Upgrade Suggestions for Turntable/Cartridge/Preamp chain


Getting back into Vinyl from a long hiatus. Enjoying what I have but wondering what to upgrade first if I decide to start tweaking the system.

Current chain is:
Technics SL-3300 Turntable
Audio Technica VM-95ML and Ortofon OM-20 carts (VM-95ML currently in use)
Rega Fono Mini preamp

edit:  I should probably set a budget of $1500 USD to make this more relevant.
avidlistener

Showing 1 response by elliottbnewcombjr

What fun you will have.

I would keep that TT and Tonearm until after other upgrades were complete, it must be fun to use.

I would keep the existing headshell and cartridge and use it specifically for recordings that are 'too wide'. the cartridge is only 23db channel separation, and it's channel balance is 1.5db. It wants tracking at 2.0 grams, a bit more than I prefer, but not heavy by any means.

It would have been best for recordings like these:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/2-wonderful-stereo-lp-s-rescued-by-mono-mode-and-balance

next: an additional headshell that allows azimuth adjustment

https://www.ebay.com/itm/293416434592?hash=item4450fb7ba0:g:fWQAAOSwq4VeXaps

next a MM cartridge with both wider channel separation and tighter channel balance, you will enjoy better imaging for all but the 'too wide' ones. this one sep 30db; bal 1db, also tracks 2.0g.

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm750sh 

next: how are your cartridge/arm alignment skills??? you need a few simple inexpensive tools and some practice.

for ANY TT, proper alignment of a cartridge, especially one with an advanced stylus shape, is more important than the very finest jeweled ...

next: try a different MM phono stage, perhaps tubes. when it comes to phono stage, I avoid 'better' and go for 'preferable'. always have return options. we cannot measure preferable, we just know when we hear it.

for MC cartridges, I am an advocate of finding a wonderful sounding MM phono stage FIRST, and using a separate SUT for MC which needs it's signal strength boosted to use that preferred MM phono stage.