2. analog
  3. 157135-135286

New TT or upgrade cartridge/platter on Project DC

Quick backstory: I purchased a Pro-ject Debut Carbon with 2M red cartridge around Thanksgiving to start my vinyl journey. I didn’t want to go overboard to start as I was unsure of my interest level. I’ve been strictly digital prior  playing MQA files through a Bluesound Node 2. Since then I’ve quickly accumulated over a 150 records mixed of my favorites and a large stack or original 70’s pressing who my father passed down which I had no idea where hidden away all these years (I’m 34). 
I’ve fallen in love with Vinyl since and I’m at the point where I know there is so much more to be had to improve my listening experience. I’m very happy with my entry level audiophile system and am looking for some recommendations on where to go from here on my TT? 
My system for reference:
McIntosh MA5200 integrated
McIntosh MR-65B tuner
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon tt
Bluesound Node2 digital 
Sonus Faber Venere 3.0 speakers
Nordost Blue Heaven Power Cord/Speaker Cable/interconnects
Do I upgrade to the acrylic platter and move up the 2m chain Blue or Bronze (would be $4-600 for cartridge/platter alone)? 
Do I just sell my Debut Carbon, save the $ on the cartridge/platter and upgrade my turntable? 
I would like to here suggestions and ideas, let’s go with a budget of $1,500 for conversation. I really prefer going the pre-owned route as I’ve been able to find some really great deals on here over the years on almost all of my equipment. 
128x128aasteven111
chasda's avatar
chasda
64 posts
 
I was in the same situation, I have a vintage Dennon TT and was considering a new TT. After doing much research, I found the most reasonable solution was a better cartridge. I changed my Grado Red 2 to the Ortofon MM Bronze and it has probably been the best upgrade so far.
rwortman's avatar
rwortman
41 posts
 
Use what you have.   With a collection of 150 records, it's not worth the expense.  I am old and most of my records were purchased when they were the only thing.  If I were starting out today I might buy a turntable such as yours just to play around with a bit. Going whole hog into vinyl in 2020 isn't worth the effort. Unless you are in love with music recorded prior to the early 70's, digital is better in every way.
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
@aasteven111: Sent a PM earlier.
sandthemall
544 posts
 
I think you should upgrade the turntable. And when you do, buy your last one. They are probably the most durable of all audio equipment as nearly everything is mechanical. A $2k+ turntable won’t hold you back with the better cartridges. Cartridges make a big difference and can help you fine-tune the sound to your system. 
Because you have a Project with an integrated headshell, I suggest you try something with a removable headshell. It has the advantage of allowing you to try a wider compliance spectrum of cartridges.

I recommend the Technics 1200GR($1700)...or even the 1200G ($4k) which I own and love. The GR is understood to be 85% the sound quality of the G. They have gimbal mechanisms that are astoundingly precise. Handling the 1200G tonearm coming from an already precise 1200mk2 was a revelation. It’s like grabbing thin air.




sandthemall
544 posts
 
I say go all-in on vinyl. I still buy NOS, sealed vinyl from pre-80s on eBay. And I think analogue is making small comeback in boutique recording studios. Discovering old analogue treasures is way more fun than digital. I have a ton of CDs and WAV files and an excellent CD player with 32-bit dual differential DACs but vinyl is more fun.

BTW, owning 150 albums was also my breakthrough moment. I started late...but in a few years I now have 900 great albums and counting. The world is too full of reasonable people.




More to discover