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What To Do?

I'm rebuilding my system.  TT is next.  I have a reliable but dated Music Hall 7.1.  What should I do with $12k?  Buy a new TT and phono preamp or keep the MH and buy a better cartridge and phono preamp?  Thanks in advance for feedback. 

makfour
fstein's avatar
fstein
199 posts
 

I am not sure how a turntable can be outdated, said the man with the garrard 301. Read the stereophile review and try their cartridge suggestion before you blow $12K.

fstein's avatar
fstein
199 posts
 

..and what cartridge are yiou using now?

makfour OP
5 posts
 

I have a MM Goldring 2400 and a Project carbon arm.

fstein's avatar
fstein
199 posts
 

nantais lenco?

ghdprentice
6,967 posts
 

The good news is you can get into some really good sounding equipment if carefully chosen.
 

A really good Phonostage is critical. I would look for something like a used Audio Research PH8 phono stage. This will firmly support a good quality TT from $4K to $30K. 
 

I would look at VPI with a very good cartridge… I think we would need to know your tastes and other equipment to get very specific on that. 
 

if you could spring for a bit more I think you could really get into a really amazing system… say ~$5K TT and $2.5K cartridge + the ARC PH8 (this is a really sweet spot… I owned one for years… I now have a ARC Ref 3… which is better… but at also double the cost).

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