What mc notes is correct; I would add that you want to consider how much tinkering you like/want to do. If you enjoy optimizing mechanical systems, you will be well-rewarded with a more advanced table. That comes at a cost though, so you want to consider what kind of a budget you’re comfortable with.
Your MA5200 has a very solid MM phono section, so you can take advantage of a higher performance cartridge easily. That might also be a good way to get your feet wet with essential mechanical skills you’ll need to learn no matter which course you choose. Start with downloading a protractor and double-checking the alignment on your cartridge. That’s free and correct alignment is the most important part of getting the most out of your vinyl rig.
Second, verify the VTF. I don’t know if Debut ships with a scale, but if you don’t have one you’ll need to get one at some point anyway. They can be found at minimal cost for simple balance types. Just make sure you repeat the measurement several times to make sure you’ve got it right. The 2M Red supplied with your table has a specification of 1.8 grams. Note that you’ll want to recheck alignment and adjust if necessary because a change in VTF can cause a change in geometry too.
For the simplest and least costly upgrade, you should invest in a decent cleaning and anti-static accessory set. There are a lot of choices there, and searching the forums here will yield a lot of information. At a minimum, an anti-static carbon LP brush and a stylus brush are needed. I’d strongly recommend a wet cleaner to go along with that like the LAST offering or similar, but you have to decide what’s right for you.
Next, you could retrofit a 2M Blue stylus into your 2M Red body for an immediate improvement. That "should" preserve the geometry, but again use the protractor to verify that. You could upgrade the platter if you wish, but I’d suggest a disk clamp instead. That more tightly couples the vinyl to the platter to reduce resonances, tends to reduce the effect of warps and helps eliminate slippage. If you really want to try a new cartridge, the 2M Bronze could be worth the investment, but that’s between you and your wallet.
Beyond that, you’d be best served by moving to a more advanced table. The reality of the Debut is that it is an entry-level table and upgrading it yields comparatively modest results. Basically, a $500 rig can consume $1000 of tweaks and still be lacking. A $1500 table with $500 in tweaks can deliver years of satisfaction. In my case, I’m still using a SOTA Sapphire I purchased in 1984 for $900. That story was posted here years ago and is one of many similar tales.
Vinyl is the best part of the audio hobby IMO, and I heartily welcome you aboard. Remember always it is a hobby: Don’t obsess and don’t stress! Just enjoy.
Keep us posted on your progress and happy listening!
Your MA5200 has a very solid MM phono section, so you can take advantage of a higher performance cartridge easily. That might also be a good way to get your feet wet with essential mechanical skills you’ll need to learn no matter which course you choose. Start with downloading a protractor and double-checking the alignment on your cartridge. That’s free and correct alignment is the most important part of getting the most out of your vinyl rig.
Second, verify the VTF. I don’t know if Debut ships with a scale, but if you don’t have one you’ll need to get one at some point anyway. They can be found at minimal cost for simple balance types. Just make sure you repeat the measurement several times to make sure you’ve got it right. The 2M Red supplied with your table has a specification of 1.8 grams. Note that you’ll want to recheck alignment and adjust if necessary because a change in VTF can cause a change in geometry too.
For the simplest and least costly upgrade, you should invest in a decent cleaning and anti-static accessory set. There are a lot of choices there, and searching the forums here will yield a lot of information. At a minimum, an anti-static carbon LP brush and a stylus brush are needed. I’d strongly recommend a wet cleaner to go along with that like the LAST offering or similar, but you have to decide what’s right for you.
Next, you could retrofit a 2M Blue stylus into your 2M Red body for an immediate improvement. That "should" preserve the geometry, but again use the protractor to verify that. You could upgrade the platter if you wish, but I’d suggest a disk clamp instead. That more tightly couples the vinyl to the platter to reduce resonances, tends to reduce the effect of warps and helps eliminate slippage. If you really want to try a new cartridge, the 2M Bronze could be worth the investment, but that’s between you and your wallet.
Beyond that, you’d be best served by moving to a more advanced table. The reality of the Debut is that it is an entry-level table and upgrading it yields comparatively modest results. Basically, a $500 rig can consume $1000 of tweaks and still be lacking. A $1500 table with $500 in tweaks can deliver years of satisfaction. In my case, I’m still using a SOTA Sapphire I purchased in 1984 for $900. That story was posted here years ago and is one of many similar tales.
Vinyl is the best part of the audio hobby IMO, and I heartily welcome you aboard. Remember always it is a hobby: Don’t obsess and don’t stress! Just enjoy.
Keep us posted on your progress and happy listening!