"Now, next question: what's the best reasonably priced cartridge (<$1000) to use with it?" Wow, now you've REALLY started a discussion! I suggest you read Raul's legendary thread -- https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/who-needs-a-mm-cartridge-type-when-we-have-mc It may be the longest thread in internet history, and incredibly informative. You'll probably get suggestions from lots of people. In many cases it'll just be "I have THIS cartridge and I love it so it must be the best." So stick to ideas from people who've owned the GT2000 -- they'll know about the cartridge/headshell/tonearm matching issues, which are crucial. Good luck on your quest... |
Lewm, I didn't know you also have the DP80. Have you recapped it, or done other maintenance or updates? Mine is still stock, and I haven't used it in four years. I'm hesitant about using it — I once killed a nice Sansui DD just by switching it on. After four years of idleness, I would use a Variac to coax the Denon gently back into action, but I'm also concerned long-term. There are so many stories online about a failing cap destroying one of those irreplaceable chips, and thus destroying the turntable. You are more experienced than I, and I'd appreciate any guidance you can offer. Thanks. |
I would use caution prior to using a Variac, some circuits react poorly. that said I'm not a teck. "Now, next question: what's the best reasonably priced cartridge (<$1000) to use with it?" I believe you may have read the tread on another forum regarding the metal rods that are present running down its length and were removed by the owner to accommodate a less restrictive cartridge selection? Personally the only thing regarding the GT-2000 that is an "iffy" factor for me is the limitation of optional arms that can be mounted without some surgery. |
Bimasta, I'd state that the stories you have "heard" are vastly exaggerated, I have had over 50 of various DP series coming through here over the past few years and have never had one with a "chip" out. Once recapped they perform excellent. Im working on a "GrooveMaster Vintage Direct Professional" issue of the DP80, with some of the features of my Current rebuild of the Denon DN308 (4 pieces) All spoken for already :-) http://pbnaudio.com/audio-components/audio-turntables/groovemaster/groovemaster-vintage-direct/pbn-d... It involve of course scrapping the pot metal frame they are mounted on replacing it with 1" machined aluminum top plate and bottom plate sandwiching a hardwood frame. The Variable/Fixed speed selection will be eliminated along with the strobe light, which will be replaced with the Roadrunner tachometer form Phoenix Engineering, I picked up quite a few of these when they closed shop. Stay tuned on updates Good Listening Peter |
