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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 millercarbon

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
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.).


Staggered upgrades- great idea! That's how I did it. 

If you do decide to go with the cartridge first then do yourself a favor go check out Soundsmith, listen to Lederman and his fixed coil design. Both because they are super value in a cartridge, and also because they are super long term value in that they can be retipped for a fraction of what everyone else wants. All other cartridges are pretty much consumable items. Only Soundsmith with his retip/rebuild program is one you can consider as long term a component as the turntable and arm.
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