New TT or upgrade cartridge/platter on Project DC

@aasteven111
I was in a very similar position as you, and also decided on a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon for exactly the same reasons.

I immediately replaced the Ortofon Red with a Grado Red, and soon after purchased the acrylic platter. Both were/are good improvements, but also cost $300 +/-. So, $675 +/- overall invested afterwards (bought the Debut as an open box). Still, not a bad ‘starter’ setup all things considered.

In my case, I needed a phono pre, so again, for cost and not sure if returning to vinyl would stick, bought a Schiit Mani. Great pre for the money, but now thinking of an upgrade, or purchase a linear power supply for the Mani.....but believe an overall upgrade would be money better spent.

Well, as you, I have probably purchased almost as many new (used) albums in a short period as I had total during the 60-70’s before moving to digital in the 80’s. Seriously. The return of vinyl in my system is here to stay long term. So, now I think had I realized that, I may have been better off buying a VPI Scout, or similar. But, it’s OK, it’s all part of the journey, it took a small investment to begin thinking of a larger one, and I now have a much better idea of what may be important in taking that step.

So, right now, I’m now thinking of a tube phono stage next, but really, probably won’t put more money into that table, including another cartridge, as I think the table itself is becoming the ‘weak link’. Thus, I will make any further decisions with another table in mind first. Another table/arm may make a cartridge upgrade/decision now an ill advised move. I have no big issues with the Grado in my current set-up. And I’m also keeping that in mind with a new phono pre as well.

It became clear to me rather quickly, that to have a really nice vinyl set-up takes a lot of cash. I just have not figured out how much I’m ultimately willing to invest. But the amount is more than I’ve already spent, for sure. Regardless, I’m enjoying the journey.

From the posts and thoughts shared It seems it may be worth my while to Sit back and save up to purchase the TT that will be in my system permanently. If I’m going to have 15+ years of listening pleasure I think I can justify a higher expense. 
I know I only have 150 records but there isn’t any filler. Everything I have is listened to and were thought out purchases. I think back and compare the feelings I had coming home with the Debut Carbon and only 3 records in tote Spending $500....questioning if I made a horrible decision. 

I'm glad I took the plunge and even got a friend involved. Now it looks like I have the lifetime of spending my extra $$ in TT and audio upgrades LOL. 

hello,

I just took your journey into vinyl about 4 years ago.
Went through many turntable options mostly used and a few carts.
Trust me when I say this.If you want to top your digital setup you will need to reach a certain level of components in vinyl playback.
Here's what I recommend.
Used VPI Scout ( adjustments can be made very easy on this table)
Dynavector 20x2 mc  low cart ( This is the cheapest cart to reach the level)
Dynavector P75 Mk IV phono preamp 

I you decide to not go this route now, you will end up near here in the future. Good luck, Will

I’ve just recently gotten into higher-end equipment and wasn’t sure if I would have much interest in listening to vinyl again.  But after reading the lofty assessments of people here who claimed that vinyl has been the best source of their listening pleasure, I bought a Denon DP-300f with a 2M Red, which costs less than your Pro-Ject and I am guessing doesn’t sound as good as your TT.  I had my old records and I inherited (were left behind) others, and I am in the process of cleaning them (almost finished, thankfully).  The condition of the records varies — some sound very nice, others are slightly noisy, and some are don’t-play-that-again (fortunately, my TT also came with a lesser-quality Denon cart which I am using to sample these records and save wear on the Ortofon).  

For now, Im satisfied with what I have.  I still don’t intend to listen to records a lot, as I find the whole thing a bit fiddly.  Digital is so much easier, and quiet.  New records today, especially the audiophile variety, are pricey — seen some costing $50 to $100 (!) — and they take up space to store.  I could see spending such money on a few to-die-for pressings, but overall I would rather just listen to digital.  To each their own. My next moves will be to try a better room arrangement and perhaps some room treatments.  I enjoy the sound of a nice stereo set-up but I have to balance the expense of that with other things I enjoy.  Good luck in your decisions.

I’m going to go full Yoda and say “Find a Well Tempered” either used or buy the Simplex new.  You will be done searching unless your station in life dramatically improves. For a cartridge you’ve had some good recommendations above.  No one’s said Audio Technica yet, but a nude square shank line contact tapered tube model by them, Mo-Fi, Sumiko, Ortofon or vintage cart with those features will work with your rig.