Question What to do first? Stylus of preamp upgrade?

[Feelio]

I have a quite modest setup with an Audio-Technica LPW40WN turntable (with the AT-VM95E cartridge), a Marantz 1050 receiver and a B&W DM 602 speakerset.
When playing vinyl everything sounds quite okay, but the sound could be improved in my opinion. So… I’m looking for an upgrade.

My budget is also modest 😅
I see two options:

Upgrading the stylus to a VM95M, but will this really result in a noticeable sound improvement?

Or… I’m thinking about buying a separate preamp.

Right now I’m using the Marantz built-in preamp. I checked separate preamps like the Fosi Audio Box X5 and the the Ifi Zen Air Phone, which receive good reviews in this price range. But will it overclass the built-in Marantz preamp? I have no idea about that. And what if I look into a slightly higher price range, like the NAD PP2E? Is it worth the extra effort, or should I stick with the built-in Marantz preamp?

What would you suggest? Stylus or preamp? Thanks for your input!

 

[Paul AJ]

What sort of budget do you have is the first thing to have in mind because you could go to any length to get better sound.

 

[Feelio]

The Fosi and Ifi preamps are around 100 euro, so starting from there to let’s say 250 euro max. Thank you.

 

[Al ears]

Source first....
Presume you mean the 95ML stylus so yes, that first.

 

[Feelio]

Source first....
Presume you mean the 95ML stylus so yes, that first.

Yes, that’s the one! Thanks for your suggestion.

If use my full budget, I should be able to buy a new stylus and also a preamp like the Fosi or the Ifi. But the question remains: will those overclass the Marantz built-in preamp or not? What’s your opinion about that?

Also, how can I find that out by myself? I mean without buying it and testing it out of course. Which specs are important to check and compare with both preamps?

 

[Al ears]

Yes, that’s the one! Thanks for your suggestion.

If use my full budget, I should be able to buy a new stylus and also a preamp like the Fosi or the Ifi. But the question remains: will those overclass the Marantz built-in preamp or not? What’s your opinion about that?

Also, how can I find that out by myself? I mean without buying it and testing it out of course. Which specs are important to check and compare with both preamps?

Not heard either but I doubt you will notice any difference as the Marantz phono stages were pretty good. Think you're going to have to spend more to hear any noticeable improvement but that's just a guess.
If you can get one to try before actually buying it then go ahead.
Note the iFi is probably only going to benefit if you see yourself using MC cartridges.
If it's one or the other I would stick with a stylus / cartridge upgrade.

 

[Integralista]

I have a quite modest setup with an Audio-Technica LPW40WN turntable (with the AT-VM95E cartridge), a Marantz 1050 receiver and a B&W DM 602 speakerset.
When playing vinyl everything sounds quite okay, but the sound could be improved in my opinion. So… I’m looking for an upgrade.

My budget is also modest 😅
I see two options:

Upgrading the stylus to a VM95M, but will this really result in a noticeable sound improvement?

Or… I’m thinking about buying a separate preamp.

Right now I’m using the Marantz built-in preamp. I checked separate preamps like the Fosi Audio Box X5 and the the Ifi Zen Air Phone, which receive good reviews in this price range. But will it overclass the built-in Marantz preamp? I have no idea about that. And what if I look into a slightly higher price range, like the NAD PP2E? Is it worth the extra effort, or should I stick with the built-in Marantz preamp?

What would you suggest? Stylus or preamp? Thanks for your input!

Hi, I think you may first upgrade stylus and than think about external phonostage. I just think Marantz 1050 if in good condition (it has some age, 45-50 years), than it shall have very good phonostage inside. In the other hand B&W 602 love amp with "grunt", or power. Longterm upgrade can be trial of some other amp and compare with your Marantz. BR.

 

[Feelio]

Thanks! I’ll upgrade the stylus first.

 

[RJW232]

Fosi Audio Box X5 and the the Ifi Zen Air Phone,

Don't expect miracle from these preamps. I checked out the circuit diagram of the Marantz phono stage and that look pretty good. If I look at the the Fosi PCB, you'll pay a lot for what you don't need. Better spend the money on a better cartridge.

 

[Al ears]

Don't expect miracle from these preamps. I checked out the circuit diagram of the Marantz phono stage and that look pretty good. If I look at the the Fosi PCB, you'll pay a lot for what you don't need. Better spend the money on a better cartridge.

I thought he had decided to do just that.....

 

[Feelio]

Don't expect miracle from these preamps. I checked out the circuit diagram of the Marantz phono stage and that look pretty good. If I look at the the Fosi PCB, you'll pay a lot for what you don't need. Better spend the money on a better cartridge.

Thanks for checking that out! I’ll stick to the Marantz 1050 for now and ordered the AT-VM95ML cartridge. Can’t wait to try it out 😃

 

[Cunninlynguists]

I used to be on here a while back, but I have just recreated an account specifically to reply to this.

The 95ML is a decent cart for the money. I've owned one before.

May I also suggest another "upgrade" - setup of the cartridge.

It is crucial that the setup of the cartridge is absolutely perfect. You will get such a large improvement overall by getting it completely A1 excellent.

I'm sorry if this is teaching your granny how to suck eggs, but if you are not familiar with cartridge setup, watch some youtube videos and spend a good amount of time doing it. Make sure it's absolutely perfect, or start again. This may take you quite some time of you are not experienced, but will absolutely be worth it. This will have such a profound impact on the performance of your turntable.

I have a whole kit dedicated for cartridge setup - this includes a jewelers magnifying glass with built in light, styles electronic scale, protractor for alignment, azimuth checker, and a few other bits.

Sorry if this is obvious and you already do all of the above. But worth pointing out in case it's not.

 

[jamesrfisher]

You have made the right decision. Biggest bang for the buck is a cartridge upgrade.