An upgrade or sideways move??
am currently running an Elite Rock MK2/OL Encounter 3C combo. However for the last few days I have been looking longingly at the Michel Orbe in the classifieds.
The one thing I need to clear up before I take my thought process any further is, would the Orbe with my Encounter 3C be a significant upgrade to my Rock, or merely a sideways move?
I have been very lucky over the past 2 years with my seat of the pants (fook it, just do it) decisions to buy various bits of kit on a whim, each time getting a significant lift in SQ (to my ears anyway). Now, however I am at a level where genuine (lowish cost) upgrades are hard to come by so would appreciate some input from others.
There is nothing really wrong with my current TT or the SQ, but then again I thought my OL Aurora Gold MK2 was superb until I heard the Rock. So if the Orbe can provide 'more' at what I consider to be a reasonable outlay then I will investigate things further.
Money may not make me happy.
But it helps me afford the kind of misery I prefer.
SYSTEM 1:
Analogue.
Brinkmann Bardo / 12" OL Enterprise Mk4 / Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum /BigBottle mk3 /MFA Baby Reference Pre/Nord One UP SE NC500M/Martin Logan Summit
Digital.
Docet Lector CDP-7TL mkiii/Pimped Bluesound Node2 + BOTW SBooster Lps/ Pimped Mk1 Jolida Fx Glass DAC.
Wires etc.
Audioplan Musicable ICs & TQ Black ll SC, assorted branded kettle leads.
Target TT shelf & Alphason 5 shelf rack.
Power Inspired AG1500S mains regen.
SYSTEM 2: Back to the 80s.
Garrard 401, RB250, A&R P77Mg / Mk1 Marantz CD63 SE / Sony TC-FX150 / Sansui T500L / Cambridge Audio C50 + 2x A50 as bridged monos (mid 80s Stan Curtis's design) / or KEF 104ab/ Original 80s Monster Cable IC, DNM SC / Target 5 shelf rack.
SPARE KIT:
A&R E77Mg
Ortofon 2M Silver + Blue stylus
Philips CD600
Arcam Alpha 8P
Pro-Ject DacBox S FL
CCA
FiiO Taishan
Heybrook HB1 S2
Q Acoustics 3050