Turntable Quandry


I am currently using a great condition Technics SL-1410mk2 as my turntable with an ortofon black cart. The other components are Luxman L507-z integrated amp and Manley Chinook SE  phono stage. I also use a D07-x sacd/dac and Hifi Rose RS130 streamer. Im trying to match the level of gear with a new turntable. I listen to 30% vinyl. Or should I just keep the Technics and upgrade cabling etc.

Thanks!

 

paqua123

Not knowing what you are using for cabling, I would say your turntable would be, by far, the weakest piece followed by the Ortofon cartridge (assuming it is the 2M Black and not the Cadenza series.)

Just my 2 cents...

It is regular 2M black and the cabling is the original that it came with in 1979. Im not adverse to replacing the table which would mean new cables etc. The Technics cables are hardwired

I’m with Yogiboy.  I have a new 1200 and while I don’t have a vintage table to compare, I suspect there are a lot of improvements compared to 1979, not to mention the newer motor 

I just picked up the new P8 with Apheta 3 cart and it blows away my 20K digital setup. All my albums sound incredible and musical like never before. 4K total

You are wasting your Chinook phono stage with that Ortofon 2M black cartridge.  Get a Low Output Moving Coil cartridge with 0.3 mv gain compatible with the Chinook at 60db.  The Dynavector DV20X2L cartridge will work great and sound so much cleaner, have better bass, bigger sound stage and will be more explosive, faster and more dynamic.  

No matter what you do get a LOMC for the biggest sound improvement.  I had the 2M black and know of what I speak.  Good luck! 

Thanks guys. So the table is good then? Just a better cart? Ill look into the MC cart too. 

You didn't specify budget but if you want a big jump up, start with the cart - something like a Hana ML that is quite good value for the money and it can me moved to a better TT down the road. 

The Manley is solid and would likely support a much better TT and an even better cart than the Hana.

The Technics are wonderful as switching carts is easy peasy with the detachable head shell. KAB makes a lot of aftermarket parts for the Technics tables. May want to look into it. Here I have a 1600 Mk2 and an SL-Q3. Not my main tables but the daily runners in separate systems. Love them both. 

what is KAB i was looking to upgrade the RCA cables since they are the originals. I couldnt find replacements for the 1410mk2. 

Thanks

I have an older sl-q3 which I would always lose one of the channels with the hardwired cables. So I modified it and put rca connectors on the back with better cables. Sounds much better, along with better cartridge and headshel.

@OP - ideally you should upgrade both TT and Cartridge. A Technics SL-1200Gr2 would be a good choice at not crazy money. A Hana EL or SL would be a good cartridge. Depending on the state of the bearings in your old TT, you might want to check low compliance MC compatibiity before upgrading the cartridge on that TT.