Which part of my turntable system should I upgrade


Hi! I'm looking to upgrade my system. I have a budget of 400$ including shipping and cables and everything else. I'd prefer new to used and/or vintage. I do have a couple ideas in my mind, but I'm not quite sure and I was wondering if anyone here had suggestions/ideas!

I still haven't figured out what "bright" and "warm" sound like so I can't comment in that respect, but I listen to a lot of pop punk/indie punk (Broadway Calls, The Menzingers, Sundials, Junior Battles, etc. -- I think their stuff's on YouTube) and also a few acoustic bands. All of my music is from the past 10-15 years.

Turntable: Denon DP 300F (built in phono)
Cartridge: Shure M97XE
Integrated Amp: NAD C315BEE
Speakers: Wharfedale Evo 2-8

The Denon has been weird ever since I got it (I bought it used online, and it plays noticeably faster than it's supposed to, I checked with a strobe light but don't know what the problem is --- I even replaced the belt) so I'm thinking about replacing it. On the other hand, I love the automatic feature, and I can't think of another budget turntable on the market that has it. I like to fall asleep to records, and the auto-stop feature is great. I'm also not very adept at placing the needle on the record, and that's where the auto-start comes in.

When I originally bought my system, I had a Denon DL-110 but a friend bought it off me and I put the Shure in instead. I was also thinking of upgrading the cartridge (to a Denon) and then I'd have $260 left over to spend.

I"m not sure how much the built in phono is impacting my system. I live in an apartment with my parents so adding an extra piece to my system will be a hassle, but if it'll make the biggest difference, I'd definitely consider it.

I was also wondering (since I'm not much of an audiophile) if there are any parts of my system that's out of balance quality-wise? i.e. the speakers are too good for the turntable, or the cartridge is subpar compared to the rest of the system, etc.

On a final note, minimal manual installation/effort is a huge priority for me.

Thank you so much! I appreciate any and all feedback :)
toxicwaterfront
Your Denon might be running fast if it was intended for a different country. Check to see what voltage and hertz it was made for.

The weakest part is probably the built in phono preamp.
I agree with Stringreen. there is nothing in your system that can be improved for $400 new retail that meets your parameters for an auto table. And if the Denon runs fast,nothing else will matter until you replace it.

I would get a DD turntable from the late 70 like a Sony PS-X60 which is automatic and built like a tank. You should be able to find one on the auction sites for less than $300 and if not, I have one. then get a decent phono preamp like a Cambridge 540p or 640p if you want to use a MC cartridge. Those two changes will make a marked improvement in your sound, and you can then save for better speakers later. Otherwise just wait until you can afford everything better.
I would ditch the Denon...sounds like a headache...there are plenty of auto vintage tables out there for peanuts...even an older Denon would be an upgrade...FWIW...I have a modern Direct Drive manual table...the built in phono EQ was absolutely horrid...so at some point a dedicated phono preamp will be required...many options at various price points...
There's nothing wrong with owning a budget system, but the Denon needs to go. Look for a vintage TT as many have stated and get a proper phono stage.
Check out Audio Advisor for some inexpensive phono stages...
NAD - PP-2i,
Cambridge Audio - 551P,
Parasound - Zphono
Dear Toxicwaterfront: If I was you I put the Denon and Shure on sale and with the money and maybe alittle over those 400.00 budget you willadd I will buy a decent universal digital player latest DAC technology ( 32/192 ) as this one:

http://usa.denon.com/us/product/pages/productdetail.aspx?pcatid=avsolutions(denonna)&catid=bluerayplayers(denonna)&catalog=denonna_us&pid=dbt3313udci(denonna)

IMHO you need over 4K on analog to even that digital player quality performance.

Btw, you save space with this unit instead your analog rig and through digital you can have a lot more recordings on the music you like.

regards and enjoy the music,
R.