What to expect in a TT upgrade?


I've owned a well tempered classic table for many years. I've enjoyed it but have always found it a bit challenging to set up. (make sure the cartridge is alligned properly)I think consequently, I've never gotten the performance out of it I should have. Recently, I purchased a new pre that came with a really nice phone stage. (Joule) I've been considering purchasing a new table/arm or purchasing a new cartridge such as a shelter 501. My budget for the table/arm/cartridge would be in the $ 2,500 - $ 3,000 range. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts about what is the best way to go. If I did get a new table, I would want one that is fairly easy to set up. Thanks for any input on this decision.
redcarerra
FYI : A gentelman named "sharpe" is a 'Goner who states he has 17 years of professional experience setting up turntables . Who knows perhaps a email or so or a recommendation from someone like him could be of assistence. For the record, sharpe is not personally known to me but I just read a cartridge offering where he mentioned his TT experience on AG. What have you to loose ?
I would wonder whether you would be getting an upgrade for that amount of money but it sounds like you're maybe not interested in an upgrade per se but more friendly logistics.
I've always wondered what one does when they are new to vinyl, but a TT setup that is initially setup by a pro, and then needs further "service" in the future. Obviously, experimentation is a start, but it seems like a very inefficient way to go. Fremer's DVD would be a good beginning as well, I assume, but when I see retailers talk about their microscopes for ensuring proper setup of the cartridge, I can't imagine how I'd ever get it right without a microscope outside of sheer luck.
Kthomas, I have been setting up turntables for over 40 years for myself but I would never presume to know the last word on the process. I have not yet reviewed Fremer's DVD but I presume that for pivot bearing arms and table combo's he's got a lot to offer. The DVD does not dwell on the linear ToneArm set-up which is important for a segment of the analog crowd. I have friends that actually own those microscopes , a lot of work to use at best. Yet, I have watched and marveiled at Frank Schroder , a tonearm inventor, with narey a tool beyond those commonly available as he tunes-in an errant mess in moments to a thing of beauty. So, I guess the addage "practice makes perfect" can apply if only to frank and maybe all of us in general.Everybody has to start some-where , so now is as good as any and with all the assistance given or purchased.
I have owned a WTT Classic (round motor and black damped platter)for 10 years. Your cartridge is a "good value" but hardly the last statement in sound reproduction. I have used Benz Ruby 2s for all ten years and I use a Signal Guard (sadly out of business)as the isolation platform with Purest Audio Museus Interconnects and a Hovland HP100 MC Preamp. If correctly set up, and you are correct, set-up is tedious because of the viscous fluid in the arm well, the results can be near state of the art. You must use a digital scale and have endless patience over the course of a couple of days to get all settings right while letting the fluid settle between each adjustment. A footnote here, I am finally purchasing another TT/Arm for a lot more money. Some of my friends think I am crazy when they hear my current rig. That's how good the WTT is.