Thanks, everyone. I'm using the phonostage that's built into my NAD DAC/preamp, which I imagine may not be able to fully take advantage of a cartridge like the Hana EH. I'm thinking of keeping things simple and just replacing the Ortofon 2M Red with a Sumiko Ranier ($150) to get a warmer, fuller sound. I'd then wait to upgrade TT or anything else until I have a lot more to spend.
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.