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Turntable upgrade recommendations, please.

Hello,

I am a bit of a newbie, but have have been chasing the "magic" every since I got started on this journey about 2 years ago. My system currently consists of:

Denon dp-47f w/ a Denon 301 mkII cartridge
McIntosh MAC6700
Magnepan 1.6qr

I am interested in upgrading my turntable, assuming that there are real sonic benefits to be had from a new rig at approx. $2500. I have been looking at the usual suspects from VPI, Rega, Pro-ject, etc. 

I am curious to hear if those of you with more experience can tell me how my Denon stacks up against these and if the view will be worth the climb. To my ears, the Denon sounds good, but I am anxious to upgrade if there are significant gains to be heard.

I am also very interested in a McIntosh MT2, but haven't seen any new info or announcements on the release.

Please share your opinions and experiences. 

Thanks in advance!


sdmbdad71

Showing 10 responses by sdmbdad71

sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 
Thanks for all of the responses so far... I've looked at each of the tables you've suggested. Some of them are quite interesting.


sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 
Thanks rbstehno, I am interested in the VPI's for sure. I.m not looking at anything similar to what I have.

My Denon is a full automatic direct drive and has a low mass electronically damped tonearm with a Denon DL-301 mkII  MC cart installed. All of the tables on my list are fully manual belt drives.

I am curious to hear if tables such as the Scout, Prime, or etc. will best the Denon I already have?
sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 
Kalali, good question. The groovemasters are definitely good looking tables. I spent a while checking out all of their models.

sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 
Smer319, thanks for your reply. There are a couple of retailers that are about 65mi from me, and I am certainly more inclined to purchase a new unit than a used one. However, if a nice table comes up that would otherwise be outside of my self-imposed budget, a used one could be a consideration.

Specifically, I am asking if anyone has experience with the Denon and also any of the newer units that can hopefully tell me if a new unit is really going to be a significant upgrade. My table/cartridge is fairly well dialed in and the cart I am using is generally well regarded. I am game to upgrade, I just don't want to drop $2.5k and later find out that my Denon is in the same league sonically.

Again, thanks to all who have replied





sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 
Thanks, noromance.

sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 
Effischer,  I did see that one. Thanks for the suggestion. I think I'm looking for something that will better match visually with my gear.

Has anyone here seen or heard the EAT C sharp?
sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 
For those who may be interested, I spent some time at my McIntosh Dealers shop today and inquired about the soon-to-be-released McIntosh MT2. He called Mc for me to see if he could get a release date and pricing. I was stoked to hear that Mc will likely begin shipping next month, but disappointed to find out that the pricing given at the Munich High End show last May has changed considerably.

It was reported at the show and subsequent publications that the pricing was expected to come in at $2500, which is right in my budget. They were willing to take my order, but the price is now $4k. The price includes a Sumiko Blue Point #2 cart.

So... the search continues!

I did listen to the MT10 today just for grins. Really, really nice!  Just 4x my current budget. But really nice.


sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 
garylb, thanks for responding. I think the same about the DL301-II. I was considering a DV20x2 as an upgrade. Since you've had both, can you tell me your impressions? What were the differences?
sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 

Thanks, sancho22.

I have been looking at the VPI models. A lot of suggestions have been for the 3D Tonearm, but so far I haven't a rig with the 3D arm that's in budget.

I have found some with the JMW 10.5 though. It is used on the Classic 2, so it must be pretty good. What's the consensus on the JMW 10.5?

sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 

Thank you everyone for your input.

I was in Jacksonville, FL this morning and stopped by a dealer to look at their tables. While there, I happened across a good deal (I think) on Pro-Ject RPM10.1 Evolution that was in on consignment. It is in mint condition and comes with Sumiko Blackbird, and a custom dustcover for $2200. I didn't have time to properly audition it, but I put a deposit on it to hold it until I can go back up there this weekend.

Does that sound like a fair price? The dealer has been great to work with in the past.

Thoughts?


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