Dom, I just ordered a ZP3 (this time with the Anniversary mods). I had one years ago but sold it to a forum member as I was not really listening to vinyl. Then I bought a PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter which I really like either using it's analog output, or even more so using its excellent ADC to convert to 64DSD and send that via I2S/HDMI to my DAC. It's a very good, clean phono preamp. I actually have two, one sitting on the shelf, just because. (Because I was sold on the ADC to DAC aspect).

I think that the ZP3 is a bit better. . . and the main reason is tube-rolling. I just have gotten so addicted to being able to make big to subtle changes via tube-rolling and the wonderful characteristics of tubes. I wanted to be ahead of the Black Friday surge to the list, and I'm okay waiting three years or so for a ZP3 as I'm very happy with the sound of the PS Audio unit.

That's my experience with phono preamps this century. I had a Hafler for some time in the 'nineties--it was good but not quite the level of those I've had recently. And I grew up with my Dad's Dynaco preamp, last heard in the early 'nineties. . . and a great rich sounding one.

Dom,

FWIW I found my vinyl set up to be the trickiest part of the journey. So many options between TT, arm, cartridges phono preamps and cabling.

So before you take the plunge on another Rega TT and a phono preamp do yourself a favor - do some listening.

First I suggest heading to Audio Connection in Verona NJ. The owner John Rutan and his team excel in TT set ups and are very customer centric. This is where I got hooked on Audio. They have extensive experience with combinations that produce great sound.

Second, set up an appointment to to visit VPI's House in Old Bridge NJ. There you can listen to some of their TT and phono preamp set ups. It will give you a feel for some of their offerings. Matt is a born salesman, so just ignore his hyperbole.

Why? I realize vinyl set ups can be costly and while you're limited to a budget there is always the used equipment approach from reliable sellers. If you want to pursue a VPI TT talk with Steve Leung at Vinyl Audio Science (VAS). Steves business adjoins VPI's production facility neat Old Bridge. He does all of VPI's tonearm wiring, rebuilds cartridges and has a line of his own cartridges. Steve offered me a great deal on an old, NIB VPI Classic TT a couple years ago w/ his top of the line cartridge. He may still have some. I did not pursue one because I just love my Nottingham TT.

Anyway I think the legwork and listening will serve you well., but of course it's your choice. If you plan on a lot of vinyl listening, your choice of TT - tonearm - cartridge combination will provide the foundation. You can always parcel purchases out to fit the budget.

Just my two cents. Best of luck.

HK

Hey Roger,

Thanks for the sound advice.  Ironically I had visited the Audio Connection like 7 years ago when I was looking at turntables.  I believe you may have even told me about them at that time.  

The owner John wasn’t there but I dealt with this old guy Nick.  The listening session started off good…but then he veered off and started trying to sell me amplifiers.  When I told him about Decware….he wasn’t familiar with them.  He then pulled it up online, did a bit of reading, and then started to compare the Decware amp line to the Quicksilver amps.  Music was played thorough a pair of Vandersteens powered by the Quicksilver mono’s.  The sound was very good…and the room was properly treated and dead quiet.  

I guess I need to head back over there and talk with the owner and arrange another listening session.   I wonder if they would entertain me brining a pair of my Pinnacle PN6 bookshelf speakers.  Back in the day they were considered good speakers.  Bringing my own speakers would at least eliminate one variable, since I’m familiar with the sound signature.  

 I will most definitely head over to VPI in Old Bridge to do some listening and speak with the guys there as well.  I know a lot of guys on this forum love VPI, and I would definitely keep them as a top contender.   I’m not locked in to Rega, but I am impressed with the sound I get from their entry level turntable.  I think I would  be better served with a better table as opposed to spending more money on going any further with upgrading what I have.  The lack of vertical tracking force adjustment is a definite dealbreaker.  If my current table had that functionality, I would maybe hold off.  

I totally agree with you that before I take the plunge, it would be best to do some listening.  If only you lived a bit closer, I would hit you up for a listening session.   I’ll keep you posted after I visit VPI and The Audio Connection.

Dom

For what it's worth my ZP3 is the best phono pre I've tried so far. I've gone from the Art DJ (great if you like to eat food wrapped in plastic), a Yaqin MS12, Jolida JD9 and multiple tiny little boxes and receivers over the years. Currently I don't feel the need or desire to look at other phono pre's. The ZP3 gets daily use here. Last night would be an exception, life turned upside down over the past week with BOTH parents in the ICU. I think everything is ok, but it's an enormous stress and last night I just wanted to sink into the chair and away from the world and not have to get up to change sides. Hope this post doesn't ramble incoherently.

My current challenge is do I "need" a CSP or similar between the ZP3 and UFO. Some albums sound perfect, others are very loud without touching the volume. On a normal night I'll have the volume between 1/4 and 1/2, for me going past 1/4 opens things up and then at 1/2 it starts getting louder. Some albums I struggle to listen at 1/4, just too in my face. I've wondered if a pre would tame that.

Lon made an excellent point of being able to control things a bt more with tube rolling. The ZP3 is very responsive to different tubes.

Just like HockessinKid said, vinyl is the trickiest part. Just so many variables from the tip of the stylus all the way to the amp...it can be infuriating at times but when you hit the right setup it's very rewarding.

As for hum, I don't have any currently. I did have a bit when I first got my Cinemag SUT, moving some things around got rid of it. Phono hum is one of the worst experiences and I'm glad I don't have to fight that fight like others have.

Like others have offered, if you're ever near Pittsburgh just reach out and you can stop by for a listen.

Dominick,

Like HockessinKid I've ended up at the Modwright PH 9.0 (mine is the X version) after a long journey through various phono preamps. I've never heard a ZP3 but I have no doubt it's terrific based on owning other Decware equipment. If you're looking for something to tide you over during the very long wait for a ZP3, I can highly recommend the E.A.T E-Glo Petit, which can be had for less than $1K if you're patient. It's close to the Modwright at 1/3 the price used, especially if you spring for some nice 12AX7s.

Vinyl is a process, and it takes some time to reach your goals. It's so worth it!

David