No, the Pioneer PLX 1000 sounds as good and capable as any TT under $2000! I have one with a Denon 103R mc cartridge. Read Herb Reichert's review in Stereophile (gramophone dreams #4). If you seek a different sonic "flavor" then buy a new cartridge: Hana SL mc ($750) or a Soundmith Carmen mi ($799). Also changing the mat will result in a new sonic "flavor" for not much money! You may want to try a record weight - I use an Audio Technica.
Is it worth upgrading my current turntable setup?
Hello all here is my current system
Pioneer PLX-1000 turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black cartridge
Tokyo Sound PE 100SE phono stage
Aric Audio Unlimited tube preamp
Odyssey Audio Khartago SE amplifier
Divine Acoustics Proxima 3 speakers
Do you think the turntable is holding back the rest of the system? Thanks for any advice!