Does a record player make that much of a difference??


Question for all you Audionerds - in your experience, how much of a difference does one record player make over the next compared with the differences that a cartridge, phone pre-amp, and separate head amp make in the signal chain?

Reason I ask: I just upgraded from a MM cart to a MC cart (Dynavector 20x2-low output). Huge difference - the Dynavector sounds much more alive and detailed compared with the MM. I find my current record player (a Marantz TT16) to be a real pain to work with - I have to manually move the belt on the motor hub to change speeds, and the arm is not very adjustable or easy to do so. But, aside from that, it's not terrible. How much of a difference can I really expect if I upgrade to a better record spinner vs the change I heard from upgrading to a better cart? 

My next acquisition is a separate head amp to feed the phono stage.

Thanks for all your insights!

Josh

joshindc

@joshindc There are very cheap activities that can be carried out, to give you the insight into how a set up for a TT>TA>Cart' can be influential for the better on a produced sonic.

Using Footers under the TT of differing materials and introducing a Sub-plinth with additional Footers will produce change to a sonic, some configurations will create a change only and others will be discernable for being a betterment for the sonic produced.

Taking things a stage further and producing a support Structure solely dedicated to the TT, will also be able to add to the Benefits that can be discovered.

If your listening environment allows for an additional space to be taken up by a dedicated structure for supporting a TT, there is many methods to be found that will not cost the earth and be without doubt a improvement. It takes trialing materials and different configurations for the materials being selected to get the most from them.

If attractive aesthetics is a must have then a little extra cost might be incurred, to conceal the honesty of the structure that is selected.

When the under TT configuration is discovered that has the most impressive impact on the Sonic being produced, these discovered benefits should transfer onto any changes made to the Type of TT>TA>Cart' being used.

Note: Extracting the best from a Vinyl Sources supporting Trilogy of ancillaries, can become a lifelong side pursuit to the enjoyment had through the replaying of Vinyl recordings.      

Assuming all the components are working well in combination, the turntable and its supporting structure has the most significant contribution to the retrieval of the maximum amount of data from the grooves. Changing tonearms and cartridges obviously change the resulting sound. As they should. That can lead opinion because those parts are likely changed more often. But the turntable dictates the global quality of the sound realized.

Well i love my setup, Mofi Studiodeck that is dialed in, Outlaw Audio RR2160MKll integrated amp, Pair of Pioneer CS99-A, Pair of Dahli Zensor, Outlaw Audio Powered Subwoofer for 4.1 Sound. Ordered AudioQuest Golden Gate cables from Amazon that was absolute junk! major hum to the phono stage. Returned those and used the Mofi cables that came with the MoFi. Dead Quiet!  My system sounds Amazing to me and my wife and friends. That is all that matters to me.   I think people tinker to much.  But hey to each there own! I mainly listen for classic rock LP's from the 60's and 70's mostly, some 80's (Queensryche, warning and Rage for Order 1st pressings). Coming from a ATLP 120usb. Best upgrade for me was the MoFi deck. Giving the Audio Technica 120 to my niece who is using a Crosly LOL

I just want to clarify, my comments above were related to a novice, and upgrading cartridge 1st.

After reaching a level of very good sounding cartridge, AND acquiring alignment tools/skills: it's time to upgrade the TT, and deal with the complications of a new arm, (especially acquiring my preference for a removable headshell, so many TT's come with fixed arms).

After than, no longer a novice, and acquiring a successful phono stage, it's back to cartridge refinement.