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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, sancho22.

I have been looking at the VPI models. A lot of suggestions have been for the 3D Tonearm, but so far I haven't a rig with the 3D arm that's in budget.

I have found some with the JMW 10.5 though. It is used on the Classic 2, so it must be pretty good. What's the consensus on the JMW 10.5?

russmaleartist's avatar
russmaleartist
52 posts
 
There are a lot of Thoren TD160 Super owners out here, who still value their sound . . . in fact, I am the original owner of mine with a grand Signet XK50 tonearm -- bought back in the 80’s. The turntable, along with upgrades as well as cartridges, has changed (I now have a Soundsmith Aida cartridge) . . . but the Thorens still maintains quite a following of loyal owners, who appreciate good sound when they hear it . . . and are not willing to give it up for just another “pretty face” that whispers promises that somehow are just not kept. What sounded good then . . . still sounds the same now!
spenceroo
183 posts
 
Check out the Mobile Fidelity Ultradeck. Made in the good ole USA and sounds great. It comes in $500 under your budget with a really nice cartridge.
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Another vote for Well-Tempered Labs Amadeus.
sdmbdad71 OP
13 posts
 

Thank you everyone for your input.

I was in Jacksonville, FL this morning and stopped by a dealer to look at their tables. While there, I happened across a good deal (I think) on Pro-Ject RPM10.1 Evolution that was in on consignment. It is in mint condition and comes with Sumiko Blackbird, and a custom dustcover for $2200. I didn't have time to properly audition it, but I put a deposit on it to hold it until I can go back up there this weekend.

Does that sound like a fair price? The dealer has been great to work with in the past.

Thoughts?


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