Basically, I’m in the process of upgrading my TT in my second system. The current unit is vintage (Pioneer PL600 - the good one) into a Hana EL cartridge. Total investment: $500.
Why do you think it’s a good one? The
PL600 is fully automatic old entry level turntable from Pioneer. The good one is
PL-70L IIHad the opportunity to directly compare it in my system to a Clearaudio Performance DC/Satisfy Carbon arm/Lyra Delos cartridge. Total cost around $7K.
This is radically overpriced, compare it to brand new Technics SL1200GR for $1700 new.
The latter was better in most parameters especially with respect to dynamics, detail, resolution.
This is LYRA CARTRIDGE
Tonality/frequency balance was more natural with the vintage system (less upper frequency glare). Bass was comparable between each unit. Both rigs were enjoyable to listen to.
In my opinion the best cartridge for your entry level Pioneer turntable and its tonearm is Moving Magnet Pioneer PC-1000 mk2 with Beryllium cantilever, amazing cartridge that you can compare with multi thousand dollars MC (which I did many times).
So naturally I’m trying to determine how much of the sonic differences are due to the cartridges themselves, versus the other components. Ideally I’d like the resolution of the new rig and the tonal balance of the vintage set up.
If you like vintage turntables try to find the best of them, not an entry level unit that gives you nothing of that “vintage sound”, especially if you are using it with Modern MC cartridge.
Upgrade your turntable to a better Pioneer PL-70L II and try
Pioneer PC-1000 mk2 cartridge (you will be blown away). This is really good vintage system!
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P.S. I like a mix of vintage and new high-end, you’re welcome to
virtual tour of my system where you can find many different cartridges from relatively cheap vintage MM to extremely expensive new MC. Many tonearms and turntables. If you ever need my advice for vintage MM just send me a message.