Thoughts and Non Thoughts

  The ifi Zen Phono is a phono stage described as "detailed and clean," not to mention "high-end" at a relatively modest price. I paired it with the Denon DL-103 cartridge, a classic conical moving-coil (MC) with a design dating back to the 1960's. The DL-103 is described as warmish, with a rich midrange, dynamic but perhaps lacking extension at the frequency extremes. The ifi Zen Phono and the DL-103 complement each other.  The VPI Scout, a belt-driven turntable with the unipivot JMW-9 arm, lives up to the task of bringing out the dynamics and control from the above combination. The output from the Zen Phono goes to a Cambridge CXA60, which is used as a pre-amp. A Conrad Johnson MV55 power amplifier injects the right amount of tube warmth to the playback.  A pair of LSA2 floorstanders rounds up the system for a full range toe-tapping experience. I also tried the ifi Phono with a MM cart, but it shines best with low output MCs like the DL-103. The other descript...

    Quick answers: 1. The SL1200 and the DV20xl make a good match (compliance, arm weight). 2. Ortofon SH-4 headshell perfect for it. VTF at 2 grams and same anti-skate, arm level. 3. The Jolida JD9 phono stage with gold pin Tungsol 12ax7 gives it that warm analog sound. Impedance at 100 ohms. The DV20xl on the SL1200 is refined, no sibilance, not in-your-face treble but warmish midrange, solid bass, good treble. In other words on the warmer side of neutral. This is perfect for well recorded and good condition vinyl, particularly jazz, light classical, classic rock. For banged-up records, maybe I'll swap it with one of my MM carts.