Whole table or just cart?

mrbiron
mrbiron Posts: 5,712
edited October 2011 in Electronics
So here is my question. I have an entry level TT (Audio technica at-lp120), would I benefit from upgrading the cart from stock or say screw it and get a new setup? I dont have gobs of money to throw around 400-500. My gear is in my sig. There are a bunch of technic 1200.s around me from 275-400 but im afraid its more of a lateral move than a step forward. any insite would be appreciated.
The 400-500 would also need to include a phono section asmy pre hasnone.

Help!
Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
Post edited by mrbiron on
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Comments

  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited October 2011
    Don't know your TT but if you are comparing it to a 1200 then it would be helpful to know what cart you have now and what are you using for a Phono stage. I did not see a sig. What is your budget?
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,712
    edited October 2011
    Of course my sig doesn't show up when i say "See my sig" :redface:

    Pre = Anthem TLP-1
    Budget right now is a manageable $400-500 +- the sale of my current table if i decide to go that route which would put me at roughly $650 Tops! Mind you if i spend the whole boat, i might as well change my screen name to Mrs. Biron as i will be castrated.

    Should i try a 1200MK or am i wasting my time? There is definitely a lot of praise for the table but is it going to cost an arm and a leg to get there?
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,962
    edited October 2011
    What is it you don't like about the set-up you have now?? I am going to say upgrade the cart, get a herbies TT mat, and a good TT clamp and call it a day!!
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited October 2011
    I bought a German -made Thorens TD-145 in great shape for less than $200. The 160s and 145s are very well regarded tables that don't cost a lot and are built well, to last forever. (almost) This one looks tasty at the BIN price. Have fun !

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thorens-TD150-Mk-2-Turntable-New-Cartridge-/290616461119?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item43aa17473f
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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,712
    edited October 2011
    There are currently 4 Technic 1200mk2's on Craigslist near me. Range 275-450. The lower is missing the cover but as luck would have it, someone is selling a new cover and headshell for $45 as well.

    There is also a VPI 19 which i know absolutely nothing about for $500 as well as a Thorens TD160 for $75.

    A Luxman PD-284 which again, i know nothing about for $384 <--- What a stupid Craigslist Number

    And Finally a Music Hall MMF 2.2 for $315.

    Would any of these really make a huge difference or something subtle that goes unnoticed? :neutral:


    Should i look at a $75 Thorens TD160? The post says absolutely nothing about it except..."Turntable - Thorens TD160 - Buy Me"
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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  • stuwee
    stuwee Posts: 1,508
    edited October 2011
    Personally, I'd jump on that Thorens (I bet it's gone now), it will sound better. You will be going from a DD with a light platter to a solid belt-drive with a heavy platter, the Thorens can be upgraded above and beyond any AT or Technics TT, this is just my personal opinion, there will be 1200 fans that argue over me. Your call.
    Thorens TD125MKII, SME3009,Shure V15/ Teac V-8000S, Denon DN-790R cass, Teac 3340 RtR decks, Onix CD2...Sumo Electra Plus pre>SAE A1001 amp>Martin Logan Summit's
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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,712
    edited October 2011
    I don't see it anymore.......
    Rat Farts!!
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited October 2011
    That woulda' been a great deal on a 160 !
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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,712
    edited October 2011
    http://westernmass.craigslist.org/ele/2629682104.html

    Found it!...i'll give the man a phone call after work. If it's there, it'll give me a reason to see my family this weekend. HA!
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited October 2011
    I'm not sure that posting the link is a "wise" move but, good luck-hope you get it!

    PS: I once skiied at the Grouse House in Otis MA long ago, you?
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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,712
    edited October 2011
    I have been to Otis a number of times to see air shows at the Otis Airbase.
    The Grouse House looks like a Bed n Breakfast....no i have never been :cheesygrin:

    I'm not worried about the link, there is only 1 member that far west as far as i know of and it's that Yankee lovin Nspindel! :razz:
    If he wants it then he can get it!
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited October 2011
    Whichever path you take..........this Shure cart. is a solid performer and a great buy at $54.99 shipped.

    http://www.amazon.com/Shure-M97xE-High-Performance-Magnetic-Cartridge/dp/B00006I5SB/ref=sr_du_3_map?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1317842810&sr=1-3

    Interesting review-
    http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?ranlg&1092402094&read&3&4
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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,712
    edited October 2011
    I had read a bunch about this cart a while ago and your suggestion is pushing me closer.

    I think i may start with this and possibly pick up the 160 to tinker with. I'm just trying to get away from the cheap table and into something a little more "able".

    I'll order this tonight.
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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