IMO a TT is the way since the Project is an entry level and I doubt will show a big improvement with a new cart. With $2k to spend, I would set my sights on a VPI Scout. You may be able to find a used Scout for $14-1500 and have $$ left for a decent cartridge. The higher end Projects are good but not in the same league as VPI, IMO. Take your time & be patient.
Buying a new TT today
So I’m pretty hellbent on buying a new TT today! Or should I be?!?!?
I started off kind of sour on vinyl several years back when I ignorantly bought a cheap TT that had a built in phono stage.... Talk about a disappointment! And a buzz kill for vinyl!
Anyway a year or so later I bought a Project Carbon Debut and it blew my mind!!!! The step up in most aspects of the TT, carbon fiber tone arm/heavier plinth/much heavier platter/motor and remote position/better cartridge in a Ortofon m2red, along with the fact the it was now running through my Integrated’s Phono Stage was just such a leap in sound that I never expected, that now I’m looking for yet another leap like that again lol
Anyway, with pocket flush with cash and headed to two hi-fi shops I pause....
In my new price range, $2,000 or so, should I be looking for a new TT? Or a new cartridge for the TT I have ?
thoughts.
I started off kind of sour on vinyl several years back when I ignorantly bought a cheap TT that had a built in phono stage.... Talk about a disappointment! And a buzz kill for vinyl!
Anyway a year or so later I bought a Project Carbon Debut and it blew my mind!!!! The step up in most aspects of the TT, carbon fiber tone arm/heavier plinth/much heavier platter/motor and remote position/better cartridge in a Ortofon m2red, along with the fact the it was now running through my Integrated’s Phono Stage was just such a leap in sound that I never expected, that now I’m looking for yet another leap like that again lol
Anyway, with pocket flush with cash and headed to two hi-fi shops I pause....
In my new price range, $2,000 or so, should I be looking for a new TT? Or a new cartridge for the TT I have ?
thoughts.
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- 147 posts total
this one might be beyond your reach, but messing around in the price range you are in will likely eventually result in a similar net expenditure. the Rega P10 ’package’ at $6000 retail will boost every piece of the current package you have to 2 or 3 levels above. and it’s a coherent, synergistic package. https://www.stereophile.com/content/rega-planar-10-turntable-rb3000-tonearm-apheta-3-phono-cartridge and if you can sell what you got, and get a 'deal' on this one......there you are. |
Until things settle down and you can actually go out and audition different deck's I would suggest simply updating the cartridge and/or stylus. For example you could replace your Red stylus with a Blue stylus for well under $200. For not a whole lot more you could try the Bronze version as these Ortofon's would seem to be a good match for your tonearm (considering that the manufacturer supplies it with the deck). In these times I would simply go for the Blue stylus, which is said to be a nice improvement (more weight to the sound, et cetera). Then you would end up (eventually) with a decent backup cartridge with Two usable styli. DeKay |
- 147 posts total