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Buying a new TT today

So I’m pretty hellbent on buying a new TT today! Or should I be?!?!? 
I started off kind of sour on vinyl several years back when I ignorantly bought a cheap TT that had a built in phono stage.... Talk about a disappointment! And a buzz kill for vinyl!
Anyway a year or so later I bought a Project Carbon Debut and it blew my mind!!!!  The step up in most aspects of the TT, carbon fiber tone arm/heavier plinth/much heavier platter/motor and remote position/better cartridge in a Ortofon m2red, along with the fact the it was now running through my Integrated’s Phono Stage was just such a leap in sound that I never expected, that now I’m looking for yet another leap like that again lol
Anyway, with pocket flush with cash and headed to two hi-fi shops I pause....
In my new price range, $2,000 or so, should I be looking for a new TT? Or a new cartridge for the TT I have ?
thoughts.
264win
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Turntable. You will recoup a lot more for your Debut Carbon than you might for your cartridge.

If the goal is to sell what you can get the most for, then maybe. I thought it was to get the most sound quality? I would hang onto the cart in order to have a virtually new cart to sell with the table. Most people at this price level are looking for a complete package. The table will be worth more as a complete package with the original cart. 
You will need to listen carefully as any potentially huge improvements on your Pro-Ject deck will be hard to find.

So, purely as a learning experience, does it really make sense to recommend upgrading a turntable, then immediately saying but it probably won't be worth it as any improvement will be hard to find?
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,992 posts
 
IMO a TT is the way since the Project is an entry level and I doubt will show a big improvement with a new cart. With $2k to spend, I would set my sights on a VPI Scout. You may be able to find a used Scout for $14-1500 and have $$ left for a decent cartridge. The higher end Projects are good but not in the same league as VPI, IMO. Take your time & be patient.
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,508 posts
 
One you may consider is the Clearaudio Ovation.
mikelavigne
2,201 posts
 
this one might be beyond your reach, but messing around in the price range you are in will likely eventually result in a similar net expenditure.

the Rega P10 ’package’ at $6000 retail will boost every piece of the current package you have to 2 or 3 levels above. and it’s a coherent, synergistic package.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/rega-planar-10-turntable-rb3000-tonearm-apheta-3-phono-cartridge

and if you can sell what you got, and get a 'deal' on this one......there you are.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,697 posts
 
Until things settle down and you can actually go out and audition different deck's I would suggest simply updating the cartridge and/or stylus.

For example you could replace your Red stylus with a Blue stylus for well under $200.

For not a whole lot more you could try the Bronze version as these Ortofon's would seem to be a good match for your tonearm (considering that the manufacturer supplies it with the deck).

In these times I would simply go for the Blue stylus, which is said to be a nice improvement (more weight to the sound, et cetera).

Then you would end up (eventually) with a decent backup cartridge with Two usable styli.

DeKay
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