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January 27, 2015 - 3:11pm
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My First Post! Upgrade questions
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Your amplifier and turntable are pretty good
Hi Keith
A bit more information would be helpful around your listening habits (loud, soft), environment (big room, small) and musical tastes.
In the meantime, a few observations:
1. The Jolida and Cayin I think are both about ~$1300 new. I'm not sure the Cayin will be better - you might just trade shortcomings. If you want to explore a new sound, trying different tubes might be more economical and be just as interesting as a new amp. To really upgrade, something like a used Audio Research VSI60 (or VSI55) might be something to budget for, depending on what you can sell the Jolida for.
2. The Ortofon Red is only $99 and a Stereophile Class D cartridge. $719 gets you the Black cartridge, Stereophile Class B. This might be a great investment.
3. A new phono amp would be another option. The Jolida probably has a good phono stage, but you could pick up something like a Musical Fidelity M1VINL new for $1199 and be at Class B. This would also give you flexibility in the future for amplification that doesn't have a built-in phono stage. If you can get the MF used or stretch your budget a bit, you can replace both.
Good luck.
Scott
Suggest that you get some Monoprice 14 gauge speaker wire, which is pure copper. What you have probably is not. Monoprice #2791 is 100 feet for $20.
Also suggest that you get a Musical Fidelity phono preamp;the V90 LPS is only $225 and is very good.
You might also want to consider improving your speakers; the Monitor Audio Silver Series 8 and 6 are both excellent.
For around $225 you can get the Blue cartridge, which is an upgrade from the Red.