Audiophiles & record collectors I need your advice, what should I choose ?

Audiophiles & vinyl record album collectors, I need your advice/help
#vinyl #recordcollection #vinylcommunity
Some of my stereo equipment:
Turntables: Rega P8 turntable with Apheta 3 cartridge
Technics SP-15 with a Hana ML cartridge and a Audio-Technica AT33MONO cartridge
Phono Stage: Whest .20
Preamp: Pass Labs X2, Mcintosh C28
Amplifiers: Balanced Audio Technology VK-60 tube amplifier, Marantz model 8B tube amplifier, Phase Linear Dual 500 series two amplifier
Speakers: Kindel PLS-A
SACD player: Sony SCD-XA9000ES
HI-RES Player: Sony HAP-Z1ES
DAC: Luxman DA-06
Reel-to-Reel decks: Revox A700, Tandberg 10XD
Cassette Deck: Nakamichi Dragon
FM Tuners: Mcintosh MR78, Revox B261
Vinyl noise & pop/tick reduction: Sugarcube Sweetvinyl SC-2 Plus real-time, integrated noise removal platform. Removes the sound of pops. ticks and surface noise from vinyl on playback.
To see my top 10 jazz record albums video:
• My top 10 Jazz record ...
My top 10 Jazz Fusion Vinyl Record Albums video:
• My top 10 Jazz Fusion ...
My 2nd top 10 Jazz record albums video:
• My 2nd top 10 Jazz rec...
My top 40 favorite jazz and jazz fusion songs from some of my favorite jazz record albums:
• My top 40 favorite jaz...
To see my music room and system tour and LP, CD SACD tour please click on the following link:
• My music room tour and...
To see a video about my CD, SACD, HI-RES, DAC and DVD-Audio Player:
• My CD, SACD, HI-RES, D...
My Miles Davis Kind Of Blue a comparison between 9 digital sources can be seen by clicking on the following link:
• Miles Davis Kind of Bl...
To see my Miles Davis Sketches of spain album, a LP, SACD, HI Rez, CD Comparison video:
• Miles Davis Sketches o...
To see my best and my favorite Miles Davis album of all time video:
• The best and my favori...
My Dave Brubeck Time Out LP, CD, SACD comparison can be seen by clicking the link below:
• Dave Brubeck Time Out ...
My Herbie Hancock headhunters album LP, CD, SACD, HI REZ comparison can be seen by clicking on the following link:
• Herbie hancock headhun...
My Getz Gilberto album a LP, SACD, HI-RES, CD Comparison can be seen by clicking the link below:
• Getz Gilberto album a ...

[@fnd111]

I have a Grado mono cartridge. It is very good at a reasonable price.

[@Coneman3]

Buy CDs from thrift stores

[@fitterstoke45]

Hi Kenny. With an impressive vinyl collection like yours, I'd definitely veer towards the mono cartridge. Have you considered the Ortofon 2M Mono? It was specially crafted for The Beatles mono box set of ten years or so back and sounds amazing at a comparatively cheap price to the one you mention.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I've heard some great things about the 2M mono and was part of my consideration for sure.

[@robertotorre1914]

Roberto from Italy here, this comment has nothing to do with the video itself. I just wanna thank you (and your wife) for the great human being that you are, I can feel the passion pouring out of your skin and it's contagious!!! loads of love xxxxx

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I showed this comment to my wife and she had a big smile after reading it. Thank you very much for your kindness and awesome comments 😊✌️

[@jmsafree]

I would take a longer view. I would stock pile the cash for replacement styli, repairs or upgrading down the line when a new product strikes you as audio investment worthy. Joe

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Very sensible

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I appreciate your comments Joe ✌️

[@RossHMay]

Hi Kenney. If you are recording your own comps/songs, i would go for the DAT.(i have an old DA30MKVI, in my home studio). on the other hand, having a mono cartridge, on a 2nd turntable, is the bomb. (i have one for all of my vintage Mono lp.s). Tough call Sir. Flip a coin, or a frozen hockey puck. (thats what i do). Cheers

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I have an old Sony DTC-75ES DAT deck, I rarely use it but it's cool to have. Thank you very much for your comments 😊 ✌️

[@charlesf2804]

Hello, Kenny. Keep in mind cartridges or styli may need to be replaced every few years. If you want another cartridge, I'd not spend everything on one. The DAC will be around for longer than the cartridge, and you'd still face replacing a cartridge at some point after buying the DAC; plus, a bad cartridge can damage records. For perspective's sake, I am thinking of replacing my speakers as my last audio purchase. I'm looking to retire next year or start the paperwork at minimum, and I'm unsure I could swing something comparable to replace my current speakers (Mirage M-3si) once retired. What started out as a phono preamp purchase turned into speakers; I've had mine over 31 years and still like them, but technology has advanced since then. I have a short list of speakers which I want to whittle down to 3, then do auditions. I am including practical factors in the process, which I'd recommend you keep in mind as well. My fantasy speaker is on the list (Legacy Focus SE), but its shipping weight of 188 lb each would make for a difficult delivery, plus they may overwhelm my room with their 18Hz bass. I may eliminate them, but not yet. Anyway, I'd suggest thinking long-term as you contemplate your next purchase. Maybe, instead of buying more records, put the KZbin money toward that next purchase, whether DAC or cartridges.

[@LarryHoyt]

Brother Kenny, first, congrats to your wife on her upcoming retirement. Second, since I'm sixty-five, retired from two different jobs for over forty years, live alone, I would take my budget down incrementally. If you have plenty of funds saved up, (around a quarter to a half mil), then I wouldn't worry about it so much at this point in time. If not, you have plenty of extra equipment/multiple albums/etc.etc, that you could sell each month to balance the budget. I have been downsizing myself selling sports memorabilia, other collectables, etc. to make sure I'm feeling comfortable about my financial situation. I think you and your wife will be fine, great video, as folks need to make sure all their ducks are in a row! Peace and love, brother!

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I appreciate you taking the time to post your comments. Thank you very much for your great advice and words of wisdom. God bless and peace.

[@winstonmcgill6667]

Kirmuss record preservation system

[@jeromeburoker1770]

Kenny, I can't give you advice on hi-fi, my only suggestion is what is your ideal, and what is your plan to reach that goal. My fustration is with the quality of the recording itself, every engineer has a different idea of what they want to hear, and their concept, whether or not it jells with mine, can be at odds. Of course the quality of your play-back equipment plays a part, (since in most cases your gear will not be the same gear as each recording's engineer uses to record and mix) as well as the quality of the performance plays a part.

[@richardelliott8352]

The only worthwhile contribution I might make toward answering this man's question is with this typing, to help trigger his KZbin financial algorithms . I build my system using the weak link strategy, and that concept might be applied to the decision up for discussion, . But I must acknowledge that my suggestion doesn't work well here, because it only fits my happiness , and obviously this man likes diversity . the weak link system is not about diversity, but it does focus the resources only towards striving for better, not different, sound. I reason that a man with such a pile of records favors diversity far too much for such a hair shirt plan. in my world, I would sell any preamp that doesn't have a mono button , a mono circuit in the amplification is fine with me, use some of the money to fit a supatrac blackbird tonearm on the better table and stop running two, cutting your cartridge replacement expenses in half right there. you'll get used to it. Perhaps in retirement your wife could start her own KZbin channel , where she attempts to curate your record collection, people really enjoy vicarious violence and conflict. .

[@markkirby8872]

I am pretty much in the same boat ... either a dac or a new cartridge..... here is my thoughts of the situation....buy a new Dac.... sell the old one and save a little more and buy the cartridge

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Great advice 👍 ...if I decide to get a DAC I'll have to see how well it sounds

[@johnmoreno96]

Simple answer get the mono cartridge if you have enough mono records to listen to say 100 or more to justify the purchase. If not get the DAC good luck on your purchase, let us know…✌

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I appreciate your opinion, thank you very much ✌️

[@blandondwyer4360]

Thanks!

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I sincerely appreciate your super thanks, thank you very much 😊 ✌️

[@markdecker2112]

I have the Denafrips Ares DAC (not the anniversary edition) and highly recommend it. If you already have a mono cartridge you like, I would agree with your DAC upgrade position.

[@DustinDonohue]

I will jump on your post to agree. I had one too and since kenny is a vinyl guy mainly it may provide the more analog sound. If you want pure digital clarity and want to save some money the SMSL D300 is a DAC my buddy has and it is very good as well.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

A cartridge only lasts about 500 to 1000 hours depending on the cut with average usage that is only a couple of hours per day for a year before it’s worn out. I have recently retired so only use a MM a Linn Adikt in my main Linn turntable. Replacement stylus cost about £350. I use this for my proper listening and I think it’s very good. I also have a second Linn turntable this time with the Linn K9 cartridge which excepts all of Audio Technicas ATVM95 stylus. I have a EN at £100 that I use for background music or not critical listening. I also use a C stylus for older worn records at £30. Finally in my main set up I have a Rega P3 with Audio Technicas AT610mono cartridge for my 60’s mono records. Replacement stylus for this are £50. I then have what I call my lazy turntable which is another Linn on a table right next to my chair. My other turntables are wall mounted. I use this one which has another Linn K9 cartridge so I can swap stylus back and forth for when my arthritis flares up so I don’t need to get up and down out my chair. I bought all these while I was working and I forward planed for my retirement so that I could still afford to keep my styli pristine to protect my valuable records. I have had more expensive MC cartridges in the past but they are disposable items that need replacing and I am very happy with my MM now. I think you are making a mistake spending your disposable income on new hardware now you are retiring if you are genuinely happy with the sound you are getting from your existing setup. I am happy with mine so I can concentrate on my records and CD collecting.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much for sharing your great turntable setups and I appreciate your comments and opinions 😊 ✌️

[@billashline142]

My recommendation, Kenny, would be to get a Miyajima Labs mono, particularly if you can get one used. They come up from time to time on Audiogon and other sites. The Premium Be would be right up your alley. I use the Zero myself. Good luck with it all.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much I appreciate your suggestions ✌️

[@stankatic8182]

Kenny , those were the days in the 70s when you could purchase lps for $4.99 . Wish today's lps had those hype stickers instead of the sobering prices we now pay !

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I agree...those were the days 😊

[@williammcgoldrick1196]

advice from a scotsman. put asmall amount aside for repairs to your wonderful music boxes william mcgoldrick best wishes

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

A I appreciate your wise advice 😊, thank you very much.

[@anthonyburke223]

Ur a good man Kenny .I would save the 1K or buy a mono cartridge Because you will need a new cartridge sooner than you think .

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I appreciate that, thank you very much 😊 ✌️

[@gonzaljevic]

What's your phono stage? You say it very fast on the video. Ty and continue making these videos.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

It's a Whest .20 phono stage. It can be seen in the following video: kzbin.infog4sIQO5HuD8?si=fHBdFwd48m7qOb-R

[@brianlewis5042]

Congrats on your wife’s retirement. I am going to keep this simple. Kenny whatever path you choose, you already know that God will make a way for you to continuously enjoy this hobby and your passion for music. Keep the faith and who knows… you will probably be able to get both.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

My brother I sincerely appreciate your inspiration words and comments, thank you very much 😊 ✌️

[@localnut1]

Before I bought the Ares II a couple of years ago, I rarely listened to CDs, Kenny. It was like giving a second life to my CD collection. It also improved the sound of music that’s streamed through the Sonos Port. Denafrips also periodically issues firmware upgrades for the DAC.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much for your comments and info 👏 👍

[@NESTOR0420]

Definitely the cartridge!

[@charlesaronica3293]

I also have a large used collection. I recently purchased a Sweet Vinyl Mini Sugar Cube for about $1500. It removes pop and clicks form your older records. It is one of the best investments I have made.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I have the Sugarcube SC-2 Plus and it's an amazing unit.

[@charlesaronica3293]

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews Awesome you should do a video on it!

[@brianbillings6815]

This is an intriguing device! First I've heard of it and would love to have a video on it.

[@brianbillings6815]

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews I second the idea of a video about this unit!

[@brianbillings6815]

I'd suggest the DAC; however, I'd take a look at the Audio Rose DACs which with your budget and the money from selling your current DAC should cover the difference. I believe there's only so much you can upgrade a MONO cartridge and have been really happy with my Audio-Technica cartridges.

[@techrider2088]

Mono cartridge if you have many older mono LPs. Or upgrade the tonearm cable or wiring.

[@chelillingworth9466]

I've just been buying a lot less record lately and I think it's made me enjoy my record collection a lot more because I'm revisiting great albums and digging into albums with multiple listenings much more often.

[@doodahdavesrecords4319]

Kenny u the best dude!

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much 😊 ✌️

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

It really depends on how often you listen to the CD medium. Your record collection is massive 😊. I considered the Aries ll but went with the Denefrips Pontus ll 12th anniversary instead. My og DAC was internal to my integrated and I've been gobsmacked how much I'm enjoying my CD collection now. Another bonus is less wear on my stylus too. Good luck 🤞 and happy listening 🎶. Greg

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much Greg, I appreciate your comments ✌️

[@heavenlyglory5502]

Kenny, look at DAC-Z8 for under $1000, Video review - Better than a $9000 DAC? A HiFi DAC Review of the Eversolo Z8 -

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I appreciate your suggestion ✌️

[@Brighamdoc]

I listen to so much streaming and CDs that the DAC would be where I would invest my money... but... I have an Ortofon Black LVB, so I greatly emphasize my cartridges.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I have a Rega Apheta 3 stereo cartridge and a Hana ML stereo cartridge so I that I should consider a mono cartridge but a stereo cartridge was part of my consideration.

[@michaelmuncy3593]

I've heard great reviews on the DAC you have now - that said, you're right, the industry is constantly improving. Consider looking at how often you listen to CDs as opposed to how often you listen to mono LPs. If you have a mono cartridge that "sounds great", but you're not quite "there" with your DAC, then it sounds like a new DAC may be your direction. I have an Ares II hooked up to a Luxman D-03X player and the sound is great. That said, I've been eyeballing the Denefrips VENUS II 12TH-1 due to my never ending attempt to make my CD's sound analog. If you're looking for a warmer sound you may also want to consider a tube DAC. It's a never ending chase for that elusive "perfect sound". Good luck!

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

You are correct on it being a elusive chase. Thank you very much for your comments ✌️

[@alitabbal9529]

Hi Kenny, it depends how many mono records you actually listen to (not just own) I would go for the HANA SL mono, I have a HANA SL stereo and when this one needs to be changed I will buy another one, it is that good, you will need probably $2000 to get something really better, keep up the good work!

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much my friend for those comments, much appreciated 😊 ✌️

[@harrylewis8349]

I would first try to see if the ares is really an upgrade on your current DAC. A couple of years ago I saved a little bit longer and got the next one in the Denafrips line the Pontus II as most reviews at the time felt that it was a significant upgrade from the ares. Based on your videos you seem to have way more CDs and SACDs than mono LPs so upgrading the dac might have more overall use. Also upgrading the dac can allow you to play the SACDs as a DSD. Also you might be streaming more now since the LP budget will be less and an upgraded DAC would help with that. I really enjoy your videos!

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I appreciate your awesome comments and advice, thanks very much for watching my video ✌️

[@patrickguice]

Hey, good morning Kenny hope all is well as far as my decision being a probably 50+ year audiophile in about 45 years in the game of owning gear I would say being you already got a mono cartridge and considering that mostly everything today musically is digital, I would upgrade your DAC.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Great advice, thank you very much 😊 👍

[@doodahdavesrecords4319]

Kenny I want to do a video on spiritual music that is inspirational and uplifting I will tag you you inspired me to do it as you did one on spiritual jazz right? I forgot the cats name but he had done many albums in that genre

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Pharoah Sanders "Karma" album is a great one 👌

[@doodahdavesrecords4319]

I guess the DAC I don’t have one and am jealous you have a choice! lol

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much for posting your comment 😊

[@doodahdavesrecords4319]

Congrats on wife’s retirement!bkessings

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much 😊

[@Audiojunkabus]

"Hey Kenny, my two cents: Consider room treatment or a real record cleaning machine (if you need / don't have ). Neither is a subtle difference compared to the gear modifications mentioned-it's a much wiser return on investment, in my humble opinion. These investments won't become outdated and will last a lifetime. Cleaning records properly as does proper room sound treartment makes a huge difference. Or, hold the $1k until a box set or four come out, and you'll have the extra money! Enjoy, I'm sure you will love whatever you choose."

[@chelillingworth9466]

I think those walls of records are pretty good room treatment I don't even know where he'd put room treatment up in that room. Otherwise excellent advice! As is the advice of even the inexpensive record doctor six cleaning machine

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Im fine with the record cleaning routine that I have but I greatly appreciate your suggestions 😊