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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
rbstehno
1,454 posts
 
If you would get any VPI tt with the 3d arm, you will far ahead of the other tt mentioned. Any Denon, old SOTA, rega, etc.. tt will be limited by the tonearm, meaining you will be limited on moving up the cartridge line, that’s where you will see SQ gains overtime. If you like a specific tt like a Denon/SOTA/basis/rega/other brands, upgrade the arm to a VPi 3d 10” or 12”, Graham, Tri-planar the you will be able to upgrade your cartridge at anytime. But the cost of any of these tonearms will be more than the cost of a VPi prime tt new
chuckjonez
34 posts
 
I would budget a grand for your cartridge, even if you lower your tt budget. I have a Dynavector 20x2, and it changed my analog life. It’s on a $1000 turntable feeding a $1500 phono preamp. I agree about buying new, or at least pay your dealer to check and set up your gear before the return period ends. Online I like Jerry Raskin’s Needle Doctor. Have fun!
garylb's avatar
garylb
24 posts
 
I would budget everything on the turntable/tonearm......use your 301-2 for a while and once familiar with your new TT or when your Denon 301 is shot then look for a new cart....

IMOP the Denon 301 is an excellent cart.....it is very musical,a good tracker very well made ....quality control is superb,,,and can hold it’s own in a top of the line tonearm...I had one in an Ittok and had to look very hard to find a suitable replacement......tried a AT33ev. AT33PTG2, Dynavector 20x2, and finally a Benz Glider.....which I’m presently using....I still have the Denon as a spare and have used in between cart try outs and this cart has something very, very, very, special.....it is musical and sings like BillyHoliday....so choose the TT first and latter on; the cart....
sancho22
106 posts
 
One more vote for VPI - check out AG or Sound Stage direct (no affiliation). I have the Ortofon Cadenza Black on my Prime, but would suggest getting thge Cadenza Bronze as recommended by Harry and Matt Weisfeld of VPI.
sancho22
106 posts
 
Or if you want to stick with vintage the above mentioed Technics may be a good choice
I would also consider (just a few examples for tables and carts)

Kenwood KD-750 (650 is also nice but different plinth)
Pioneer PL-C590 (or other higher end Pioneer tables)
Yamaha PX-3, PX-2 (PX-1 is likely out of budget)
Yamaha GT2000 or 1000 (latter more likely to fit the budget)
Thorens TD 124, 125 MK II
Lenco 75 (modded)
Garrard 301 or 401 (likely higher than your budget)

Vintage MC carts
Supex 900, Fidelity Research FR-1 MK III
Dynavector Karat D23 or 17

MM
Grace F-9L or F-8L

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