?TT upgrade from most basic to next step-up / tube


It’s time to try something else or should I say the upgrade bug is start moving around again. After my first try on the most basic plug and play turntable Music Hall 2.1, I have fallen in love with the analog sound. Classical and opera is my favorite type of music.

Currently running Music Hall 2.1 (stock) to Bellari VP 129 phono stage (Telefunken 12AX7) and connect to Minimax preamp (Telefunken 12AU7).

What will be your suggestion on my next step-up on turntable package (I don’t think I can assemble cartridge to arm and to turntable yet)? What will be the sonic benefit for the change? Should I keep the phono stage or should I change my preamp to build-in phono stage with or without tube (so far, have YBA in mind but I like tube over SS)?
Your suggestion is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance ^_^
cibr

Showing 1 response by mechans

The Scout is a good next step up. If you can still get the VPI on sale tables brand new, Music Direct or Audio Advisor has the official lower priced TTs amongst others I assume. You must try it. not a big risk with reslling it if you don't like it. They sell well on the used market. The question is how much will you spend . These were something like $1300 if I recall. No cartridge with that TT. However with a Dynavector cartridge factory installed a few hundred more.The MC cartridge sounds nothing like a MM and you might find it too detailed.Other sonic changes will be very obvious greater dynamics and very little treble roll off.
I know because I own both a MMF-5 Goldring cart and the Scout Dynevector 20X. I think they use a less expensive cartridge now but Dynavector as a rule make good ones.