Originally Posted by
Manicatel
This is quite speculative, but interested in other peoples views.
Currently I have an Orbe/Ekos/Lyra Kleos, into an AR PH5 phono-stage.
Now I really do love this combo. Although I also stream music via Tidal, there's just something about the vinyl front end that does it for me.
However, I 'may' shortly be in a position to spend a bit on my system. So if I decided to upgrade from my Orbe etc set-up, what would people suggest? I've had an LP12 (which is where the Ekos came from), I've heard the Rega rp10 but would not switch to it.
How much would a decent upgrade cost? Something from Avid maybe?
Alternatively, would people suggest sticking with the Orbe but changing the arm ( to an SME V at a guess) or Phono Stage?
All views appreciated!
Hi mate.
My decks a "Gorbe" (A Gyro with all the Orbe bits on it) and when I changed my Michell Technoarm to a SME V something quite special happened.
There's a real magic using the V on the Michell platform, really brings out the best in the deck.
At this level maybe diminishing returns kicks in?
I think you could throw a large chunk of change for a small improvement, my thoughts are to make the best of what you have and stick a V on there.
AC POWER
Hardwired 10kVA balanced mains powering entire system
AMPS
Meridian 557 power Amp (Modded) / PS Audio BHK Preamp (Modded)
SPEAKERS
Wharfedale Evo 4.4
DAC
PS Audio Directstream (Modded)
TURNTABLE
Pro-Ject X8 balanced output via XLR / Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge
PHONOSTAGE
Pro-Ject DS3 B balanced Input (TT and Phonostage powered by Pro-Ject Power box RS2 linear psu)
DIGITAL
OPPO 203 (Modded: Linear PSU, i2s output to Dac) - Roon Endpoint, HDMI input used for all things Streaming/ PS5 /AppleTV ... also good for movies apparently?
MUSIC PLAYBACK
Tweaked AP-Linux based Roon Server into Oppo 203 as Roon endpoint
Ipad Roon Remote.
Apple Music/ YouTube via AppleTV, fed to Dac via Oppo HDMI input/i2s output to Dac.
SPEAKER CABLES
Biwired: Duelund DCA10GA (Bass) Duelund DCA16GA (mid & treble) Duelund 12DCA used as jumpers (On "Blackcat Cable" Chris Sommivigo's advice - yup, even with biwire it sounds better - and it does)
INTERCONNECTS
All Balanced: Ghost+ recording studio XLR cables