New TT vs Cartridge/isolation upgrade

Whoever introduced the fixed headshell might have saved themselves some money but they didn't do anyone else any favours.

Another classic case of manufacturers selling folks short whilst telling them it was for their own good.

If you must upgrade then Option 1 seems better to me.

All turntables benefit from better isolation - some of them incredibly so.

Especially when as you say, "either TT will sit on a pretty solid wooden credenza".

If that doesn't satisfy you then you'll need to save up for something substantially better.

Decks such as the Technics SL1200GR or Rega 8 will also benefit from an improved isolation platform.

The best form of turntable isolation is probably another question altogether possibly involving the use of accerometers and stethoscopes.

 

Whatever you do, it's going thru whatever phonostage used. If it's the internal of an integrated amp, time to max the budget for a proper standalone unit to maximize the existing setup. You can then decide on a cart.

Now your long game is in motion-transfer that to future table.

Avoid getting caught up in accessories-do that with the next setup.

@elliottbnewcombjr I need to learn these cartridge/tonearm setup skills, and acquire the tools you speak of. Would you, or others, be able to point me to a resource, and perhaps suggest the tools I should consider and acquire. I’m able to afford good tools. I feel like I’ve got at least one cartridge that’s way out of alignment, as I installed it myself, …when it hits the record, it often jumps to the right, off the platter. 
 

Thanks, I hope this doesn’t hijack the thread.

I’m a bargain hunter, I say ’inexpensive’ tools and these are them:

I put this together for a friend, I hope the links are still good

TOOLS FOR LP’S

1. CARTRIDGES

$15. ALIGNMENT DISC: one side: Lines for Overhang and Two NULL Points

ANTI-SKATE: other blank side: spin platter manually, adjust anti-skate control while watching

https://www.amazon.com/Hudson-Hi-Fi-Turntable-Cartridge-Protractor/dp/B01MU6AD2E/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1HK4102CVP5X2&keywords=hudson+hifi+protractor&qid=1652980845&sprefix=hudson+hifi+protractor,aps,120&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

$14. TRACKING FORCE, Digital Scale

https://www.amazon.com/Musou-Turntable-Backlight-Tracking-Cartridge/dp/B071P9VZ5Q/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=10W9ADQJF0QMC&keywords=tracking+force+scale+turntable&qid=1652982087&sprefix=tracking+force+,aps,67&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

$10. AZIMUTH and VTA Alignment Block: clear actylic with Grid of Lines

https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Tonearm-Cartridge-Alignment-Headshell/dp/B07794JXYZ/ref=sr_1_8?crid=20KYR5S10Y5C1&keywords=azimuth+alignment+tool&qid=1652982195&sprefix=azimuth%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-8

$6. MAGNIFYING MIRROR to VIEW STYLUS (two). 3-1/2” DIAMETER, One: 10X; One 20x + 2 tweezers

https://www.amazon.com/Magnifying-Funtopia-Magnifier-Tweezers-Blackhead/dp/B093BPDZZD/ref=sr_1_29?crid=3MVJVIBL6SMFW&keywords=small%2Bmakeup%2Bmirror%2B15%2Bx%2B3.5&qid=1652983011&sprefix=small%2Bmake%2Bup%2Bmirror%2B15x%2B3.5%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-29&th=1

$11. FLAT MIRROR to View Azimuth Reflection 4” X 6” X 3MM. Thickness of LP, place under the stylus, view from front, any deviation from straight will be reflected ‘opposite’.

https://www.amazon.com/Plymor-Rectangle-Beveled-Glass-Mirror/dp/B07T31MRZ9/ref=sr_1_8?crid=BQ3FJFG31C2D&keywords=small%2Bflat%2Bmirror&qid=1652983461&sprefix=small%2Bflat%2Bmirror%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-8&th=1

$13. STYLUS CLEANING FLUID, Audio Technica

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT607a-Cartridge-Stylus-Cleaner/dp/B00DI8I2JM/ref=sr_1_5?crid=7HHAU2OW7TGG&keywords=stylus+cleaner&qid=1653006308&sprefix=stylus+cleaner%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-5

2. CLEAN LPs

$50. MANUAL LP WASH SYSTEM (do batches of 10)

https://www.amazon.com/Record-Cleaner-Cleaning-Brushes-Microfiber/dp/B07VQN5XML/ref=sr_1_67?crid=21DNL6IO42FSJ&keywords=lp+cleaning+kit&qid=1652984282&sprefix=lp+cleaning+kit%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-67

$9. INFANT SCALP SCRUBB BRUSHES (3). Scrub Dirty LP’s Vigotously, then rinse in above system

https://www.amazon.com/Scalp-Scrubbie-Sterile-Cradle-Sponge/dp/B005EJ7YH4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2DSF6EWMO77AC&keywords=infant+scalp+brush&qid=1652984426&sprefix=infant+,aps,77&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A2W58AXSS61W30

$13. OVERSIZED EYEGLASS CLOTHS, Dust LP ONLY IF Needed (13 pack). I DO NOT use a brush anymore. Place LP on platter, just lay cloth on, spin platter by hand while very lightly pulling cloth off the edge to remove surface dust, not push anything down into the grooves.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S374VSO/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=edf8ce1bb96b6c730ccf869039f09147&hsa_cr_id=7286139130601&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=69ff5251-fe67-4b12-ae01-d114bdce0de0&pd_rd_w=6xLCx&pd_rd_wg=aIG7G&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi4d_asin_1_img

$1.00 DISTILLED WATER

https://www.amazon.com/365-Everyday-Value-Distilled-Water/dp/B074J5L82H/ref=sr_1_7_f3_0o_wf?crid=3O8SQDLD5NYKI&keywords=distilled+water&qid=1653006535&sprefix=distilled+water%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-7

$6. ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, 91%, 1 Quart

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Brand-Isopropyl-Alcohol-Antiseptic/dp/B07NFTZ522/ref=sr_1_20?crid=3R7PQ8NF1MDMK&keywords=isopropyl%2Balcohol%2B91&qid=1653006688&sprefix=isopropyl%2Balcohol%2B9%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-20&th=1

$15. GEL STYLUS CLEANER

https://www.amazon.com/Turntable-Stylus-Needle-Cleaning-Gel/dp/B086T4RLY3/ref=sr_1_52?crid=VNKUXR7SGLH0&keywords=stylus+brush&qid=1653008196&sprefix=stylus+brush%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-52

$14. STYLUS BRUSH, Carbon Fiber, Non-Slip Textured Handle

https://www.amazon.com/Boundless-Audio-Stylus-Cleaning-Brush/dp/B087182G57/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3GLAZP4MMEO2J&keywords=STYLUS+CLEANING+BRUSH&qid=1653009531&sprefix=stylus+cleaning+,aps,65&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

 

3. MISCELLANEOUS

$13. ISOLATION PADS below Turntable, I wrapped my edges with black tape)

https://www.amazon.com/Turntable-Equipment-Tuneful-Cables-Audiophile/dp/B076DGD3X2/ref=sr_1_178_sspa?crid=VNKUXR7SGLH0&keywords=stylus%2Bbrush&qid=1653008611&sprefix=stylus%2Bbrush%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-178-spons&th=1

$__ CENTER WEIGHT, Disc Stabilizer. Size/Weight/Style Vary, how strong is your motor?

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=audio+technica+record+weight&i=electronics&crid=1OQGMXU52UY8V&sprefix=audio+technica+record+weight%2Celectronics%2C83&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

 

 

Rulers $6. Pair of Metal Rulers, mm and inches, starts on the edge of the ruler

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Stainless-Centimeters-Drawing-Measuring/dp/B07ZS4JSQP/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1LATKSHREH6JX&keywords=stainless+steel+ruler&qid=1654711597&sprefix=stainless+steel+ruler%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFaSVVPRE5HWERBOE8mZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA1NDA4NDExRENXOTRFSkhMVTBMJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4MjE3MDMyWDIwREFMR1lGMFJSJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

........................................

$31. Finally, Removable Headshell with Azimuth Adjustment

You adjust it ONCE for your arm’s fitting which may be ’off’. Then, each time you use that headshell in that arm: before you tighten the headshell into the arm, there is very minor movement possible, you snug it up, double check it’s azimuth with the mirror, fully tighten

Some arms, like the Micro Seiki 505 have an adjustment of the fitting IN the arm, a very nice feature. https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649871273-micro-seiki-ma505-tonearm-including-base/images/3917430/ I installed two of these, standard and long on a Luxman TT for a friend. Magnificent engineering

This one has unique base, others a simple hole and bolt below.

Suppose you do not want to add weight on your platter, i.e. the Luxman Motor lifts the platter to reduce bearing wear.

These rubber gizmos hold reels on tape recorders. They are the same diameter as the TT platter spindle

You press them down, they stay holding the center and pull off easily when done.

 

you want one’s with flexibility, not dried out that have become rigid/brittle.

Above just for a visual example.