2. analog
  3. 186984-140726

Does a record player make that much of a difference??

Question for all you Audionerds - in your experience, how much of a difference does one record player make over the next compared with the differences that a cartridge, phone pre-amp, and separate head amp make in the signal chain?

Reason I ask: I just upgraded from a MM cart to a MC cart (Dynavector 20x2-low output). Huge difference - the Dynavector sounds much more alive and detailed compared with the MM. I find my current record player (a Marantz TT16) to be a real pain to work with - I have to manually move the belt on the motor hub to change speeds, and the arm is not very adjustable or easy to do so. But, aside from that, it's not terrible. How much of a difference can I really expect if I upgrade to a better record spinner vs the change I heard from upgrading to a better cart? 

My next acquisition is a separate head amp to feed the phono stage.

Thanks for all your insights!

Josh

joshindc

Showing 5 responses by eryoung2k

eryoung2k
87 posts
 

Well i love my setup, Mofi Studiodeck that is dialed in, Outlaw Audio RR2160MKll integrated amp, Pair of Pioneer CS99-A, Pair of Dahli Zensor, Outlaw Audio Powered Subwoofer for 4.1 Sound. Ordered AudioQuest Golden Gate cables from Amazon that was absolute junk! major hum to the phono stage. Returned those and used the Mofi cables that came with the MoFi. Dead Quiet!  My system sounds Amazing to me and my wife and friends. That is all that matters to me.   I think people tinker to much.  But hey to each there own! I mainly listen for classic rock LP's from the 60's and 70's mostly, some 80's (Queensryche, warning and Rage for Order 1st pressings). Coming from a ATLP 120usb. Best upgrade for me was the MoFi deck. Giving the Audio Technica 120 to my niece who is using a Crosly LOL

eryoung2k
87 posts
 

@noromance ,

using the Studiotracker that came with it, I also have a AT540ML that I had on the ATLP120 (took that off and put back on the AT95E that i'm giving my neice)  haven't put the 540ML on to see how that sounds on it yet because i'm so happy with the sound of Studiotracker. I got everything dialed in. 

eryoung2k
87 posts
 

Well I wil be able to tell you by the end of the week. I ordered a Mofi Ultradeck (should be here this Thursday). Coming from a ATLP120 USB, I did "upgrade" the platter mat to a Acrylic and stylus and cartridge to a ATML540 on the Audio Technica TT, the Anti skate never worked on it. I have a Outlaw Audio RR2160MKll for receiver and Dahli Zensor speakers with a Outlaw Audio Subwoofer. You can play frisbee with the AT platter, it's so light. I did order a set of AudioQuest Golden Gate cables for the Mofi deck. I have Champaign ears on a beer budget.

eryoung2k
87 posts
 

dogberry i agree, some people try to make you feel inferior if you don't have a 10K or more system. 

eryoung2k
87 posts
 

Well my Mofi Deck came today, got it all hooked up and I can 100% say that it sounds So much Better than my ATLP120usb!! Night and day, I have listened to The Doors Alive She Cried (1st pressing) and Led Zeppelin lll (1st pressing) and I swear I heard things i’ve never heard before. Just fuller sound. Just Amazing!  Incredible build quality as well!  Will break it in better Friday and Saturday night with some proper beverages (I will be careful!!!)

More to discover