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Vinyl System Upgrade Path Recommendations

Hey gang! New to the forum but I’ve been really enjoying reading through old threads. I would be interested in the community’s thoughts on a natural upgrade path for my system.


Current System:

  • Pioneer PL-530 w/ Audio Technica AT 13 Ea
  • Apt Holman Preamplifier
  • Eico ST-70 (using as a power amp, line in)
  • Totem Arros


I listen to a wide variety of genres but with an emphasis on jazz and more recently classical. Overall the system performs well. I’m getting a good warmth for my taste and decent detail.


Moving forward I’d like to pull a little more clarity and separation out, but not create a clinical reproduction. I do dig the warmer sound. I’m also interested in trying to reduce background noise and pops/clicks. I’m already big on cleaning my LPs which has helped a ton, but I’m curious where to invest next.


I’ve also started listing more on headphones (Schiit Jotunheim + Hifiman HE400i) where I notice even more background noise.


So what do think? Better stylus / cartridge? Different TT? Alternative phono stage? Cables… ?


I try to be conservative with my spend (everything I own was purchased used), but I’m not afraid to shell out where appropriate.


Any suggestions? Thanks!



128x128designtaylor
designtaylor's avatar
designtaylor OP
48 posts
 
@noromance - by *Front End* I'm guessing you mean the TT as a whole? Or is the phono stage included in that?

I don't want to throw good money after bad buying fancy carts for a problematic TT, but I'm also not sure I'm ready to upgrade it (which I'm guessing would still have me purchasing a new cart as well?).

Other folks I've talked to have said that even an entry level pro-ject, u-turn, or rega would run circles around my old Pioneer but I'm somewhat skeptical since my previous table was a modern Audio-Technica AT-LP120 (I know, I know, not the same class) and my vintage Pioneer outperforms that thing on every level. 
donvito
400 posts
 
+1 yogiboy
Replace that old worn stylus. You will be surprised with the improvement a new stylus will make. BTW, you will damage your vinyl with a damaged stylus!
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-530.shtml

You have a budget system, nothing wrong with that. Other owners of the Pioneer seem to like this TT so keep it for now and upgrade the cartridge/stylus. Definitely the first move to make.

Here's a good place to familiarise yourself with cartridges from entry-level to high-end...
https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/Phono-Cartridges/cartridges/Moving-Magnet?orde...



stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,407 posts
 
If you don’t want to spend too much, look at an Ortofon Red at $100.00. 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,842 posts
 
@designtaylor A Nagaoka MP110 would be suitable especially as it is kinder with noisy vinyl.
On the front end question, yes a new table/arm like a Pioneer PLX1000 with a Nagaoka or Ortofon 2M Blue would be a good place to start.
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