2. analog
  3. 1374590985

Desire upgrade but uncertain where to begin

I have a Project Debut 2 table with a Grado black or red, uncertain. This is currently connected to my Mrantz pm 7200 with internal phono stage. I have a parasound pph-100 that I can hook up but wanted some clarity before I continue. These are output to Cambridge Soundworks Kloss Tower II speakers. Wanted to optimize my analog front end and wanted help deciding if I should move my phono stage to the parasound, and/or get a new cartrige or table. I have entry level budget but just wanted some comments and opinions about best place to start to improve sound. Current set up has narrow sound stage yet warm and detailed. There is an adequate tight bottom end but the top is a bit subdued--cymbals need more detail at the top end. Any comments about alternate analog front end would be great.
mortificatio
manitunc
795 posts
 
Dynavector 17d3 can be found in your price range.Very quick and detailed.
sballs
23 posts
 
Mortificatio,

I think the Dynavector 17d3 is a bit out of the budget of $100 ;). More like $1200... a bit less used. It is however a great cartridge that would satisfy wahat you want in terms of sound.

If you plan on purchasing a new expensive cartridge I would wait until your 2014 upgrades so that you know the cart will mate well with the tonearm and pre-amp you end up using. Take my experience with the 17d3 for example, I didn't realize the carts full potential until I upgraded to a pre-amp that allowed for the proper load settings. I wasted 6 months of the cartridges use getting substantially sub-optimal sound.
manitunc
795 posts
 
the 17d3 is found on ebay for $895 new just about all the time, although not one right now. I dont know where you read a budget of $100, but probably a mistype.
andyprice44
133 posts
 
I would like to suggest the soundsmith boheme for a cartridge within the $1000.00 price range. I owned one for a year or so and it paired with my VPI classic very well. The bass on that cartridge is well defined and tight. Definately worth a look
phduncanson
73 posts
 
If $100 was not a typo, im not sure you will be upgrading your cart - might want to wait. maybe use $100 to tweak it (tt base, feet, mat..). If you meant $1000 - find a goldring Eroica used/new $500 - tight powerful base lots of detail - no harshness. I had one that worked well on a table like yours. i haven't heard the sounsmith carts as price44 suggests but i would bet they do what they say! also for $1000, you may be able to find both a great mc phono pre and mc cart.

don't miss the music,
p
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