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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 rumblestrip

rumblestrip's avatar
rumblestrip
49 posts
 

To actually try and answer the OP's question. Keep your current table for now. If you have a phono preamp that can do Moving Coil, the Hana is a nice option. If not, look to the Sumiko or Nagaoka carts.

That Ortofon Red is your issue, it's not that special, especially for what they charge. The one nice thing you could do, and save yourself a couple of bucks, is just to upgrade the stylus to their Blue or Bronze since the "engine" is the same.
 

 

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