2. analog
  3. 168775-103414

Time to upgrade my turntable?

I'm thinking about getting a new turntable to replace my 4 year old Pro-ject Debut Carbon with an acrylic platter and 2M Blue cartridge (with about 600 hours on it). My budget right now is about $1000 but would consider spending a bit more for right turntable. Currently my system consists of a Sansui B-2101 2 amp (200 wpc) powering ADS L1290 speakers (the speakers will be upgraded shortly to ADS L1590's when I find and replace a couple drivers). I am using a Yamaha DSP A1 as the preamp (I like the DSP sound fields that imitate jazz clubs and concert halls). I do have the matching Sansui C-2101 preamp but it is not currently in line.  I also use a DBX 3BX DS impact restorer and expander/compressor. 

I listen to classical music and jazz.

What would you suggest? I might prefer to stay within the Pro-ject line as I could reuse the acrylic platter (if one is not provided with the recommended turntable). Perhaps the debut pro or X1?
128x128cspiegs
socalml528's avatar
socalml528
139 posts
 
Many different angles given here all valid given certain circumstances.  I'll offer another alternative.  Why not just go with an MC?

There are better turntables than the Pro-Ject Debut, but its not bad by any means and I think your tone are may handle MC; just verify that you can adjust VTA and Azimuth.

I'd recommend the Hana SH (High output MC).  With 2mV output you can plug right into your MM port.  Sound quality improvement will be significantly noticeable for $750 and will buy you time to research all the options.

I enjoyed the Ortofon 2M Blue, was more impressed with the 2M Black's detail and deep bass capability, but found the nude elliptical on the Black to be very unforgiving and best used only on pristine vinyl.  My vinyl collection varies. The Hana SH is even more detailed, natural then the Ortofon 2M Black and unlike the 2M Black, more forgiving on worn vinyl.

When you get ready to move on a new turntable you can transfer the Hana over as it will pair well with much higher level tone arms and turntables.
bjp9738's avatar
bjp9738
67 posts
 
$1000 won’t get you an improvement, but $1500 might. Speaking from experience, I went from the same Pro-ject table you have, to the $1500 Marantz TT15S1. It’s a table made by ClearAudio for Marantz. Very noticeable upgrade over the Pro-ject and one of the best turntable bargains out there. It uses the ClearAudio Satisfy tonearm and original version of the CA Virtuoso Wood cart. Look up what those two components sell for separately, and you’ll see what an incredible deal the Marantz is.
socalml528's avatar
socalml528
139 posts
 
One other note; you may want to consider the Audiogon vendors (TMR, etc.) that will take your Pro-Ject in trade.  Some offer consignment as an alternative to trade-in price.  I've found consignment almost doubles the trade-in value and only takes 4-6 weeks to complete a sale.

There's also on-line vendors with robust trade in programs on most equipment like Hi-Fi Heaven and Overture.
clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 
Ortofon can be expected to claim the cartridge is the most important element.  But the best cartridge in the world will sound terrible if the turntable and arm are not well enough engineered to retain the stylus in precisely the correct orientation in the groove.  Just a micron or two will really screw it up and there are three dimensions to keep right.

I have nothing against Ortofon; I have their Anna and A90 and both are absolutely top-grade.
donvito
400 posts
 
This Technics SL-1200GR or SL-1500C would be a nice upgrade. It might be more than your budget but you set 'em and forget 'em!
https://www.technics.com/us/products/grand-class/sl1200g-series/sl-1200gr.html
https://www.technics.com/us/products/premium-class/sl-1500c.html
More to discover