@aasteven111
I was in a very similar position as you, and also decided on a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon for exactly the same reasons.
I immediately replaced the Ortofon Red with a Grado Red, and soon after purchased the acrylic platter. Both were/are good improvements, but also cost $300 +/-. So, $675 +/- overall invested afterwards (bought the Debut as an open box). Still, not a bad ‘starter’ setup all things considered.
In my case, I needed a phono pre, so again, for cost and not sure if returning to vinyl would stick, bought a Schiit Mani. Great pre for the money, but now thinking of an upgrade, or purchase a linear power supply for the Mani.....but believe an overall upgrade would be money better spent.
Well, as you, I have probably purchased almost as many new (used) albums in a short period as I had total during the 60-70’s before moving to digital in the 80’s. Seriously. The return of vinyl in my system is here to stay long term. So, now I think had I realized that, I may have been better off buying a VPI Scout, or similar. But, it’s OK, it’s all part of the journey, it took a small investment to begin thinking of a larger one, and I now have a much better idea of what may be important in taking that step.
So, right now, I’m now thinking of a tube phono stage next, but really, probably won’t put more money into that table, including another cartridge, as I think the table itself is becoming the ‘weak link’. Thus, I will make any further decisions with another table in mind first. Another table/arm may make a cartridge upgrade/decision now an ill advised move. I have no big issues with the Grado in my current set-up. And I’m also keeping that in mind with a new phono pre as well.
It became clear to me rather quickly, that to have a really nice vinyl set-up takes a lot of cash. I just have not figured out how much I’m ultimately willing to invest. But the amount is more than I’ve already spent, for sure. Regardless, I’m enjoying the journey.
I was in a very similar position as you, and also decided on a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon for exactly the same reasons.
I immediately replaced the Ortofon Red with a Grado Red, and soon after purchased the acrylic platter. Both were/are good improvements, but also cost $300 +/-. So, $675 +/- overall invested afterwards (bought the Debut as an open box). Still, not a bad ‘starter’ setup all things considered.
In my case, I needed a phono pre, so again, for cost and not sure if returning to vinyl would stick, bought a Schiit Mani. Great pre for the money, but now thinking of an upgrade, or purchase a linear power supply for the Mani.....but believe an overall upgrade would be money better spent.
Well, as you, I have probably purchased almost as many new (used) albums in a short period as I had total during the 60-70’s before moving to digital in the 80’s. Seriously. The return of vinyl in my system is here to stay long term. So, now I think had I realized that, I may have been better off buying a VPI Scout, or similar. But, it’s OK, it’s all part of the journey, it took a small investment to begin thinking of a larger one, and I now have a much better idea of what may be important in taking that step.
So, right now, I’m now thinking of a tube phono stage next, but really, probably won’t put more money into that table, including another cartridge, as I think the table itself is becoming the ‘weak link’. Thus, I will make any further decisions with another table in mind first. Another table/arm may make a cartridge upgrade/decision now an ill advised move. I have no big issues with the Grado in my current set-up. And I’m also keeping that in mind with a new phono pre as well.
It became clear to me rather quickly, that to have a really nice vinyl set-up takes a lot of cash. I just have not figured out how much I’m ultimately willing to invest. But the amount is more than I’ve already spent, for sure. Regardless, I’m enjoying the journey.