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New TT vs Cartridge/isolation upgrade

Hi all,

I'm contemplating an upgrade to my Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon turntable.  Goal is to achieve a warmer sound with better imaging and soundstaging.  I'm considering two options, both of which would cost me about $600:

1:  Keep the RPM 1, replace the stock Ortofon 2M Red cartridge with Hana EH and add an isolation platform that would allow me to better level the turntable.

2:  Sell the RPM 1 and replace with a stock Pro-Ject Debut Pro, which ships with a Sumiko Ranier cartridge.  The Debut Pro has adjustable feet, which would make the isolation platform less vital (either TT will sit on a pretty solid wooden credenza).

Any thoughts on which path is best?  Basically the question is whether upgrading the RPM 1 or moving to a Debut Pro will yield better sound.   

 

lousyreeds1

Showing 1 response by cd318

cd318
2,636 posts
 

Whoever introduced the fixed headshell might have saved themselves some money but they didn't do anyone else any favours.

Another classic case of manufacturers selling folks short whilst telling them it was for their own good.

If you must upgrade then Option 1 seems better to me.

All turntables benefit from better isolation - some of them incredibly so.

Especially when as you say, "either TT will sit on a pretty solid wooden credenza".

If that doesn't satisfy you then you'll need to save up for something substantially better.

Decks such as the Technics SL1200GR or Rega 8 will also benefit from an improved isolation platform.

The best form of turntable isolation is probably another question altogether possibly involving the use of accerometers and stethoscopes.

 

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