Pretty simple question. I know that the RR 2150's phono stages are pretty good, and thus far have been fairly satisfied with its capabilities, paired with my Rega P2. I'm itching however, to do a bit of upgrading, and starting with my cartridge and phono stage seems to me, to be the best way to go about it.

I'm looking at either an Dynavector 10X5 or a Denon D-103 (perhaps even the new Zu D103) I have found my current setup to sound a bit veiled, and lacking in the midrange a bit, as well as a bit too warm for my liking. I'm seeking more detail and resolution, as well as a bit of better soundstage. The cart will obviously take care of some of those issues, but I'm also thinking that the phono stage is a big part of it all.

That said, do any of you use an external dedicated dac/phono stage out of your RR2150, and if so, how would you compare the sound of both set ups ?

Doug

A better cartridge will solve the majority of the issues, with the phono preamp making a much smaller difference.

What cartridge are you using on your P2 at present? The Dynavector 10x5, or something like a Benz Ace should most certainly liven things up quite a bit in the areas you're describing, if you have an entry level cartridge on the Rega.

Currently using the original Rega Elys. The thing about the Denon D-103 is that it's a low output cart, and so is said to need a step up for a weaker amp. Besides, It's not always about the power I'm guessing, as adding a dedicated phono stage will change the sound characteristics all together.

Doug

I really dig the RR2150's phono stage, and that has become even clearer in the past week, since I finally added a tube buffer to my system (picked up a cheap Musical Fidelity X10-D). Trying to effect just the USB, but connecting the buffer to the tape-loop created distortion, so I hooked it up to the pre-out/main-in. It has precisely the right effect on the USB (once the stock tubes were changed; my wife looked up from her computer last night while I had on Terry Riley's In C and said, "This is much more dimensional"). The phono stage, on the other hand, sounds better without it; the bass seems much tighter. Admittedly, these are first impressions; my CD player is currently in for repair, so I won't be able to fully evaluate the buffer until everything's back in place.

It won't. Electronics simply do not have that much impact on sound quality. Cartridges, being electromechanical in nature will have much more impact, much the same that speakers have different sounds.

Both the Zu and the Denon on which it is based are supposed to be excellent. If I recall, that cartridge benefits from a step-up transformer that's matched to the cartridge's high impedance to optimize performance. Stereophile did a review a few months back that sheds more light on this: http://www.stereophile.com/phonocartridges/1207zu/

The Elys, even though it's a bit more expensive, won't even come close to the Denon DL-103, in just about every respect. The Denon should work out fine with the MC head amp in the RR2150, although you *may* be better off with something that has a little more output, either in the 1.0mv (MC) or 2.5mv(MM setting) range.

Personally, I would try the DL-103 and see how you like it. That is one *very* impressive cartridge for the money($200.00) overall. You might have to shim the back of the RB200 with a washer or two, to get the VTA right, though.

Thanks for your input everyone. Been in Virginia/Washington for the past few days, so just got back and am very tired. The wife and I went to see Radiohead at the Nissan Pavillion, which was a total wash out (literally).. We had to leave after about 14 songs from being frozen and soaked.

In any case, That DL-103 really does seem a great deal, and will probably pick one up soon. Thanks !

Doug

Sorry to hear you got caught in the deluge, Sweet Spot.

I just had one more thing to add regarding your original question in light of Tru Blu's mention of his tube buffer.

Changing the phono stage can make a difference in your set up, particularly if you moved to a tube phono stage. You also have the option of tube rolling, which gives you the ability to tweak the sound to your liking.

For example, I'm using the Rolls Bellari VP-129 and am quite happy with it and have experimented with various 12AX7s and equivalents. It is, however, not intended for low output moving coils, so it would liikely force you into a step-up transformer when you get the DL-103.