Upgrade from Technics SP25


I currently have a Technics SP25 with ATP-12T arm and Denon DL-103 and a solid, custom plinth. I think this combination punches above its weight class due to really good synergy between arm and cart. It has big tone and tracks really well. However, I am looking for an upgrade that digs a little deeper and extracts more detail.  I was going to purchase a Hana EL cartridge and give that a try. However, now I have a larger budget ($2500) allocated to this upgrade and am trying to determine best course of action: eg, buy an entirely new turntable, upgrade arm and cartridge, stick with just the cartridge upgrade,etc. Any advice is much appreciated. Also, I am currently using the phono stage in my Crayon integrated amp. After experimenting with different phonostages the one in the Crayon just sounded the best .
gotog

Showing 1 response by timlub

I purchased an SP25 with an ATP-12T arm inside of a Technics wooden plinth in rough shape about 4 years ago with to sole idea in my head of flipping it. I refurbished it and did some minor mods.  When I was done I had a hard time letting it go.  Performed quite well.  I used it for a year before selling it. 

Here is a minor, simple and inexpensive change that was audible on this table.  
On the bottom of the plinth,  ran industrial hot melt on all seams.  Took Butyl tape and dampened everywhere possible on the bottom of the plinth,  it added a fair amount of mass, but the plinth was noticeably deadened. Took butyl tape and put a thin layer on the bottom of the platter. This helped dampen the motor from platter nicely.  I did not rewire the arm, but I used a litz tonearm cable,  it was a nice improvement over the AT cable. These mods won't necessarily cause your table to dig deeper,  but things are tighter, more focused. Look at a different cartridge to dig deeper or pull more details out of your music.  
I hope this helps,  Tim