MC worth the extra money ??

Posted by: Robert1 on 13 October 2015

Hi guys,

For over a year now I am playing my rapidly growing collection of vinyl on an old LP12 (Kore, Geddon & Nagaoka MP300) over StageLine/SN2 with HCDR and really really really love it. Hardly use my HDX anymore....

However, as with the most of us, I have been looking at the next step up and for me that means going the MC route and I will only consider SuperLine. But here's the problem; SuperLine costs € 3.300,-, a proper cartirdge Dynavector XX2 (as advised by my dealer) costs another € 1.400,- and ideally I invest in a better arm or add another HCDR both costing € 2.000,- each.

Now, I am sure most of you will say that I should go for it and that it's a big step up but is it really worth all the extra money (and I know it's all relative ) and having to deal with expensive cartridge exchanges. Or should I move up the Nagaoka ladder and go for the MP500 (with cheap and easy tip exchanges).

Very much look forward to replies from people who made a similar move. Any regrets ?

Thanks,

Robert

Posted on: 13 October 2015 by Steve J

Hi Robert.

Can you give some more info on the spec of your LP12. You say it's an old LP12 but the Kore is a relatively recent upgrade. Do you have the Cirkus bearing? What arm do you use?

The Superline is an excellent phono stage, I use one myself, but it can work out to be expensive, especially if using a SupercapDR which shows the Superline at it's best. If you are considering a new high end phono stage then the Urika works out much cheaper and is nearly, or as good (depending on your point of view), as a Superline/SupercapDR. The Urika is also incorporated into the deck whereas you need two black boxes and extra shelf space with the SL and PS.

IME a MC cart is worth the extra expense and the Kandid is the best VFM cart ATM, after the initial investment.

Steve

Good luck

Posted on: 13 October 2015 by Robert1

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your comments.

My LP12 had the Cirkus upgrade and the arm is a Akito 1.

Urika means Radikal too right ? Just purchased the Armageddon....

Cheers,

Robert

Posted on: 13 October 2015 by Steve J

Yes Robert, but do do receive a good discount when purchased together.

Posted on: 13 October 2015 by Christopher_M

Hi Robert,

I'd not put a MC on an Akito 1.

Rather have a bottom of the range Nagaoka on an Ekos.

Chris

Posted on: 13 October 2015 by Steve J

The basic principle of upgrading the LP12 is to upgrade from inside out with the cart last. I agree with Chris that an arm upgrade should occur before moving to a MM cart.

Posted on: 13 October 2015 by fatcat

Originally Posted by Robert1:

Hi guys,

Robert.

Given at the present time you’re buying and listening too a lot of records, I assume your enjoying doing so with you current equipment. If so, why change it, it’s obviously a nice sounding, well balanced piece of kit.

Plus, if you are set on upgrading, ditch your dealer and listen to Steve and Chris.

Posted on: 14 October 2015 by Robert1

Thanks guys for your comments.

Will this arm upgrade give a boost in sound quality with my current cart as well ? Otherwise the investment will be even bigger than I anticipated.....SuperLine, HCDR, Arm, Cart....

Posted on: 14 October 2015 by al9315

I went through same(ish) thinking years ago - when I had Akito - changed to Ittok and subsequently Ekos - huge improvements !!!

Posted on: 14 October 2015 by Frank Abela

Robert,

Arm first. Think in human terms. If you were the cartridge body and trying to hold a stick in front of you to follow a groove in a football field, you would be pulling a tonearm's bearings located well beyond the football field. The quality of the bearings in the tonearm become all-important to your ability to hold the stick steady and for you to move steadily, and have a direct consequence on the tracing of the groove.

And the Akito 1 was only so-so...

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Posted on: 14 October 2015 by Steve J

Originally Posted by Robert1:

Thanks guys for your comments.

Will this arm upgrade give a boost in sound quality with my current cart as well ? Otherwise the investment will be even bigger than I anticipated.....SuperLine, HCDR, Arm, Cart....

Definitely.