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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
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
9,766 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. 
terry9
2,333 posts
 
Turntable upgrade is always a good idea. You get less noise and more music.

I suggest that you listen until you hear the magic, and buy that item, not one 'just like it', but that exact item.

The reason is that, not only are there manufacturing differences from device to device, but that set up is absolutely critical. Few people, including dealers, set up to anything close to the optimum; the result is, for both reasons, LUCK is one of the biggest factors in a turntable. Especially at your price point.

IMHO
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