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Buying a new TT today

So I’m pretty hellbent on buying a new TT today! Or should I be?!?!? 
I started off kind of sour on vinyl several years back when I ignorantly bought a cheap TT that had a built in phono stage.... Talk about a disappointment! And a buzz kill for vinyl!
Anyway a year or so later I bought a Project Carbon Debut and it blew my mind!!!!  The step up in most aspects of the TT, carbon fiber tone arm/heavier plinth/much heavier platter/motor and remote position/better cartridge in a Ortofon m2red, along with the fact the it was now running through my Integrated’s Phono Stage was just such a leap in sound that I never expected, that now I’m looking for yet another leap like that again lol
Anyway, with pocket flush with cash and headed to two hi-fi shops I pause....
In my new price range, $2,000 or so, should I be looking for a new TT? Or a new cartridge for the TT I have ?
thoughts.
264win

Showing 2 responses by gasbose

gasbose's avatar
gasbose
82 posts
 
so how did we get here? The OP has a budget of $2K, which sounds fine to me. Now we're talking about 7-10K systems....?

Come on guys -- start your own thread and argue all day about DD vs belt drive and the P10 vs the P8....

Regards!
gasbose's avatar
gasbose
82 posts
 
264win,

With a budget of $2K, you don't really have to choose between upgrading your TT or cartridge - you can have BOTH! I don't have as much experience as others on this group, but here's my experience.

I have a Rega P3; I loved it when I got it, with a Rega Elys 2. When I upgraded to a Dynavector 10X5, the improvement was not subtle!  I've had this  combination for years, and still enjoy it.  Since it's a high-output Moving Coil, it'll work with your Integrated amp.

I think the combination will fit nicely into your budget, and the Rega is scalable enough that it'll support you well when/if you later decide to upgrade your cartridge (though beware, that way madness lies :-)

If you have money left over after trading in your existing TT/Cartridge, you could look at upgrading to a standalone Phone Preamp. I have the Project Tube Box . Again, the improvement was dramatic, not subtle!

Enjoy your quest!






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