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Upgrade from Technics SP25

I currently have a Technics SP25 with ATP-12T arm and Denon DL-103 and a solid, custom plinth. I think this combination punches above its weight class due to really good synergy between arm and cart. It has big tone and tracks really well. However, I am looking for an upgrade that digs a little deeper and extracts more detail.  I was going to purchase a Hana EL cartridge and give that a try. However, now I have a larger budget ($2500) allocated to this upgrade and am trying to determine best course of action: eg, buy an entirely new turntable, upgrade arm and cartridge, stick with just the cartridge upgrade,etc. Any advice is much appreciated. Also, I am currently using the phono stage in my Crayon integrated amp. After experimenting with different phonostages the one in the Crayon just sounded the best .
gotog

Showing 2 responses by pryso

pryso
1,957 posts
 
gotog, this is not to suggest you upgrade your table, Raul and chakster have given good advice.

However if you are not aware I thought you might like knowing more about your table.  Technics offered three SP model tables at different price points.  The top was the SP-10 Mk 2 (initial SP-10 underwent many upgrades), later upgraded to the Mk 3.  Next downward was the SP-15.  This was also a high quality unit with a large heavy platter, fine tune speed adjustment but with onboard power supply.  It was also good enough for studio use as well as consumer applications.  Then came your SP-25.  From my reading that is essentially the motor and electronics from the famed SL-1200 series.  Most parts are interchangeable.  However it was a motor unit only, allowing for selection of separate plinth and tonearm.  As the reputation for the SL-1200s suggests, your SP-25 can punch above its weight.

All this is offered for future reference.  I wouldn't spend $2.5K for a cartridge in your system but there must be many upgrades, including a retip of your Denon.  You didn't say how many hours on yours but the conical stylus will not likely satisfy anyone looking to dig deeper and extract more detail.

Good luck. 
pryso
1,957 posts
 
gotog, chakster has mentioned the SP-20 a few times now.  It may be a fine motor unit, I've never seen one.  But depending on where you live, I believe they are very rare in the US.  Also you don't find the backup such as a service manual at VinylEngine as you will for the SP-10/15/25.

If you do reach a point where you'd like to upgrade your SP-25, then either suggested mods to it or step up to a higher Technics or other quality DD such as Luxman, Kenwood, Denon, JVC, etc.  However know that Denon and JVC can have difficult repair/restoration issues.  But when working all reports are they are fine tables.

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