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Turntable upgrade recommendations, please.

Hello,

I am a bit of a newbie, but have have been chasing the "magic" every since I got started on this journey about 2 years ago. My system currently consists of:

Denon dp-47f w/ a Denon 301 mkII cartridge
McIntosh MAC6700
Magnepan 1.6qr

I am interested in upgrading my turntable, assuming that there are real sonic benefits to be had from a new rig at approx. $2500. I have been looking at the usual suspects from VPI, Rega, Pro-ject, etc. 

I am curious to hear if those of you with more experience can tell me how my Denon stacks up against these and if the view will be worth the climb. To my ears, the Denon sounds good, but I am anxious to upgrade if there are significant gains to be heard.

I am also very interested in a McIntosh MT2, but haven't seen any new info or announcements on the release.

Please share your opinions and experiences. 

Thanks in advance!


sdmbdad71
sancho22
106 posts
 
One more vote for VPI - check out AG or Sound Stage direct (no affiliation). I have the Ortofon Cadenza Black on my Prime, but would suggest getting thge Cadenza Bronze as recommended by Harry and Matt Weisfeld of VPI.
sancho22
106 posts
 
Or if you want to stick with vintage the above mentioed Technics may be a good choice
I would also consider (just a few examples for tables and carts)

Kenwood KD-750 (650 is also nice but different plinth)
Pioneer PL-C590 (or other higher end Pioneer tables)
Yamaha PX-3, PX-2 (PX-1 is likely out of budget)
Yamaha GT2000 or 1000 (latter more likely to fit the budget)
Thorens TD 124, 125 MK II
Lenco 75 (modded)
Garrard 301 or 401 (likely higher than your budget)

Vintage MC carts
Supex 900, Fidelity Research FR-1 MK III
Dynavector Karat D23 or 17

MM
Grace F-9L or F-8L

sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 
garylb, thanks for responding. I think the same about the DL301-II. I was considering a DV20x2 as an upgrade. Since you've had both, can you tell me your impressions? What were the differences?
sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 

Thanks, sancho22.

I have been looking at the VPI models. A lot of suggestions have been for the 3D Tonearm, but so far I haven't a rig with the 3D arm that's in budget.

I have found some with the JMW 10.5 though. It is used on the Classic 2, so it must be pretty good. What's the consensus on the JMW 10.5?

russmaleartist's avatar
russmaleartist
52 posts
 
There are a lot of Thoren TD160 Super owners out here, who still value their sound . . . in fact, I am the original owner of mine with a grand Signet XK50 tonearm -- bought back in the 80’s. The turntable, along with upgrades as well as cartridges, has changed (I now have a Soundsmith Aida cartridge) . . . but the Thorens still maintains quite a following of loyal owners, who appreciate good sound when they hear it . . . and are not willing to give it up for just another “pretty face” that whispers promises that somehow are just not kept. What sounded good then . . . still sounds the same now!
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