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Upgrading my beginner setup and not sure how to allocate funds. New cart, table or amp?

Current setup:
Integrated amp: NAD 3020 (has phono stage)
Turntable: AT-PL120 (with stock ATP2 cart) (nb: this is the early non-USB version)
Speakers: Triangle Titus

Hey, all!

I am thinking of doing some upgrading as vinyl has become my primary medium for listening and I am not sure if I should replace my turntable, the cartridge (which hasn't been replaced in 10 yrs) or my amp. I am looking to spend roughly $1500, though could maybe spend more if I stagger my purchases (i.e. buy a new cart now, buy an amp later, etc.).

I am curious where you think I should allocate the $$ to improve my system. New headshell and cart? New table altogether? New integrated amp? Do I start using a phono stage w/ a new amp? I am admittedly not a "tinkerer" and so I am looking for something that won't require a lot of individual upgrades (though I am excited about maybe swapping out carts eventually).

Possible TT: Rega P2 or P3, Technics 1200GR or 1210GR (both Technics stretch the budget a bit)
Possible Preamps: Phonomena II+, something Music Hall? Marantz? New NAD?
Possible carts for AT-PL120: Ortofon 2M Blue? something from Shure?
knotgreen

Showing 1 response by big_greg

big_greg
6,711 posts
 
I haven't heard your integrated or speakers, but unless they are horrible, I would upgrade your turntable.  Most turntables come with a decent cartridge, so you can kill two birds with one stone. 

Right at your price point, I'd take a hard look at the Marantz TT 15S1.  It's very similar to the Clearaudio Emotion, which I own.  It comes with the Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge (which I also own, the wood version) which is a really nice MM cart. 

Another option would be a used Music Hall MMF 5.X or 7.X turntable and a Hana SL cartridge if your integrated will handle MC carts.  If you're happy with the speakers and integrated, that would be a big upgrade. 

Looking at it another way, speakers will change the sound of your system more than any other component.  Making an assumption based on your current speakers that you don't have a large space and you like monitors, you might consider a used pair of Harbeth P3ESR speakers.  You should be able to find them used at your price point.
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