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Which part of my turntable system should I upgrade

Hi! I'm looking to upgrade my system. I have a budget of 400$ including shipping and cables and everything else. I'd prefer new to used and/or vintage. I do have a couple ideas in my mind, but I'm not quite sure and I was wondering if anyone here had suggestions/ideas!

I still haven't figured out what "bright" and "warm" sound like so I can't comment in that respect, but I listen to a lot of pop punk/indie punk (Broadway Calls, The Menzingers, Sundials, Junior Battles, etc. -- I think their stuff's on YouTube) and also a few acoustic bands. All of my music is from the past 10-15 years.

Turntable: Denon DP 300F (built in phono)
Cartridge: Shure M97XE
Integrated Amp: NAD C315BEE
Speakers: Wharfedale Evo 2-8

The Denon has been weird ever since I got it (I bought it used online, and it plays noticeably faster than it's supposed to, I checked with a strobe light but don't know what the problem is --- I even replaced the belt) so I'm thinking about replacing it. On the other hand, I love the automatic feature, and I can't think of another budget turntable on the market that has it. I like to fall asleep to records, and the auto-stop feature is great. I'm also not very adept at placing the needle on the record, and that's where the auto-start comes in.

When I originally bought my system, I had a Denon DL-110 but a friend bought it off me and I put the Shure in instead. I was also thinking of upgrading the cartridge (to a Denon) and then I'd have $260 left over to spend.

I"m not sure how much the built in phono is impacting my system. I live in an apartment with my parents so adding an extra piece to my system will be a hassle, but if it'll make the biggest difference, I'd definitely consider it.

I was also wondering (since I'm not much of an audiophile) if there are any parts of my system that's out of balance quality-wise? i.e. the speakers are too good for the turntable, or the cartridge is subpar compared to the rest of the system, etc.

On a final note, minimal manual installation/effort is a huge priority for me.

Thank you so much! I appreciate any and all feedback :)
toxicwaterfront
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

As of today, June 19, 2013; I vow to never again as long as I live, post on the "Analog Forum".

For me, "Audiophile" is all about sound, I get absolutely no pleasure in the tedious, has to be precise, set up of an analog rig. Yes, I enjoy the "exquisite" sound that can be derived from an "expensive" precisely set up rig, and there is some pleasure from seeing the cartridge glide effortlessly across the black shiny vinyl while listening to the exquisite sound brought on by the fruits of my labor, but not enough to repeat this over and over again.

All of my vinyl is archived to digital, while my rig is in mothballs until the next new LP, and since HD Downloads, that could be a long time.

Enjoy the music.
redglobe
223 posts
 
Toxicwaterfront, I have a Sony PS-X7 that I might plan on selling. You can read the reviews of the deck on the Vintage Knob and Vinyl Engine. Speed is rock solid and I have made upgrades to silver/OFC for the interconnects and headshell wires.
manitunc
795 posts
 
Toxic,
Send me an email at manitunc@aol.com. I also have it listed on vinylengine.com under Duficity.
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