Improving Your Analog Front-End

Time to let the cat out of the bag! What analog piece of gear do you have your heart set upon?

  • Phono Cartridge

    Votes: 13 40.6%

  • Tonearm

    Votes: 4 12.5%

  • Turntable

    Votes: 2 6.3%

  • Phono section

    Votes: 9 28.1%

  • Turntable base

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Phono cable

    Votes: 1 3.1%

  • Other

    Votes: 3 9.4%
  • Total voters
    32
madfloyd said:
Would love to know what you think of the XV-1t coming from the XV-1s.
Click to expand...

Will definitely report back. I have had an XV-1s for around 4 years and loved it. Time for an upgrade and from what I'm being told, the XV-1t is a substantial upgrade. I'm taking the plunge so I should have a good comparison for everyone between the two. I should be getting the XV-1t in the next 7-10 days so stay tuned.....
 
philb7777 said:
Will definitely report back. I have had an XV-1s for around 4 years and loved it. Time for an upgrade and from what I'm being told, the XV-1t is a substantial upgrade. I'm taking the plunge so I should have a good comparison for everyone between the two. I should be getting the XV-1t in the next 7-10 days so stay tuned.....
Click to expand...

I never had a 1s, but I do have a 1t on my Graham Phantom Elite. It is a fantastic cart. It does everything well.
 
I am replacing my Dynavector 20X2L with the Lyra Etna. The Etna is due soon. #22 I believe.
 
Next will be a VPI 3D printed tonearm wand to use on my 12.6. The 12.6 tube will be relegated to mono duty via a yet-to-be-purchased mono cart.

John
 
I did recently buy a new mono cart to bring that playback to the next level. I should have it by week's end. 1 of 4 on the planet !
 
Loop4fun said:
I am replacing my Dynavector 20X2L with the Lyra Etna. The Etna is due soon. #22 I believe.
Click to expand...

Unless you are buying used I would be surprised you would have #22. Go mine 3 weeks ago after a 6 month wait and it's #199. You will love it BTW.
 
Yes like most cartridges, hours 10 through 30 are usually the worst. Some, like the ZYX or especially the Proteus take a bit longer to fully flesh out.

The first sign the Atlas is getting there is when the frequency extremes start to expand. Then the cartridge's dynamics and speed enter the picture. The cartridge's noise floor and spatial recreation is stunning.
 
RedSectorA said:
Unless you are buying used I would be surprised you would have #22. Go mine 3 weeks ago after a 6 month wait and it's #199. You will love it BTW.
Click to expand...

Dan, I reread the email from his distributor to my dealer and it was number #22 "on the list"... not serial number. I'm really looking forward to receiving this cartridge. It will have been a long 6 or 7 month wait.

Thanks!
 
XV-1t scheduled to arrive Friday. I should have preliminary things to report by the end of the weekend. Then a week or so thereafter and after adequate break-in, more to report.
 
Nothing, I'm good until something breaks down or one of the cartridges has reached max time which is a very long time from now.
 
i'm quite satisfied with my front end, never thought id hear myself say that. BUT, if I found myself in moment of weakness (a recurring theme in audiophiledom) id spring for a previously-loved basis debut and keep the rest the same.
 
asindc said:
I'd be interested to read your comparison of the Io to other phone pres you've had.
Click to expand...

I would love to hear a run down of strengths and weaknesses of all the phono stages !
 
Last edited:
Debating between a Lyra Kleos and a Ortofon Cadenza Bronze. I have recently had my Benz Ebony H retipped (just the diamond) at Soundsmith and it sounds great through the VAC pre MM section. My old LOMC (Denon 103D and Lyra Dorian) sound interesting with the VAC Divinyl SUT, but do not reach the level the system is cable of IMO. Time to upgrade.
Rick
 
Drrsutliff said:
Debating between a Lyra Kleos and a Ortofon Cadenza Bronze. I have recently had my Benz Ebony H retipped (just the diamond) at Soundsmith and it sounds great through the VAC pre MM section. My old LOMC (Denon 103D and Lyra Dorian) sound interesting with the VAC Divinyl SUT, but do not reach the level the system is cable of IMO. Time to upgrade.
Rick
Click to expand...

I've owned both. Tough call. Cadenza bronze is warm sounding. Kleos is very neutral and dynamic. Pick which is best for your system synergy. Can't go wrong with either.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top