[Aman]

Hi guys,

I have posted many times about upgrading my stereo system. I have already decided that I will be restoring my current speakers instead of getting new ones, since I like them more than anything else I've heard.

The setup leaves a bit to be desired. Here are my devices in question:

A Goldring GR1 turntable. It's essentially a Rega P2 with a Goldring Elektra cartridge (I don't like this cartridge at all).

A Pioneer SX-450 amplifier. It does 15W into 8 ohms, which appears to power my speakers just fine (and also fits the recommended ampage of 10-60 watts). I really love the sound of this amp.

I was always hesitant of getting rid of this amp. It is in imaculate condition and it has an incredibly warm sound. Would upgrading my amp to a 25-60 watt unit really make that much of a difference?

The reason I ask is because I could get a fantastic deal on a turntable for the same price I'd be willing to spend on an amp, and it would appear that it would make a bigger impact on sound than an amp upgrade, which could probably just drive the speakers to louder levels (I never turn the amp's volume knob past 9 o'clock to begin with).

I am a bit of a novice at this, so I could be dead wrong. I am essentially asking if I AM wrong or not. The urge to upgrade my cheap turntable is much greater than the urge to upgrade my amp. I feel that if I wanted to get an amp upgrade, that I could go with a B-Stock from AV123 later on a nice SP3 or A-60 or A-120.

If I wanted to get a more pure midrange and better detail/soundstage, would it be wiser to upgrade the turntable or the amplifier?

Thanks so much guys! This forum rules!
-Andrew

[WEEZ]

you can never go wrong upgrading your source, IMHO....

WEEZ

[fredgarvin]

I owned an sx1050 for many years and when I finally upgraded I found that it was a large jump sonically. I had moved into a Marantz sa17.  The Pioneers were good in their day, but the Onix 120 mkII that you mentioned is much better IMO. I am using one now, (better than the Marantz) and the midrange, bass weight, soundstage depth and detail surpass the old Pioneers. If you like the sx amps, I doubt the tube integrated would suit your tastes. I , of course, am only supposing.

[Aman]

Thanks for your quick replies, guys!

Fred, does your post suggest that upgrading the amp would be a better decision, or just that upgrading the amp would make a huge difference sonically?

Basically, it is between a Grado PH1 phono stage, a Grado cartridge, and a SOTA Moon, or an Onix A-120. Don't ask how I am getting it all for that price

Thanks in advance guys! I appreciate all the help!
-Andrew

[fredgarvin]

I think Weez is correct about upgrading your source, I was just relating my own experience with the amps. How much of an upgrade your new TT would be I don't know. Good luck!

[Carlman]

Definitely go for the new turntable and save up for a new amp.  It sounds like you already know the turntable you're looking at is A: a good table you'd like and B: a good value.  

Amps can wait in my opinion... I think there are a lot of good deals on amps out there.  In fact, I'd save a few pennies and see if one of the cheap digital amps would suit your tastes before you commit to spending a lot on a super-nice new one.  Most of the digital gear I've heard seems to lean toward a warmer, tubey sound.  (Not all and it only 'leans')  If you like the digital gear, consider a modification for the analog section and it'll get better... just a thought.

Good luck,
Carl

[Aman]

Thanks for the tips guys!

Now for another question. With this upgrade, would it be worth the upgrade to a better phono stage? I have a Music Hall MMF phono stage. It's okay -- it definitely gets the job done, and better than any of the Rat Shack stages would. However, I am completely aware that there are better units out there. With this turntable upgrade, will it be essential to upgrade the phono stage to something more worthy, like the Grado PH1 phono stage?

Thanks so much guys!
-Andrew

[WEEZ]

The Grado phono-amp is a nice piece. A very natural sound. A good match if you're going with a Grado cartridge. (no surprise). It will support the low output Grado's too if you go that way in the future. I'm a fan of the Grado sound....

The Prestige cable from Grado at $35 per meter would also compliment the PH-1 into your aux. inputs. Nicely made; cheap; and sounds good too.

Let us know what you decide.

WEEZ

[guest1632]

Hi guys,

I have posted many times about upgrading my stereo system. I have already decided that I will be restoring my current speakers instead of getting new ones, since I like them more than anything else I've heard.

The setup leaves a bit to be desired. Here are my devices in question:

A Goldring GR1 turntable. It's essentially a Rega P2 with a Goldring Elektra cartridge (I don't like this cartridge at all).

A Pioneer SX-450 amplifier. It does 15W into 8 ohms, which appears to power my speake ...

I would upgrade the table. Are you just replacing the cartridge or the whole table. Either way, I'd get a new Turntable. If you're happy with the sound of your amp, I would not change it at this point. Once you get the new TT then down the road look in to the new amps out there.

Ray

[Aman]

I decided that I am going to save up for a long time and get a VPI Scout and a Grado Platinum cartridge. There is no point in getting anything less for me, since vinyl is my primary source. I have 3500 records, and getting this system would set me up for life, allowing me to worry about the amplifier and other things.

Yes, it will run me a good 1700 dollars, but I think in the end it'll be worth it.