Next step in a turntable upgrade path


Dear vinyl snobs (in a good way😄), I want to keep my eyes open for an upgrade from my Music Hall mmf-2.1 with a Grado cartridge. Still keeping the price low as I don't have a huge collection (or budget). I'm looking for something better as a base, and with more of an upgrade path. Vintage is great by me, but also open to new tech. Thanks for your support! Peter 

peterf6

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.