Thinking of an upgrade for my turntable system?

I'd upgrade the cartridge. Maybe the lowest priced SoundSmith is in your price range?

Alternatively, you could get the JICO SAS needle for your M97XE. Especially if your cart is getting up there in hrs.

hi, as has been stated many times before......some experimentation with room treatments[absorption and diffusion] can make huge differences in sound quality. there are diy options out there to stretch the budget too.

unfortunately, I live in an apartment with my parents, so room treatments aren't really an option at the moment. I just have my set up in my bedroom.

Thinking about it now, I think the only thing I could upgrade is the cartridge and/or needle, because everything else cost over 200 dollars anyway.

Would it be better to get a JICO SAS needle or to invest in another, better, cartridge? I'm not extremely fond of the Shure's neutral sound, I was thinknig of getting something a bit more ... exciting especially since I listen to a lot of fast-paced pop punk/punk rock on vinyl.

any suggestions? and thanks in advance :)

Look at the Needle Doctor site and select the budget cartridge choice. They are ordered by cost. This would give you some ideas about cartridges to research in your price range.