Having just upgraded my 1976 Sony TT, which still functions and looks like new with a Shure A15 type 3 cart and sounds amazing, for what it is, with a VPI, I can honestly say that there is no comparison. Over the years technology has advanced so much it leaves the 70s in the dust. I must admit the convenience of the old full automatic TTs had something going for it but the new generation TTs have much improved in sound quality, sound stage, depth, clarity and a general overall presence. All but a few of my old LPs sound like never before. Not knocking the hayday of TT but I'm glad I upgraded cause there is sooo much music on the old LPs that I never heard before.
Turntable Upgrade
I have a Pioneer PL-530 turntable and am the original owner bought in the 70's. The table still functions well and all controls work well. Have installed a few different cartridges over the years and am now using a Grado gold installed about a year ago. I have about 300 LP's and am always on the market to buy more.
While the sound from the table is good I wonder of a table/cartridge upgrade would result in a significant improvement in sound quality? I know that many would say that if "it sounds good to you leave it alone". Good advice but comparing a present setup of TT and cartridge isn't as simple as asking for a trial in home audition as for some other audio components.
In the 70's Pioneer and others made tables that were very "attractive" and performed well for that era. LP's will only sound as good as the quality of their original recording. If I am chasing an upgrade that is, at best, only minimal gains then I would ask the analog experts to give me your thoughts.
While the sound from the table is good I wonder of a table/cartridge upgrade would result in a significant improvement in sound quality? I know that many would say that if "it sounds good to you leave it alone". Good advice but comparing a present setup of TT and cartridge isn't as simple as asking for a trial in home audition as for some other audio components.
In the 70's Pioneer and others made tables that were very "attractive" and performed well for that era. LP's will only sound as good as the quality of their original recording. If I am chasing an upgrade that is, at best, only minimal gains then I would ask the analog experts to give me your thoughts.