How good does a TT have to be for a good cartridge


I have often wondered would you get good sound from a really good cartridge on a decent but not super good table. I am not an analog fanatic. I do own two fairly basic modern tables. One is a plain VPI Scout and the other a Music Hall MMF 5. Could I expect great sound from either one with a very high caliber cartridge that might cost lets say $3-5K . Is this an example of not being able to put lipstick on a pig?
mechans

Showing 2 responses by cousinbillyl

I remember going into London Audio while at University. This was 25 years ago. The gentleman in charge was very nice. He knew I was not in a position to buy anything, but he sat me down and put on an album side. At the conclusion of the album he came back in, moved the album to a different table, and I listened to the same album side again. At the conclusion he asked me which I preferred. I told him the first one was easily better. He first told me I was now hooked, and then explained that the first listen was a Linn Basic cartridge on a top of the line Linn Ittok arm, with the second being a top of the line Linn cartridge on the basic arm. He explained that the tonearm is the most important part of the LP chain. The TT was a Heybrook TT2.

Your tables are more then enough. Spend your money on the best arm you can afford. After that a good cartridge is easily upgradable in the future.

The phono Pre now becomes the second most important part of the analogue chain. Tubed is my first recommendation. If you don't want to deal with tubes, go with Tom Evans Groove. This should be at the top of any list.
Salectric, I agree with you 100%, but bringing in a Galbier (Teres, Redpoint, TW Acustic, Saskia, etc.) into the discussion is just unfair. I'm taking my Talea and going home!!.