Thoughts on upgrading from a novice

[Peter Stockwell]

Solved my mounting problem by buying an SME 309 arm with the 401...just got to find somewhere to put it.

!

Serious money. I loved and hated my 401, the speed would never stabilise, it just kept running faster and faster. I had some work done it by reputed 401 gurus (Martin Bastin, Slatedeck), too. If yours will stabilise, you'll love the really solid presentation that it offers.

I've been through some kit over the years, and today I reckon that the best value is with cottage industry manufacturers, such as Chevron Audio, Angle Audio, Temple Audio, Avondale and probaly many others that i'm unaware of.

In your system, given the sources, it's the line stage and ICs that will make the most difference, when another upgrade is desired.

[Thick_Mike]

I got a great deal

The Garrard runs a little fast for the first ten minutes or so, then it's rock solid after that. I have to rearrange my living room though to accommodate it (it's on the floor at the moment).

What do you mean by line stage?

I must admit the interconnects are low quality affairs...I think I might DIY some as I have yet to convince myself about that whole subject and it's an expensive business if I can't hear any difference with my cloth ears!

[The Grand Wazoo]

A line stage is an input on an amp that isn't a phono stage. A phono stage requires more amplification as well as some equalisation to the RIAA (or similar) standard.

[Thick_Mike]

Thanks Mr Wazoo!