My elderly Kenwood Model Eleven gave up the ghost last week. It's been replaced with an Arcam A29, which I'm absolutely in love with. I found a deal on a B-stock one nearby and tried it out next to a Marantz 6006 and a Cambridge CXA60 and it beat both by a long way.It's also highlighted just how desperately I'd been in need of a new phono preamp. I'd got used to my CD player sounding so much better than the turntable. I'm having a lot of fun with my record collection at the moment!

The new Music Direct catalog is out, everybody should have one. It features stereo gear but also tons of lp's / cd's for sale. The folks are really nice to and have helped me through some audio issues. It was worth several drives to Chicago to finally figure out what cartridge worked best with my rig, recommended. http://www.theaudiobeat.com/blog/music\_ ... atalog.htmhttps://www.musicdirect.com/Catalogs

My current setup is:Pro-Ject Xpression III (w/speedbox)AT440Mlb stylusNAD 7020Technics CD playerB&W 805 MatrixBeen thinking of upgrading but not sure which component. Any advice?

Redline wrote:Pigeon wrote:My current setup is:Pro-Ject Xpression III (w/speedbox)AT440Mlb stylusNAD 7020Technics CD playerB&W 805 MatrixBeen thinking of upgrading but not sure which component. Any advice?I wouldn't change anything - maybe a better cartridge - and maybe find a pair of used B&W powered sub woofers to put next to the 805's. That would rule.Really? The 805s don't have a ton of low end but with the "loudness" button engaged on the 7020 it's a nice boost when I need it. I keep hearing the 440 is about as good as you can get at the price range..what would you recommend? I'm at that point where...how much difference will a better cartridge make unless I upgrade other stuff, kind of thinking, but if you can make some recommendations, please feel free.Thanks

Pigeon wrote:My current setup is:Pro-Ject Xpression III (w/speedbox)AT440Mlb stylusNAD 7020Technics CD playerB&W 805 MatrixBeen thinking of upgrading but not sure which component. Any advice?I wouldn't change anything - maybe a better cartridge - and maybe find a pair of used B&W powered sub woofers to put next to the 805's. That would rule.

https://www.sumikoaudio.net/en-us/our-b ... point-no-2OR-Grado Platinum Denon DL-103 A little more $$, but you'll notice the difference.EDIT- Ok, my jam is the Goldring G1042 MM cartridge, and they stopped making them. But now I think Goldring is making them again, there's some on eBay...? Maybe more than you want to spend, but it's a great cartridge and really seems to work with my current phono preamp / solid state rig.

I just bought a Technics SL1210 MKII. I had a phono stage but cannot find it, so I need another. I have around 200 to spend. What s good? Cheers!

Yeah, I ll be using an MM cart, likely an AT-something. Thanks for the recommendation!

Nico Adie wrote:I just bought a Technics SL1210 MKII. I had a phono stage but cannot find it, so I need another. I have around 200 to spend. What s good? Cheers!Cheers to the sexy direct drive.I'm assuming you're using a Moving Magnet cartridge, but maybe you aren't.This is a good phono-amp for 200 Bucks American, and if you want to venture in to moving coil territory, you're sorted. That's what my pals from England would say. "Have you sorted it out? Bloody hell, Jay..."MUSICAL FIDELITY - V90-LPS MM/MC Phono Preamp

Total refresh.Rega Planar 1 PlusSonos Connect - streaming to..2x Sonos OneBest sounding setup I ve had and super simple.I most listen to vinyl, but have Apple Music and Bandcamp set up on the Sonos app. I ll likely replace the Sonos Ones with Fives.