• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Modest Analog Setup - Looking for Upgrade Advice

S

skipabeat

New Member
Hello Everyone,

First time posting on AudioKarma, long time lurker...thanks in advance for your time!

long story short I am looking for some upgrade advice.

Currently have a very modest set up:
Music Hall MMF 2.2 Turntable
- Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge (w/ heavier counterweight)
- Music Hall Cork Mat

Yamaha RX-396 Stereo Receiver
Klipsch KG 2.2 Oak Speakers

I recently upgraded the turntable from the stock cartridge to the 2M Red, and am happy with the improvement I've seen. Thing can track pretty much whatever I throw at it and no more IGD, not to mention sound quality improvement.

I've got the itch to make some more upgrades though, and was hoping for suggestions. Really, I'd be open to upgrades directly relating to the turntable or to upgrades that would replace other weak links in my system.

I was looking into an integrated amplifer possibly, but also know that a speed box or acrylic platter may make a bigger difference. Is there a clear weak link in the system in your guys' opinion?

Looking to invest between $300-500, and would really be open to changing up anything in my system.

Thanks again for any help!
 
Register to hide this ad
I'm pretty much a n00b with a modest TT setup myself, but the first thought was if you are using the Yamaha's TT input, consider a pre-amp?

I'm running a Musical Fidelity V90-LPS into my Yamaha, and I think it does a good job at opening up the soundstage.

Good luck!
 
Do you want to upgrade just for the sake of upgrading? Or is there a specific weakness/problem with your current system. If yes, what is it?

But I do think you have decent gear at an affordable price point. I am not sure upgrading a single piece of gear will do much, unless it's part of a longer term upgrade plan.

Have you considered taking that $300-500 and going on a record buying spree? Or buying a record cleaning machine?
 
That is nice for a 'modest' system,
I see the weak link being the amp.
Do you have room for separate pre-power in your budget ?
The Klipsch owners will know what would pair nicely with it.
 
DaverJ is right on with his suggestion. An investment in a high quality wideband phono preamp is the next step. I use a Pro-Ject Phono Box S. What I like about it, besides the excellent sound quality, is that is has switches which allow you to adjust the input impedance, capacitance, and gain. It make it a snap to match your cartridge to your system. Adjustment is via DIP switches on the bottom of the unit. It will also support low output moving coil cartridges should you ever decide to go there. There are others of excellent quality available, but this is the only one I have personal experience with.
 
Does the Yamaha have a phono input? What phono stage are you using?

A dramatic improvement can be had by getting a better phono stage.

Also later on you could get a separate amp and preamp, that's another big step.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions so far guys!

To answer your questions, the yamaha does have a phono input and I have been running my turntable directly into it.

Overall, I am really working to just improve the dynamic soundstage and tighten up the bass a little bit. I've owned both the Yamaha and the Klipsch speakers for quite a while now (over 7 years) so was curious if there was something within my price range that could easily give them a face lift/ warrant them being straight up replaced.

Due to budget, I'm really only able to pump a couple hundred bucks into my system at a time, so definitely open to a sort of step by step plan if you had multiple pieces in mind!

The Project Phono Box seems like a great suggestion, as doesMusic Fidelity V90-LPS. I'll have to look into both of those.
 
Last edited:
Your receiver is of good quality and should sound quite good with a really nice phono preamp. During the timeframe your receiver was manufactured, phono preamps tended to be of inferior quality because the focus was on CD. I really believe your weakest link is the phono preamp or maybe the speakers. For a good soundstage, it is extremely important to have a wideband type phono preamp. I am not familiar with the Klipsch speakers you are referring to. From the looks of them, perhaps some larger speakers would help your bass reproduction - especially at higher volumes. You could upgrade your amplifier, but in order to get an audible difference in power, you would have to upgrade to 100 watts per channel or more. Your current amp has a damping factor of 100 which should provide excellent control in the low frequency region. You may also want to make sure you have good isolation for your turntable. Vibration and/or feedback of sound from the speakers will cause deterioration of the sound from your turntable and is a soundstage killer.
 
Actually my recommendation would be a good record cleaning vaccum machine like the Disc Doctor or the KAB one. Sparkly clean records is a great place to start for improved sound quality. Next up would be a great stand alone phono stage. Then a speaker upgrade.

Regards
Mister Pig
 
A nice stereo amp that has a nice phono stage in it, 70's Sansui maybe?. That's just the direction I would go in if I had that system.
 
You have a nice start!

I agree with the Emotiva phono stage. It is good enough to survive an upgrade to all of your components and it performs well above it's price. Plus, it gives you a moving coil option down the road.

I would not buy all those upgrades for you turntable. With the cost of the upgrades plus your initial outlay, you could take a bigger step up with used.

So speaking of used, if you join AK you can use Barter Town to find great bargain on used equipment.

I had Klipsch KG2's once. I think they would sound nice with a tube amp. You don't need much power for them either. Something to think about longer term.
 
Oh, another thing - if you aren't running a subwoofer in your turntable setup, that might be a good top-of-the-list item. I have a very cheap one hooked in my system that I couldn't dream living without. Especially if your Yamaha has a sub-out.

Vinyl can have some very nice deep bass.
 
Thanks again for all the great suggestions guys!

I actually just picked up a set of Klipsch KG4 Speakers (w/ Bob Crites Titanium Tweeter Diaphragm upgrade) and am thrilled to start messing around with them.

I know that lots of people rave about the sound of the KG4 speakers with tube gear, so figure this would be a pretty good excuse for me to test the water with some tube amplification in the next few months.

Given the upgraded speakers, would your guys' recommendations regarding phono stages remain the same? May as well hold the assumption that I'll be upgrading to tube amplification in the next few months, so not sure if that would change your suggestion.
 
You will be surprised how good the Emotiva XPS-1 is. Get one home for a 30 day home trial. If you're not happy, return it.

I seriously doubt you will return it. :music:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom