04-Oct-2023, 11:24
Hi,
I have a Rega P3 that I upgraded about 7 years ago with a TT PSU, a Groovetracer alloy sub platter with zirconium ball, P6 feet and an Exact cartridge.
The rest of the system is a Devialet 250 with Atom GT1-SE speakers, REL T-Zero subs (stereo), Atacama stands and a Mac mini/Audirvana Studio digital source.
Recently I've been finding that my LPs sound muddy and lifeless compared to the digital source. Not dramatic but enough to put me off playing them. The Exact probably has about 1200 to 1500 hours on it, so I think that's the likely source of the problem. A replacement is about £300.
Wondering if I should move up to an MC (the D250 integrated digital phono stage supports that) - Ania Pro or a lightly used Apheta 2 (£6-800) - my deck is more P6 level than P3, or just wait and get a P8 + Apheta 3 new or ex-dem next year for £2500-2800, selling the P3.
I enjoy playing my LPs and have some nice classic rock first press ones from the 70s in good condition, though mostly I use the digital source for convenience (which does sound superb - typical D250, very clear, open sound stage, well separated instruments, smooth precise bass, very low sound floor). I prefer the classic LPs on Vinyl as that's what they were recorded and balanced for and it just sounds 'right'.
I know I should listen, but time etc..
What would you do?
I have a Rega P3 that I upgraded about 7 years ago with a TT PSU, a Groovetracer alloy sub platter with zirconium ball, P6 feet and an Exact cartridge.
The rest of the system is a Devialet 250 with Atom GT1-SE speakers, REL T-Zero subs (stereo), Atacama stands and a Mac mini/Audirvana Studio digital source.
Recently I've been finding that my LPs sound muddy and lifeless compared to the digital source. Not dramatic but enough to put me off playing them. The Exact probably has about 1200 to 1500 hours on it, so I think that's the likely source of the problem. A replacement is about £300.
Wondering if I should move up to an MC (the D250 integrated digital phono stage supports that) - Ania Pro or a lightly used Apheta 2 (£6-800) - my deck is more P6 level than P3, or just wait and get a P8 + Apheta 3 new or ex-dem next year for £2500-2800, selling the P3.
I enjoy playing my LPs and have some nice classic rock first press ones from the 70s in good condition, though mostly I use the digital source for convenience (which does sound superb - typical D250, very clear, open sound stage, well separated instruments, smooth precise bass, very low sound floor). I prefer the classic LPs on Vinyl as that's what they were recorded and balanced for and it just sounds 'right'.
I know I should listen, but time etc..
What would you do?
Devialet 250 FW 9.0.1 SOLD
Replaced with Naim NSC222 NPX300 and NAP250 NC
Atohm GT SE1, REL stereo Subwoofers. Atacama stands filled with atabites. Granite speaker stand plinths. Mogami speaker cables, Music Works heavy duty power cable.
Quadraspire Acrylic Reference rack
Sources:
1. Mac Mini 2021 M1
- Qobuz/Audirvana Studio/ Audirvana app on iPad (Via Mac mini)
2. Vertere DG-1 with Magneto upgraded to AT VML540ML fine line stylus and Vertere Phono-1
Replaced with Naim NSC222 NPX300 and NAP250 NC
Atohm GT SE1, REL stereo Subwoofers. Atacama stands filled with atabites. Granite speaker stand plinths. Mogami speaker cables, Music Works heavy duty power cable.
Quadraspire Acrylic Reference rack
Sources:
1. Mac Mini 2021 M1
- Qobuz/Audirvana Studio/ Audirvana app on iPad (Via Mac mini)
2. Vertere DG-1 with Magneto upgraded to AT VML540ML fine line stylus and Vertere Phono-1
