Looks like a decent table to start with. What’s your budget and what does the rest of your system consist of? If you’re looking at an entry Pro-Ject table for example you might be better keeping what you have. If you’re looking to spend much more and using a receiver from the 70s then I’d hold off maybe; nothing wrong with vintage equipment. If I had to throw something out without knowing the rest of your system I’d say look at your phono preamp first; if it’s internal on a receiver or integrated maybe look at a dedicated phono preamp first. What do you feel you’re missing in sound quality overall and what type of music do you listen to?
Turntable Upgrade
I have a Pioneer PL-530 turntable and am the original owner bought in the 70's. The table still functions well and all controls work well. Have installed a few different cartridges over the years and am now using a Grado gold installed about a year ago. I have about 300 LP's and am always on the market to buy more.
While the sound from the table is good I wonder of a table/cartridge upgrade would result in a significant improvement in sound quality? I know that many would say that if "it sounds good to you leave it alone". Good advice but comparing a present setup of TT and cartridge isn't as simple as asking for a trial in home audition as for some other audio components.
In the 70's Pioneer and others made tables that were very "attractive" and performed well for that era. LP's will only sound as good as the quality of their original recording. If I am chasing an upgrade that is, at best, only minimal gains then I would ask the analog experts to give me your thoughts.
While the sound from the table is good I wonder of a table/cartridge upgrade would result in a significant improvement in sound quality? I know that many would say that if "it sounds good to you leave it alone". Good advice but comparing a present setup of TT and cartridge isn't as simple as asking for a trial in home audition as for some other audio components.
In the 70's Pioneer and others made tables that were very "attractive" and performed well for that era. LP's will only sound as good as the quality of their original recording. If I am chasing an upgrade that is, at best, only minimal gains then I would ask the analog experts to give me your thoughts.
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My system.....NAD C375BEE integrated amp, PSB Imagine B monitors, 2 powered 10" subs. The NAD amp has slots to add 2 modules. This is the module I'm using for the phono..... https://nadelectronics.com/product/pp-375-phono-preamplifier-mdc-module/ I suspect that a stand alone phono preamp would probably perform better than the NAD add on module. But I have no way of comparing the 2 side by side. I listen to almost all types of music with the exception of rap. Thanks for your reply. Perhaps there are others who have done a comparison with the NAD equipment. |
The NAD phono preamp is a good little unit for the money and I’m guessing it’s at least as good or better than the one in your integrated unit. If it was me I’d keep your table and look at getting a better phono preamp that works in your budget. If your using the cables that came with your gear invest a little there as well. Maybe look at at a used Jolida JD9 or Lehman Black Cube. Sure many others on here can recommend reasonably priced phono preamps as well... there’s a lot of them out there that will likely better the one in your NAD without breaking the bank. Good luck |
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