Vinyl System Upgrade Path Recommendations

designtaylor,

You reaped A Lot of good suggestions, advice and recommendations.

You sound Happy with your system. No need to go down the  "Rabbit Hole"

Take your time before your make this Leap. SOURCE is # 1.

Source means records. Take care of your source.

DIY ultrasonic record cleaner for $200.00 is a steal, your best buy and investment. Will make your source the best it can be. Look up Rushton's thread on cleaning. Develop Your regime and USE IT. Make it a Habit.

First upgrade; A  cartridge compatible with your TT and tonearm. Visit dealers and audio shows. It is impossible to get cartridge auditions. You will need to satisfy your self with a House Sound for now. Any of the brand names in your price range will do.

Preparing yourself for REAL Upgrades and the "Leap"

Save your nickels, Save your nickels, Save your nickels. Visit dealers, even a weekend trip to audition equipment and to Learn, is worthwhile. Try to attend one of the major shows while saving your nickels.

Continue to dream and Save your nickels. Do not waste money on small Sideway moves and upgrades. Build your Source collection and take care of it. You have a nice starter system.

Second upgrade. There are a lot of great used TTs on the market. Do your research and dreaming. Maybe a phono stage too. When you are ready to make this "Leap" , use the nickels that you have saved and find a great deal and negotiate for a steal of a deal.

You will be amazed at what a great TT rig (Source Component) will do for a starter system.

You have now taken the Leap;  Down the Rabbit Hole. Unless you are of strong character. You are in grave danger at every twist and turn. Prepare to start saving A Lot of Dollars. Nickels will not do it anymore.

Check back with us, to receive the next "Map"

Best on your Journey

               

designtaylor,

I lived in Juneau, AK. Talk about Limited amount of shops available. You have some shops. Get to know them, What gear they carry, What services they can provide and get a feel as to whether you can trust and work with them. Brick & Mortar shops are getting scarce. I live in Chicago now. Have 5 High End shops within an hour drive, more if I am willing to drive 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I do not like every shop and their owners. Music Direct is about 40-45 minute drive. Still with all these resources, there is a lot of gear that none of them carry. Service and gear they carry has been on a downward spiral for years. Axpona is held in April. 

While surfing thur the threads this morning, I spotted mention of the "Lone Star Audio Fest". You live in Austin, TX. The Fest is held in Dallas, TX. Will be held May 3,4 and 5, 2019. My mapping says it is a 197 mi drive, 2hr 49 min - Tolls required.

One last thought about your Source / Records. Whether it is your current TT rig or a 20,30,40 K rig, You will use the same records.

Best