - 12:24

Here's what I would do: Spend your budget money on a VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine. Instead of fussing around with inner tubes, or trying new cartridges and new tables, just play clean vinyl! A VPI will coast you about $550 for new, less for B-Stock, and then treat your records with Gruv-Glide (about $27) to protect the surface from groove damage. You'll enhance your listening pleasure way beyond all the other tweaks!

Fred the vinyl guy at www.audioclassics.com