Next step in a turntable upgrade path

Nice inviting room and cool Marantz 8b.

"I'm looking for something better as a base, and with more of an upgrade path."

With that in mind, I'd also include a tube phonostage. Schiit Mani is great for what it is, but you're ready to invest in gear to  hear what the fuss is all about. 

Prepare for an onslaught of sensible and unrelated  responses.

A used VPI can go far, with some research.

Thank you for the suggestion and for the comment on my room/system. I'll take a look at the VPI and the tube phone pre👍🏻

SOTA turntables. Might be out of your price range but you can sometimes find them used. Made in WI.

And Decware phone stage. Made in IL.

I have both and love them.

Also Blue Jean cables. I think made in OR? Not sure but US made.

@dmk_calgary 

BlueJeans cable is in Seattle, WA, been there a few times, great people, IMHO, best budget cable out there.

Thank you, @dmk_calgary and @mswale . They do look pricey, but beautiful. And hunting for a bargain is part of the fun, right? ☮️

With all due respect, almost any table you look at, will be an upgrade from that Music Hall table.  I was a Music Hall dealer and didn't think much of their lower end models.

I would look for a VPI HW-19 Junior or MKIII or MKIV.  These are upgradable and still hold their own.  The new VPI Forever One model is based on this table with new, more modern and current tech, but the older HW-19 is nevertheless a WONDERFUL table.

There is a HW-19 Junior with an Audioquest PT5 arm on USAudiomart at a good price.  You can upgrade the top plate, platter, suspension, feet, etc.  It would be a major upgrade from the MMF-2.1.

I think it would helpful to know what you're looking to spend. You can get a great table for a few thousand.

@rmdmoore You are sort of asking my question in reverse. Thank you for that, and I'm not sure how to answer. I'm not primarily using vinyl as a source,  but I am curious to know what it would take to have better analog input. Nothing in my current 2 systems is a few thousand dollars (although my Marantz 8b is probably worth that -- I got it for free), and I have often heard that good analog is a more expensive venture than decent digital. So I guess seeing that VPI or other tables are going to run in those prices will help me decide when or whether to go that route. I really appreciate your knowledge and @mofimadness your recommendations. ☮️

I've been using one of these for over 10 years.

VPI Industries Classic 2 For Sale | Audiogon

Probably could negotiate the price lower.

The latest gimbal arm is a drop in upgrade, if so inclined.

Put one of these as a later upgrade for speed control. Superior to the VPI speed management product-ADS.

Eclipse Roadrunner – Sota Turntables

With a  proper setup, LOMC and nice pressing , you'll hear 90% of an uber $etup. That's of course assuming appropriate phonostage upgrade also.  

A new base model VPI Classic will be over double the price, but you won't hear 2X sound quality "improvement."

Look for a pre-owned Technics SL1210 or SL1200GR. 

They are good enough to accommodate $2K+ cartridges. 

Thank you for the recommendation @helomech . Do you know about the various MK versions?

@peterf6 Avoid the 1200 Mk.x's and look at the newer 1200GR2.

@noromance, thank you! Your system is beautiful!

Forgetting the "upgrade" path I would look into the discounted MoFi decks.

I've seen the entry level model (new) online in the $800-$1100 range.

This is assuming that this is a comfortable price range for you and that you want a new deck.

DeKay

Thank you @dekay . I have seen that companies offer basic levels and those might be better than the music hall. It's clear that getting to upgradable level is significant pricewise. Happy listening.

mmf is not the worst quality but you can do better for around $800 used.

@peterf6  Thanks. You're too kind.

@noromance, thank you! Your system is beautiful!

In light of what @dekay said, I noticed the Fluance RT85 with an ortofon blue cartridge and a 3-lb acrylic platter. A reviewer swapped in a moving coil and liked it every way. Anyone hear those or have an opinion? Thanks again for all the advice.

No to the Fluance. It's a decent tt but not an upgrade. I had it and it was OK but I was ready to move in on day 2.

Agreed, the Fluance would be a side-step for sure.

Cool, thank you @gano and @mofimadness. ​​I'll keep throwing change in the bank and watch for a VPI or others listed here.