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Turntable help, please!

I'm at a turntable fork-in-the-road - any advice appreciated. 

I'm looking to add vinyl (mostly my older albums, average condition, that have been stored for 20 years or so) to my system (Primaluna EVO integrated, Schitt DAC, Fritz speakers, Cambridge CD transport).  I've got a Denon DP-30L from the 80s that works fine with an old, probably inexpensive Grado cartridge (no model identifiers, silver body, black front).  Should I clean it up and use it (thinking cable replacement, motor service) or head into the brave new world of contemporary tables?  If keeping, should I replace the cartridge, and what would be appropriate to match the table?  I'd like to stay MM or high-output MC

In current gear, I'd appreciate recommendations for a new turntable.  A quick look indicates a lot of nice equipment in the $1500 range that would seem to suit the overall level of my system, though I could be persuaded to up the budget for clear improvement.  Used is fine.
Thanks for any advice!
philiptamarkin

Showing 1 response by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,767 posts
 
That's a nice old TT,  I like the stop and auto lift feature.

I vote for

1. a new MM cartridge, advanced stylus (microline, shibata, sas) and

2. cartridge alignment tools and skills (watch a friend, learn to do it yourself) (needed for any cartridge, more important for advanced stylus shapes) Good enough inexpensive tools and on-line videos show how to do it.

3. proper cleaning of your old records. I finally learned how, makes a huge difference. I clean mine manually, batches of 10, see photo of my setup in my LP listing

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133671183930

4. keep Denon DP-30L

a. change the cartridge

b. listen.

c. IF IT AIN"T BROKE don't fix it.

d. If handy, I would try some of the DIY things, probably not all.

Elliott
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