Turntable advise for an analog novice

Get a better cart.

BE AWARE - Before you proceed down ANY upgrade path, ensure the downstream components (in this case the phono stage, amp + speakers + cables) are capable of realizing any potential benefits that can be achieved - otherwise you are just wasting your money!

Having stated the obvious...
Ive just gone through the upgrade process on my 25 yr old Rega Planar 2
Why? - because my newly acquired Raysonic SP120 tube amp allowed me to hear what was achievable!
- The clue: my CD player sounded much better than my Turntable.

So, I added...
- the RB250 arm - $300 - the old "S" arm was toast
- Rega Elys cartridge - $300
- Michell Techno-weight - $150
- replaced the Rega installed RCA plugs with Furutech's - $20 - THE MOST cost effective upgrade EVER!!

And then I built a plinth - $50

The turntable now sounds awsome, but as the other appends have stated, you can get some really good previously enjoyed gear for great prices

It really depends if you want to tinker (like me)or use a great product right out of the box

I had a lot of fun discovering how each upgrade enhanced the sound and it tought me what to look for in a good turntable - I also read a lot of articles.

On the other hand - tinkering can become costly and some changes are not always so beneficial - it's a risky endeavour.

I tinker, because I'm handy with tools and I get a sense of acheivement (when things go right)and, I'm naturally curious

If I had to tinker with your turntable I might try the following:
- Furutech RCA plugs - I got mine for $20/pair + $20 for WBT silver solder - great solder!
....the wire on the RB250 is good! it's the plugs that are garbage!
....huge improvement across the board
- Michell Techno weight - $150
....this one suprised me a lot
....Huge improvement in clarity, dynamics, image and bass & mids
....easy to install and setup
- Rega Elys Cartridge - $300
....with the other two upgrades this cartridge really performs well
....dynamic, balanced and very well controlled

So for around $490 you would get a huge improvement in clarity, dynamics, 3D Image and Frequency Response - not bad!

Please Note - I was working with the Rega plinth & glass platter
- I have no idea whether the Goldring platter & plinth will achieve the same results
- it's one of those risks I spoke of.

If you are handy - I can provide some design details of the plinth I have built, which I found enhanced the details and image even more - well worth the $50 it cost in materials

An Immediate tweek for you...
- if the feet on your turnatable are like the Rega feet - i.e. rubbery, looen the screws until you can rotate the foot - they isoloate better if a little on the loose side.
- if the feet have a cavity in the bottom of them - try placing a large marble under each foot - they make great isolators and cost about $3

So to sum up...
- the other appends make a compelling argument
- but, some of us like to tinker.

Regards...

Thanks all for the insightful feedback.

As far as the rest of my rig is concerned, its decent but frugal:

MF X-A1 Integrated amp.
MF Tube Buffer.
Parasound Zphono stage.
AMC b8 CD player.
B&W 603 speakers

I really want to get better sound out of my LPs so that's why I've been focusing on the TT. I considered the Mitchel TechnoWeight and Incognito tonearm wiring upgrades. I'm not afraid to tinker (would probably be fun) but my goal is to noticeably improve my listening experience so I'm a little worried about experimenting given my current level of knowledge.

The new TTs I've seen in my price range are:
- VPI Scout - (a bit more than I wanted to spend)
- ClearAudio Emotion
- MH MMF 7.1
- Origin Live Aurora
- Project RM 5

I'll take a look at the LP-12 as well. Any thoughts on the Technics 1200?

I would definitly prefer to get something used and I've been scanning the site for a good deal but I'm trying to make an informed decision and there seems to be a great deal to consider.

Like they say, "the journey is half the fun..."

Thanks again

You might add Rega and Funk Firm to your short list. The Technics is excellent value and very appealing from some standpoints but not the be all and end all that some would have you believe. My own bias would be to shoot higher if you can, but by all means look into it to see how it strikes you.

dealer disclosure.

I disagree with Williwanka. If I had the worst system in the world, amy upgrade would be noticeable. The final sound out of the speakers is the sum total of the whole system.