+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 7 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 95

Thread: Frontend upgrade path

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Join Date: May 2010

    Location: Vancouver, Canada

    Posts: 2,166
    I'm Alex.

    Default Frontend upgrade path

    I am currently using Systemdek IIX with Rega RB300 and Denon DL-103 into Denon AU-310 SUT feeding into Emotiva XPS-1 MM phono stage. I am enjoying the sound immensely, but have caught the 'upgraditis' bug and started wondering what can be done to push the sound to the next level?

    I have sort of three options to consider:

    1. Upgrade the cartridge
    2. Upgrade the tonearm
    3. Upgrade the phono stage

    (I am not considering upgrading the turntable, as I like my Systemdek and feel that only a big bucks upgrade would make things better).

    My budget is between $500 - $1,000 (although I could push it a bit north of a grand, if I could be convinced that it is going to make a substantial difference).

    I hasten to add that I am enamoured by the Denon DL-103 sound. I love that overly enthusiastic, hefty, fiery and full bodied presentation. But I am fully aware that it has a lowly conical stylus, which probably means I'm missing some finer details buried deeper in the microgrooves. So I'd be interested in trying different, more sophisticated cartridges, but only if they'd approximate the Denon's savage sound. I'm not interested in delicate, airy, light-as-a-feather refined sound. But I'd be willing to trade some of the wild and reckless Denon features for a more controlled, more detailed presentation. But only up to a point.

    If I stay with Denon, my next option would be replacing Rega RB300 with Jelco, or some other heavier tonearm. Many claim that increasing the tonearm weight should propel DL-103 to new heights, and Jelco seems to fall within my budgetary constraints. Not 100% convinced that it will substantially better the RB300, but I remain open to be convinced otherwise.

    Lastly, the phono stage. I found match made in heaven when I paired Denon DL-103 with Denon AU-310 SUT. They work hand-in-the-glove. So maybe everything upstream from my Emotiva phono is hunky-dory, and maybe by improving the phono I'll gain entry to the next level?

    I did some reading and learned that Jolida JD9 v2 is being praised by many as a good tube phono. When I visited my dealer yesterday asking for Jolida, he pushed back and tried to convince me that such a cheapo tube phono cannot possibly result in quality sound. Instead, he suggested I go with Clearaudio Basic +. Now, it's sometimes hard to tell with salespeople if they're being straight, or if they're pushing some hidden agenda which benefits their commission. Again, I remain open to suggestions.
    Don't you just hate it when you cannot detect where the post ends and a signature line begins?

    Alex.

  2. #2
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: N E Kent

    Posts: 51,624
    I'm Geoff.

    Default

    I actually think your turntable, arm, cartridge and SUT are well matched and you'd need to spend considerably more to obtain a significant improvement.

    I'm not familiar with your phono stage, but I doubt the dealer suggestion of the Clearaudio Basic + would be much of a leg up in quality.

    If you'd like a touch of tube fun without breaking the bank, you could look at the US made Bellari VP130 which offers great value. It's a good sounding unit.

    Some user reviews if you're interested: http://www.audioreview.com/product/a...ri-vp-130.html

    I'd say they sum it up well enough.





    .
    Last edited by walpurgis; 19-02-2018 at 19:16.

  3. #3
    Join Date: May 2010

    Location: Vancouver, Canada

    Posts: 2,166
    I'm Alex.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by walpurgis View Post
    I actually think your turntable, arm, cartridge and SUT are well matched and you'd need to spend considerably more to obtain a significant improvement.

    I'm not familiar with your phono stage, but I doubt the dealer suggestion of the Clearaudio Basic + would be much of a leg up in quality.

    If you'd like a touch of tube fun without breaking the bank, you could look at the US made Bellari VP130 which offers great value. It's a good sounding unit.

    Some user reviews if you're interested: http://www.audioreview.com/product/a...ri-vp-130.html

    I'd say they sum it up well enough.





    .
    Thanks for your thoughtful answer and for a very interesting suggestion, Geoff. Which tubes do you recommend I get to replace the bog Chinese ones shipping with Bellari?

    Also, can I use some kind of rechargeable battery to power it?
    Don't you just hate it when you cannot detect where the post ends and a signature line begins?

    Alex.

  4. #4
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: N E Kent

    Posts: 51,624
    I'm Geoff.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by magiccarpetride View Post
    Thanks for your thoughtful answer and for a very interesting suggestion, Geoff. Which tubes do you recommend I get to replace the bog Chinese ones shipping with Bellari?

    Also, can I use some kind of rechargeable battery to power it?
    I left mine with the standard tube. Didn't see much point in playing around with it as it sounded excellent as it was.

    Same with the standard power supply, I stuck with that as it worked fine. Using batteries could be tricky, I've seen the Bellari's marked 12v DC which would be OK with batteries, but also 15v examples and some with AC inputs. It would depend on which one you tried I guess.

  5. #5
    Join Date: May 2010

    Location: Vancouver, Canada

    Posts: 2,166
    I'm Alex.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by walpurgis View Post
    I left mine with the standard tube. Didn't see much point in playing around with it as it sounded excellent as it was.

    Same with the standard power supply, I stuck with that as it worked fine. Using batteries could be tricky, I've seen the Bellari's marked 12v DC which would be OK with batteries, but also 15v examples and some with AC inputs. It would depend on which one you tried I guess.
    I read somewhere yesterday that it is recommended to let the tubes break in before jumping to conclusions regarding the sound quality. Is that your experience as well?

    I have a linear power supply that could be used to power Bellari. I'll experiment with it once the unit arrives, and will post my findings here.
    Don't you just hate it when you cannot detect where the post ends and a signature line begins?

    Alex.

  6. #6
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: N E Kent

    Posts: 51,624
    I'm Geoff.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by magiccarpetride View Post
    I read somewhere yesterday that it is recommended to let the tubes break in before jumping to conclusions regarding the sound quality. Is that your experience as well?

    I have a linear power supply that could be used to power Bellari. I'll experiment with it once the unit arrives, and will post my findings here.
    I noticed no tube break-in with mine. It sounded fine out of the box and carried on that way.

    A linear power supply could be good. Check whether the Bellari is AC or DC. I've seen both.

    I have a decent phono stage, but the Bellari is the only phono stage I wish I'd kept, It never put a foot wrong and sounded great. The integral headphone amp is OK too, although I hardly used it.

  7. #7
    Join Date: Oct 2012

    Location: The Black Country

    Posts: 6,089
    I'm Alan.

    Default

    First off the Bellari has a fairly low level of gain so you might struggle for level. I've also read that the standard power supply is somewhat lacking.

    Secondly the Jolida is not a tube phono stage, it is an IC based phono with a tube buffer on the end of it. However I have heard it and think it gives a very good sound and if anything has too much gain.
    You can try it with direct MC input as well, not using the SUT, so have a level of choice and sound presentation to experiment with.

    I haven't heard a Clearaudio, if the salesman is so keen to push it can he offer a home trial? That is always best.
    Good luck.
    I love Hendrix for so many reasons. He was so much more than just a blues guitarist - he played damn well any kind of guitar he wanted. In fact I'm not sure if he even played the guitar - he played music. - Stevie Ray Vaughan

  8. #8
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: N E Kent

    Posts: 51,624
    I'm Geoff.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Firebottle View Post
    First off the Bellari has a fairly low level of gain so you might struggle for level. I've also read that the standard power supply is somewhat lacking.
    I owned the identical VP129. The wall wart power supplies are different spec but that's all. I loved the little thing, it sounded unbelievably good at it's price. There were no level issues.

  9. #9
    Join Date: May 2010

    Location: Vancouver, Canada

    Posts: 2,166
    I'm Alex.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Firebottle View Post
    First off the Bellari has a fairly low level of gain so you might struggle for level. I've also read that the standard power supply is somewhat lacking.

    Secondly the Jolida is not a tube phono stage, it is an IC based phono with a tube buffer on the end of it. However I have heard it and think it gives a very good sound and if anything has too much gain.
    You can try it with direct MC input as well, not using the SUT, so have a level of choice and sound presentation to experiment with.

    I haven't heard a Clearaudio, if the salesman is so keen to push it can he offer a home trial? That is always best.
    Good luck.
    So even DL-103 into Denon AU 310 SUT will not be sufficient gain level for Bellari?
    Don't you just hate it when you cannot detect where the post ends and a signature line begins?

    Alex.

  10. #10
    Join Date: Jun 2013

    Location: Gloucestershire, UK

    Posts: 652
    I'm Robert.

    Default

    This is in reference the Jolida JD9 comment. While I enjoy reading comments on all forms of kit including Jolida, I feel an adjustment needs to be noted here - for reader benefit. Some may know my history of Joilda - I have modified many, sold them standard in the past, have copies of the circuits and even asked the Jolida owner direct due to such posts to check I'm not wrong in my view and understanding.

    The Jolida JD9 output stage is active. The output stage is the exact same stage as found in the Jolida JD5T preamplifier which has no opamps / solid state gain stages. It only produces 10dB of gain - it is not a buffer stage. Dropping in 5751 or 5755 valves (with adaptors) will drop the gain a little.

    Quote Originally Posted by Firebottle View Post
    First off the Bellari has a fairly low level of gain so you might struggle for level. I've also read that the standard power supply is somewhat lacking.

    Secondly the Jolida is not a tube phono stage, it is an IC based phono with a tube buffer on the end of it. However I have heard it and think it gives a very good sound and if anything has too much gain.
    You can try it with direct MC input as well, not using the SUT, so have a level of choice and sound presentation to experiment with.

    I haven't heard a Clearaudio, if the salesman is so keen to push it can he offer a home trial? That is always best.
    Good luck.
    Last edited by Open Door; 20-04-2018 at 23:19. Reason: grammar and 1 small addition

+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 7 123 ... LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •