2. analog
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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.

 
jrpnde

Showing 3 responses by jrpnde

jrpnde OP
271 posts
 
My system.....NAD C375BEE integrated amp, PSB Imagine B monitors, 2 powered 10" subs.
The NAD amp has slots to add 2 modules. This is the module I'm using for the phono.....
https://nadelectronics.com/product/pp-375-phono-preamplifier-mdc-module/
I suspect that a stand alone phono preamp would probably perform better than the NAD add on module. But I have no way of comparing the 2 side by side. I listen to almost all types of music with the exception of rap.
Thanks for your reply. Perhaps there are others who have done a comparison with the NAD equipment.

jrpnde OP
271 posts
 
For a stand alone phono preamp I probably would limit my budget to $500. Probably overkill for my current setup but if I upgrade the rest of my gear in the future the phono amp would be the one thing I would stay with.
For that price would I do better getting a new unit or a used one of higher quality for the same price? If going used, I'm not familiar with how much future repairs, etc.phono pres require.

jrpnde OP
271 posts
 
parkie,
Thanks for your recommendations. I did some research into the two phono stages you suggested. I did find a used unit from Graham Slee. It is this......
Graham Slee Reflex Era Gold Phono Stage MM/MC and PSUI Power Supply.
It is a different model than the Era Gold V you mentioned and I'm not familiar with that line of products and if the Reflex and Gold V are that much different in performance. Although I'm using a MM cartridge at this time I may want to try MC in the future.
The used unit I mentioned is $750. That's a bit more than I budgeted but do think it's a fair price? Thanks for the advice from everyone.

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