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Turntable Upgrade Help

I have a question about listening to records on my system.  I'm pretty happy with what I have, but I'm wondering if I'm missing something. I have a Cambridge Audio Azur 651R AV Receiver. I have a pair of Quad 23L speakers. My phonostage is a vintage Yamaha C-4 that has been cleaned and recapped. My turntable is an MMF-5 with a Goldring 1042 cartridge with less than 50 hours on it. My big question is about the turntable. Like I said, I like the way that everything sounds, but because this was my first foray into higher quality stereo equipment, I don't have anything with which to compare it. If I upgraded to a Marantz TT15 or something in the 1500 dollar range, would I hear drastic improvements? I look for bargains on some of the dealer markets to get higher end equipment that has been discounted into this price range. As an example, I was just a little late pulling the trigger on a Gold Note Valore 425 SE, which retails around 2000 USD. Would that have made a big difference in sound compared to my MMF? Is there something else in my system that might be a weaker link. I just don't know because I haven't heard anything else.

Thanks,

Jim
128x128boneius
boneius's avatar
boneius OP
14 posts
 
Thanks @sonicjoy  and @reubent  for your quick replies. I do like the Music Hall. I might look into the 7.3.  @reubent , I do need the 651 for my video needs.  All of the reviews and specs that I've read say that it has great "guts" for reproducing 2-channel analog, and I've really enjoyed the sound so far, but my only comparison is a HK AVR receiver that I had before it, and this blows the doors off of that.  I've read enough on her and elsewhere of people saying that a dedicated integrated amp is the way to go.  I've thought about how I can do that. It is a possibility.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
I'm pretty happy with what I have, but I'm wondering if I'm missing something. I have a Cambridge Audio Azur 651R AV Receiver.


I stopped quoting right there because we found your problem. There are only a few things in all of audio that might be worse than a receiver. Patch cords and power cords shipped free in the box are two of them. But only if we're talking receivers. You indicated AV receiver. There is nothing in all of audio worse than an AV receiver. So no point quoting further.

So yes, reubent is right. Hedging a little probably trying to be nice but what's the point, AV receivers are garbage, might as well just come out and say it. Within the first minute you compare one to a similarly priced integrated you are gonna know it anyway. Might as well just save time and be straight about it now.

So go get your new stereo integrated. Then, about those power cords.....


big_greg
6,623 posts
 
To your original question, yes it's a worthwhile upgrade. I've owned the MMF 5.1 and have the MMF 7.1. Better plinth, better tonear, better feet, better motor design... all those things improve sound quality. 

To pile on to what others have mentioned, consider a two channel integrated with home theater bypass as part of your upgrade path. 
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,396 posts
 
@boneius,

Hi, I can save you potentially hundreds/thousands of $ by using MyMat.

I have an ad on US Audio Mart. Respond there.

Happy Listening!
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