u/SemperFiV12

Keeping things brief -

AT LP-120 (the old one with the built-in phono stage issues - no I haven't physically removed the phono, all is still intact)

From playing records with the built-in phono, to plugging in the iFi Zen Phono 3, I was amazed at how little (hardly any) changes the sound quality changed.

Turned on the subsonic filter (trying to clean and tighten bass), slight change in audio.

I know my bottleneck is the turntable, but I still expected something to change with the upgraded Phono stage. Anyone else have this component and like it? Or are you as underwhelmed as I am right now?

I may be trying to do a lot with a post, have you had the chance to play the same record in the same room with different equipment (keeping environment and source as a constant) -

I'd love to hear notes on differences in the sound people have experienced. (added bonus if the cost associated is disclosed and measured.)

This is probably most applicable to people who upgraded components - but we can begin to understand the interplay between the components that do the work to bring our records to life.

Explain those differences. Could be simple like used better wires, or altogether changed the turntable or something in between.

I have been made aware that different pressings of the same album will sound different, but I want to focus on the muscle moving and deciphering the vinyl.

I am really curious about the quality of the recordings as well as the quality of the pressing (more so for vinyl).

My love for Astral Project (drummer JV + bassist JS combo) live performances is out of this world (pun intended). Just want to know if the vinyl recordings are worth it? Is it better to purchase CD or digital?