Just Snagged Some New Vinyl Gear

[FreddieFerric]

Been looking at the Audio Technica AT 150MLX (MM cart) for quite some time. Everything I've heard and read about this cart suggests that it's going to be a terrific upgrade to my current Shure M97xe. Decided to bite the bullet tonight and order it. Hopefully it gets here in one piece. I think I got a pretty good deal on it from lpgear. http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merc...tegory_Code=A3

Also, have been looking at the Bellari VP-130 preamp for some time too. I don't have too much experience with outboard pre's, so this is a bit of a stretch for me. I think I scored a really good price for this little guy here: http://www.performanceaudio.com/cgi/...oducts_id=4787

Stereophile thought alot about its immediate predecessor the VP-129 so I figured it was worth a listen.

The Marantz PM 8003 integrated that I'm currently using seems to have a pretty decent built in phono stage, but I thought; why not try an outboard tube and see if it's better.

Anyway, I just ordered both the Bellari and the AT tonight, so it'll be a week or so before I can share the results.

BTW, I am waiting for an additional Technics headshell to arrive that I ordered from KAB along with a set of Cardas headshell wires. I've been thinking about sending my 1210 to Kevin at KAB to have the arm rewired with Cardas Litz. After the new 150 and phono stage comes in, I'll make the final call on that.

Anyway, all of this is a big upgrade for me. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will all be worth it.