What to expect in a TT upgrade?

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.

Hello, What Cartridge were you using originally? You fail to mention this? This may have been the culprit, as well as incorrect set-up?

Going with a better, more sophisticated Turntable won't necessarily mean easier set-up, but usually better Arms have better features, and that's probably what you pay for in part when you buy better Arms. Things like VTA on the Fly.

Stillthough, with any Pivotal Tonearm, the same pricipals apply regardless, and they are proper Cartridge Alignment, (Overhang, Zenith, Azimuth)

Then VTA, and VTF. If you don't have good tools to aid you, I'd suggest getting them. These tools (protractor, VTF Scale, Test Record) are never a use one-time deal, and then put them away forever. They always are needed to have around.

This table, while I don't know a heck of a lot about it, was said to be a very decent table.

Your money might be most wisely spent on a great Cartridge first, that will be compatible with your new Phono Stage, and work well with your Arm. The Shelter 501 might be fine, and an improvement from where you are at right now, but you might gain even further performance going above this?

The good Cartridge won't be a waste of money, provided it will be compatible to the Tonearm's Mass-Compliance, and be a good match with your Pre-Amp. If you should then decide to upgrade Table-Arm, the Cartridge will be on hand to be retro-fitted. Mark