Thoughts About Turntable Upgrades


I hope everyone is having a good Saturday. I'm sitting here listening to CDs because at the moment my digital playback is simply better than my turntable. The Audio Mirror Tubadour DAC that I purchased a few months ago is simply outstanding when paired with my old Cary 308. This leads to my questions/musings about turntable upgrades. 

I got back into vinyl a few years ago and purchased the Rega P3 with a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 preamp as a starter kit. I upgraded the cart to a Denon 301 II, which was big improvement for me. Looking forward, I'm leaning heavily towards a Sota Sapphire. I want a US made table only because I'm interested in having a US based system. The Sota seems like a good fit because I value sound that is more laid-back and I'm looking for a table that will emphasize warmth, soundstage, presence, solidity. That's the best I can offer in verbally describing my goal. I'm frankly looking for something that will top the Tubadour experience! The Rega is good, but after a few albums my ears are a bit exhausted.

Here are my questions:

Do y'all have any thoughts on my leaning towards Sota? Any other recommendations? Is there any reason to start with a new preamp rather than a new turntable? If so, what are your recommendations? 

I'm interested in your responses to these questions, but also any other suggestions as well. Let me have it! 

 

rblondeau

MoFi Ultradeck, master tracker cart and Parasound JC 3 jr pre. I am over the moon with the sound. Solid low end, sweet, great pace, effortless… made in the US. 

After spending untold amounts of time in the attempt to make judgments as to what order to place my three sources in terms of fidelity -- CD/SACD, Phono & Streaming, I've simply lost the jones to carve my order of preference in stone. I possess some truly excellent sounding CDs and SACDs. I've got plenty of lovely sounding vinyl. I can glean killer quality tone via Qobuz. The 21st Century is a good place to feed your HiFi yen.

Thanks for the input, y'all. It's given me some more to chew on and research. I'll definitely check out MoFi and start reading up on phono pre-amps. 

Source quality is important for sure. I absolutely can hear the difference. I do still enjoy used record shopping though! 

Thanks again, y'all. Have a good week!

I’m extremely happy with my VPI Prime 21+ & Soundsmith cart.

US made & excellent customer service.

Other recommendation made USA: Any Basis Audio table from 1400/2001/2000 and up. Used market steal/best value.....