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Turntable upgrade recommendations, please.

Hello,

I am a bit of a newbie, but have have been chasing the "magic" every since I got started on this journey about 2 years ago. My system currently consists of:

Denon dp-47f w/ a Denon 301 mkII cartridge
McIntosh MAC6700
Magnepan 1.6qr

I am interested in upgrading my turntable, assuming that there are real sonic benefits to be had from a new rig at approx. $2500. I have been looking at the usual suspects from VPI, Rega, Pro-ject, etc. 

I am curious to hear if those of you with more experience can tell me how my Denon stacks up against these and if the view will be worth the climb. To my ears, the Denon sounds good, but I am anxious to upgrade if there are significant gains to be heard.

I am also very interested in a McIntosh MT2, but haven't seen any new info or announcements on the release.

Please share your opinions and experiences. 

Thanks in advance!


sdmbdad71
sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 
Thanks rbstehno, I am interested in the VPI's for sure. I.m not looking at anything similar to what I have.

My Denon is a full automatic direct drive and has a low mass electronically damped tonearm with a Denon DL-301 mkII  MC cart installed. All of the tables on my list are fully manual belt drives.

I am curious to hear if tables such as the Scout, Prime, or etc. will best the Denon I already have?
rbschauman
137 posts
 
SOTA. 

Another great American brand like your McIntosh and Magnepan equipment. 

Have the star w/vacuum. Purchased on Audiogon about three years ago for $1300, leaving $'s for arm and cartridge. Love it! 

Good luck and have fun shopping!
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,825 posts
 
FWIW, there is an Agon member who reviewed your Denon. He replaced it with a Rega P2 and is happy with the upgrade. 

sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 
Thanks, noromance.

browndt
97 posts
 
VPI is you best bet here In my opinion nothing else comes close in this price range.  But after you have a good turntable the cartridge is everything. You need a good MC cartridge with medium/high output.
My choice would be to pick up a Goldring Eroica or higher or a Dynavector 20X2 on this site as used. 
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