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What to upgrade/do next?

Hi everyone,

I posted a while back and this forum was incredibly helpful! Not sure if I am in the right category, but I thought I'd start here. I am wondering what to do/upgrade next with my setup.

Here is what I am currently doing.

I have a Music Hall USB-1 turntable
That is going into a NAD326BEE
I then have paradigm Monitor series 11 v.5 speakers

Not really looking to upgrade the NAD or the speakers at this point, since I just purchased those not too long ago. The turntable is a starter, so I could upgrade that if it is what everyone thinks I should do, but I am wondering what else I can add into this setup to make it better.

Given the NAD not having a phono input, I am also not running phono. Should I start upgrading there? Although, I think the turntable has a built in phono preamp. I'm sure I could do better.

Anyway, just not sure where to go next in this new found hobby.

Thanks!
rootsrockreggae
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the responses.

To address some of the questions...

If I run my turntable on "line" through the NAD I can definitely get it up loud enough. If I switch it to phono, it still comes through the speakers, but incredibly quiet.

Won't I get a better sound quality if I get a phono preamp?

To answer the question on budget... I'm not exactly looking to do this tomorrow. I'd be willing to spend $500 to a $1000 for a significant upgrade in quality for my next purchase. But, I'd also be happy spending less to tweak some things.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Yes, you would get better sound with a dedicated phono preamp rather than the Music Hall built-in pre. But to make a significant upgrade in sonics, I would suggest a better TT, cart and Phono Stage. It would cost under $1000 and the improvement could be huge. There are some package deals online.

I'm sure that you can get some suggestions from others more informed or maybe look thru the archives or needledoctor dot com.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,464 posts
 
Ah, a USB turntable. Converts tt analog out put to digital? Missed that part.

Sounds like a bad idea in terms of getting the most out of a tt but have never tried/heard so can't say for sure.

mesch
3,527 posts
 
I concur with those that believe the TT to be the weak link. A ProJect Debut carbon with cartridge can be had for ~`$400 leaving $$ left for phono stage. There is also Rega or Music Hall versions at that price point. Check out Needle Doctor or Music Direct online. They also have many phono stages for sale. NAD makes one that provides the USB function if that is desired. Good luck and let us know how you proceed.
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
If I run my turntable on "line" through the NAD I can definitely get it up loud enough. If I switch it to phono, it still comes through the speakers, but incredibly quiet.
Setting the switch to "line" routes the signal from the cartridge through a built-in phono preamp, while setting it to "phono" will bypass that phono preamp, and output the signal straight from the cartridge. The "phono" position will be used with an external phono preamp.

I do agree with a TT upgrade, however the first step should be that external phono preamp, as this will be needed when using an upgraded TT.
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